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Essential Business Tax Deadlines for October 2025

As the crisp days of October arrive, businesses must prepare for critical tax deadlines. This month's financial obligations range from corporate tax filings to payroll and retirement contributions. Keeping tabs on these dates is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding costly penalties.

October 15 - Corporate Tax Filing

Companies must file their 2024 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120) and settle any taxes, interest, or penalties. This deadline applies only if a timely automatic 6-month extension was requested by April 15. Image 1

October 15 - Payroll Taxes

Employers following the monthly deposit rules must deposit Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax for September 2025 by October 15. This day is also the due date for nonpayroll withholding deposits, applicable to those adhering to the monthly deposit rule.

October 15 - Establishing a Keogh Plan

Self-employed individuals granted a 6-month extension have until October 15, 2025, to establish a Keogh Retirement Account to make contributions for 2024. Image 2

October 15 - SEP IRA & Keogh Contributions

Contribute to a SEP or Keogh plan for the 2024 calendar year by this date if the tax return is extended through October 15.

October 31 - Quarterly Payroll Taxes

File Form 941 for the third quarter of 2025, and adhere to deposit rules for any undeposited tax. If liabilities are under $2,500, full payment with the filed return is acceptable. Properly deposited taxes for the quarter allow filing until November 10.

October 31 - Small Employer Tax Deposits

Employers with annual liabilities of $2,500 or more but under $2,500 for the third quarter should make deposits by this date. Image 3

October 31 - Federal Unemployment Tax

If Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA) liabilities exceed $500 through September, deposits must be made by this date.

Weekends & Holidays

In cases where deadlines fall on weekends or holidays, due dates automatically extend to the next business day not designated as a holiday.

Disaster Area Extensions

When locations are marked as disaster areas, corresponding tax deadlines may be postponed. For details on affected regions and extensions, visit:

FEMA: FEMA Disaster Declarations
IRS: IRS Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

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