Tax season can be stressful for small business owners, but it’s also an opportunity to get your financial house in order. Whether you're preparing to apply for a small business loan or simply staying on top of your IRS obligations, meeting tax deadlines—or filing for an extension—may help you avoid penalties and maintain financial health. To simplify things, we’ve broken down essential 2025 tax deadlines and highlighted forms you should become familiar with.
If you plan to apply for a small business loan, staying compliant with tax deadlines—or showing proof of extension—may improve your application process.
Here are some key dates and forms to keep on your radar this year. These forms are also typically required when applying for a small business loan.
If you’re self-employed or pay quarterly taxes, this is your deadline to submit your fourth-quarter estimated tax payment for 2024. Missing this date may result in interest or penalties, so it’s best to stay ahead.
By this date, employers must provide Form W-2 to employees and Form 1099-NEC to independent contractors for work performed in 2024. It’s also the deadline to submit these forms to the IRS. Staying on top of this helps ensure your team can file their personal taxes smoothly—and keeps you compliant.
This is the tax return deadline for:
If you need more time, consider filing Form 7004 to request an automatic extension. Just remember—an extension to file doesn’t mean an extension to pay.
This is the day most of us circle on the calendar. By April 15, you’ll typically need to:
Need extra time? File Form 4868 to extend your personal tax return to October 15, 2025. Remember that while this may extend you more time to file, any taxes owed are still due in April.
By this date, your second-quarter estimated taxes for 2025 should be squared away. This generally keeps your tax obligations spread out evenly throughout the year, helping to prevent surprises down the line.
Partnerships will use Form 8813 quarterly payment voucher and pay any taxes that are due.
If you filed for an extension in March, this is your final deadline to submit partnership or S corporation tax returns. It’s also the due date for third-quarter estimated tax payments.
For those who filed Form 4868 back in April, this is the last call to file your individual or corporate tax returns. No more extensions—everything must be submitted by this date.
Start 2026 on the right foot by making your fourth-quarter estimated tax payment for 2025.
If you can’t pay the full amount you owe, the IRS offers installment plans. By filing Form 9465, you may set up a monthly payment plan, helping you stay in good standing while paying off taxes over time.
If you have employees, there are ongoing employer tax obligations to keep track of:
Timely filing of these employer taxes is key to avoiding penalties and keeping your business compliant. You can find more details on the IRS Employment Tax Forms page.
At SmartBiz®, we know tax season may feel overwhelming—especially for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. But staying organized and hitting these deadlines not only helps you avoid penalties but may also strengthen your case when applying for financing.
The SmartBiz Loans® team has compiled tax tips for when you apply for a small business loan. If you have questions about taxes and your application, please reach out to your SmartBiz Relationship Manager.
Should you go solo or work with a professional to file your taxes? There are many factors to consider, including the complexity of your tax situation, the time required to gather documents, and the cost. For a detailed look at the pros and cons, check out our article, Tax Tips for Small Businesses. You'll find insights from real small business owners, plus tips to help you make the best choice for your unique needs.
Whether you opt to self-file or work with a tax professional, being prepared is key. A helpful resource, like the H&R Block® blog, provides tips on gathering the essential documents you’ll need, including: