Tax season can be challenging for business owners, but staying ahead of filing deadlines ensures compliance, avoids penalties, and helps maintain financial stability. With varying due dates based on business structure, understanding when your taxes are due is essential.
This guide outlines key tax deadlines for 2025, including both IRS requirements and important considerations for businesses operating in Pennsylvania, such as state tax deadlines and compliance obligations.
Key Business Tax Deadlines for 2025
January 15, 2025 – Q4 2024 Estimated Tax Payment Due
Businesses that do not have taxes withheld—such as freelancers, sole proprietors, and LLC owners—must make estimated tax payments. This payment covers income earned between October 1 and December 31, 2024.
Who must pay estimated taxes?
- Self-employed individuals
- Business owners with pass-through income
- S corporation shareholders who expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes
- The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue requires estimated tax payments if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in state income taxes. Payments can be made via myPATH, Pennsylvania’s online tax system.
- Local Earned Income Tax (EIT) payments are also required depending on your municipality. Small business owners should verify their local EIT requirements to ensure compliance.
January 31, 2025 – W-2 & 1099-NEC Filing Deadline
Employers must distribute W-2s to employees and 1099-NECs to independent contractors by this date. Copies must also be sent to the IRS and Pennsylvania Department of Revenue.
March 15, 2025 – Tax Filing Deadline for Partnerships and S Corporations
Businesses structured as partnerships or S corporations must file:
- Form 1065 (Partnerships)
- Form 1120-S (S Corporations)
- Partnerships and S Corporations doing business in Pennsylvania must file PA-20S/PA-65 (PA S Corporation/Partnership Information Return) by this deadline.
Need more time? File Form 7004 to request a six-month extension. However, any estimated taxes owed must still be paid by this deadline.
April 15, 2025 – Major Business Tax Deadline
This is the tax deadline for several business structures:
- Sole proprietors and single-member LLCs must file Schedule C with Form 1040.
- C corporations must file Form 1120.
- Q1 estimated tax payment due for businesses required to make quarterly payments.
- Pennsylvania local Earned Income Tax (EIT) returns for residents and businesses operating within Pennsylvania.
Common mistakes to avoid in April: Forgetting to file an extension if needed.
- Not setting aside enough money for taxes.
- Overlooking deductions such as home office expenses, mileage, and business meals.
May 15 – PA Corporate Net Income Tax (CNI) Return Due
Businesses operating in Pennsylvania must file their Corporate Net Income Tax Return (Form RCT-101) by this deadline.
June 15, 2025 – Q2 Estimated Tax Payment Due
Businesses required to make quarterly estimated tax payments must submit their second payment, covering income earned between April 1 and May 31, 2025.
September 15, 2025 – Q3 Estimated Tax Payment and Extended Deadline for Partnerships & S Corporations
- Quarterly estimated taxes due for income earned between June 1 and August 31, 2025.
- Final deadline for partnerships and S corporations that filed for a tax extension in March.
- The extended deadline for PA-20S/PA-65 also falls on this date.
October 15, 2025 – Extended Deadline for Sole Proprietors & C Corporations
Sole proprietors and C corporations that filed for an extension in April must complete their returns by this date.
Pennsylvania businesses that requested an extension for PA-40 or RCT-101 must submit their state tax return by this date.
PA Annual Reports Due
Starting in 2025, Pennsylvania requires annual reports from domestic and foreign business entities based on entity type:
- Corporations (business and nonprofit): File between January 1 – June 30
- Limited Liability Companies (LLCs): File between January 1 – September 30
- Limited Partnerships, LLPs, Business Trusts, Professional Associations: File between January 1 – December 31
Filing Platform: Starting January 6, 2025, Annual Reports must be filed online at file.dos.pa.gov
Extensions and Penalties for Late Filing
Filing for an Extension
If you need additional time to prepare your business tax return, you can request an automatic extension by filing Form 7004 before your original due date. However, an extension to file does not extend the deadline for tax payments. Any estimated tax liability must still be paid on time to avoid penalties.
Late Filing and Late Payment Penalties
If your Pennsylvania small business needs additional time to prepare and file tax returns, you can request an automatic extension. However, an extension only grants extra time to file—it does not extend the deadline to pay any taxes owed.
- Federal Business Taxes – File Form 7004 with the IRS before your original due date to request a 6-month extension for federal tax returns.
- Pennsylvania State Business Taxes – File REV-276 with the PA Department of Revenue to extend your PA Corporate Net Income Tax (CNI) return deadline by 6 months.
- Personal Income Tax (Pass-Through Entities & Sole Proprietors) – Pennsylvania does not require a separate state extension if you receive a federal extension using Form 4868. However, you must still pay any PA state tax due by April 15.
Proactively managing tax obligations ensures compliance and avoids costly penalties.
Failing to file or pay Pennsylvania state business taxes on time can result in penalties and accrued interest. Below are the key penalty structures at both the federal and state levels:
Proactively managing tax obligations ensures com
Federal Penalties (IRS)
- Failure to File Penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to a maximum of 25%.
- Failure to Pay Penalty: 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, increasing to 1% if unpaid after 10 days of receiving an IRS notice.
- Interest Charges: Applied daily on outstanding balances until fully paid.
Pennsylvania State Penalties
- Late Filing Penalty: 5% per month, up to 25% of unpaid tax.
- Late Payment Penalty: Interest accrues daily at a variable rate set by the PA Department of Revenue.
- Underpayment Penalty: If estimated tax payments are not made on time, a penalty of 3% per month on the underpaid amount may apply.
Sales & Employer Tax Penalties (PA Department of Revenue)
- Late Sales & Use Tax Payments: 5% penalty per month, up to 25% of unpaid tax.
- Late Employer Withholding Tax: 5% per month, up to 50% of unpaid tax for severe delays.
How Nailed It Business Services Can Help
Managing business taxes requires organization, accuracy, and knowledge of tax laws. Nailed It Business Services provides expert assistance with:
- Bookkeeping Services – Ensuring accurate financial records throughout the year
- Tax Preparation – Filing business tax returns correctly and on time
- Historical Clean-Up – Resolving past financial mismanagement before filing taxes
- Tax Resolution Services – Handling IRS notices, tax disputes, and compliance issues
Working with a professional can help businesses maximize deductions, stay compliant, and reduce tax stress.
Conclusion
Understanding when business taxes are due in 2025 is essential for staying compliant and avoiding unnecessary penalties. By setting reminders, keeping organized records, and working with a professional, you can ensure your taxes are filed on time.If you need expert support for tax filing, bookkeeping, or payroll management, Nailed It Business Services is here to help. Schedule a consultation to get started.
