2025 Tax Season Guide: Our Process, Deadlines & Checklist
It is tax time again! As we head into the busy season, the team at Milton Law Group is ready to assist you with your 2025 individual tax return preparation needs.
Whether you are a returning client or looking to hire a tax professional for the first time, we believe in a transparent, streamlined, and secure process. Our goal is to provide convenience while ensuring your returns are accurate and compliant.
Below is an overview of our tax preparation workflow for the 2025 tax year, along with critical deadlines you need to know.
Our Tax Preparation Process
We leverage a secure digital workflow to make filing your taxes as efficient as possible. Here is the step-by-step roadmap for our clients:
1. The Engagement Letter
The process begins with our engagement letter, which outlines the scope of our work and the fee for the 2025 tax year.
- Action Item: Clients will receive an email via our secure portal to review and e-sign this letter.
- For Married Couples: Both spouses will receive separate emails and must log in separately to sign.
- Fee Structure: We analyze our rates annually to ensure they remain fair and reasonable based on current market rates and the complexity of your specific return.
2. The Tax Organizer
Before we can begin working on your return, we require a completed 2025 Tax Organizer. This digital questionnaire helps us gather current contact information, details on life events, dependents, and potential deductions.
- Banking Info: The IRS now requires direct deposit information for refunds. Our organizer includes a section to securely provide this so we can facilitate electronic payments or refunds, which are faster and safer than mailing checks.
3. Document Upload
Once the administrative work is done, it is time to send us your data.
- Client Portal (Preferred): We highly recommend uploading documents directly to our secure client portal. It features bank-level encryption and a smartphone app that allows you to snap photos of documents and upload them instantly.
- Format Matters: PDF format is preferred. Most financial institutions and employers allow you to download W-2s, 1099s, and 1098s as PDFs.
- Paper Documents: If you have large stacks of paper documents or double-sided forms, we recommend dropping them off or mailing them to our Kirkwood, MO, office for scanning to ensure no pages are missed.
Key Deadlines for the 2025 Tax Year
Mark your calendars! To ensure a smooth filing season, keep these dates in mind:
- March 15, 2026: Filing deadline for entity returns (Trusts, Partnerships, and S-Corporations). If you are waiting on a K-1 from an entity, you should generally receive it by this date.
- March 20, 2026: The Milton Law Group “Safe Harbor” Deadline. We prepare returns on a first-in, first-out basis. If we do not receive ALL required information by this date, we cannot guarantee completion before the April deadline. In such cases, we will file a timely extension on your behalf.
- April 15, 2026: The individual tax filing deadline.
Important Note on Extensions: Filing an extension gives you until October 15th to submit your paperwork, but it does not extend the time to pay. Any tax liability for 2025 must be paid by April 15, 2026, to avoid interest and penalties.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are a current client, please check your email for your portal notifications. If you are looking for professional tax preparation services that prioritize security and personal attention, we would love to help you navigate the 2025 tax season.
Contact Milton Law Group today to discuss your tax needs.