Tax Filing in the USA by state

How does state tax filing work?

Not every state requires residents to file an income tax return. Some states like Texas, Florida, and Nevada do not impose an individual income tax, others—including Illinois, Georgia, and New York—require state tax returns in addition to your federal filing.

For states that do require state tax filing, the process generally similar to federal tax filing but with some key differences including tax rates, deductions, and credits. Most states follow the IRS deadline, typically April 15, but some states offer extensions or different filing requirements. It's also important to understand state residency requirements, which may mean you need to file in multiple states.

Understanding your tax filing status and whether you owe state tax liability can be confusing. Seeking professional tax filing assistance can ensure you stay compliant, maximize your refund, and avoid unnecessary penalties.

What are the best options for tax filing?

There are several ways to make filing your taxes easier. Many people opt for online tax filing because it’s fast, convenient, and usually cost-effective. Several reputable tax filing websites allow you to file both federal and state returns from your home. These platforms guide you through the process and help identify deductions or credits. If your taxes are simple, this using on online tax filing service may be a great option.

If you do not feel confident filing your own taxes or have complex financial situations—such as self-employment income, real estate investments, or multiple state tax obligations—you may benefit from using a tax filing service. Professionals can help ensure accuracy, minimize tax liability, and maximize deductions.

At DebtStoppers, our team of professionals can provide expert guidance on resolving tax issues before they become major financial problems.

What is the tax filing start date for 2025?

The 2025 tax filing season began on January 27, 2025. The tax filing deadline for most individuals is April 15, 2025.

However, certain taxpayers, such as those living abroad or in disaster-affected areas, may qualify for an automatic extension. To avoid last-minute issues and get your return sooner, you should prepare to file early and if appropriate use tax filing services to ensure timely and accurate submission. If you expect to owe taxes, filing early also gives you more time to plan your payments and avoid penalties.

When to contact a lawyer to help with tax filing?

Many taxpayers with standard tax filings file without the help of a professional; however, a lot of people would benefit from utilizing a professional service and in certain situations, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer to protect your financial interests.

You should reach out to a legal professional if you owe significant back taxes and need assistance with settlements or payment plans, are facing an IRS audit or legal dispute regarding your taxes, have concerns about your tax liability, run a business or need help structuring your tax filings to avoid penalties, or need guidance on getting an extension.

At DebtStoppers, our experienced tax attorneys can provide the legal support you need to navigate tax complexities, prevent penalties, and protect your financial future.

What is tax liability when filing taxes?

Your tax liability is the total amount of tax you owe to the federal and state government based on your income, deductions, and credits. Simply put, it’s your tax bill.

If your tax liability is higher than the amount you’ve already paid through paycheck withholdings or estimated tax payments, you will owe the remaining balance when you file your return.

Several factors affect your tax liability, including your taxable income, deductions, credits, tax filing status, and state income tax rates.

If you owe more than expected, there are ways to lower your tax liability, such as contributing to retirement accounts, itemizing deductions, or using tax credits effectively. Our team at DebtStoppers can help you understand your financial situation and find ways to legally reduce your tax burden.

Why would you receive a tax refund after filing your tax return?

You get a tax refund if you have paid more in taxes throughout the year than you actually owe to the government. This can happen for several reasons. One of the most common reasons for receiving a tax refund are tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit, which reduce your tax liability and result in a refund if the credit exceeds what you owe. You may also receive a tax refund if too much money was withheld from your paycheck during the year. Additionally, you may be able to claim deductions like student loan interest, mortgage interest, or business expenses can reduce your taxable income and potentially lead to a refund.

If you consistently receive large tax refunds, you may want to adjust your tax withholding so that you have more take-home pay throughout the year rather than waiting for a refund.

When does tax filing start 2025?

The 2025 tax filing season began on January 27, 2025. Filing early can help you get your refund faster and reduce the risk of tax-related identity theft.

What tax year are we filing for in 2025?

When you file your taxes in 2025, you will be submitting a return for the 2024 tax year. This means you are reporting income earned and taxes paid between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024.

The IRS follows a calendar-year tax system, so each year's tax return is filed in the following year. For example, when you file your 2025 tax return, it covers your earnings, deductions, and credits from 2024.

How long does it take to get tax return after filing?

The time it takes to receive your tax refund depends on how you file and the payment method you choose. For example, e-file returns with direct deposit typically are processed by the RIS within 21 days of accepting an electronic return. Paper returns, on the other hand, can take sixe to eight weeks for processing. If you choose to receive your refund as a paper check instead of direct deposit, it may take additional time to arrive.

The IRS provides a "Where’s My Refund?" tool on its website, that allows taxpayers to track the status of their refunds. If your return requires additional review, such as for errors or potential identity verification, processing times may be longer.

When is the 2025 tax filing deadline?

Most taxpayers must file their federal income tax return and pay any taxes owed to the IRS by April 15, 2025. If you are required to file a state tax return, the deadline for most states, including Illinois, typically aligns with the federal deadline. However, some states may have different due dates, so it’s important to check your state’s tax agency website for specific state tax filing deadlines.

If you’re unable to file your tax return by April 15, 2025, you can request a filing tax extension by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS. This will give you an additional six months to file your tax return, extending the deadline to October 15, 2025. However, it’s important to note that an extension only applies to filing your return, not paying your taxes so if you owe money, you must pay your tax liability by April 15 to avoid late payment penalties and interest.

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