Changes to Tax Status? Important Filing Information for this Year
Tax season can be stressful. Here’s everything you need to know about filing taxes this year.
- The federal and state tax deadline in Mississippi is April 15, 2025.
- Unclaimed tax refunds for 2021 amount to $1 billion, and some taxpayers may qualify for a $1,400 stimulus check.
- Taxpayers can monitor their federal refunds online or by phone and should receive them within 21 days if filed online.
- Mississippi is gradually eliminating its state income tax, but filings are still mandatory for 2025.
Is the government in debt to you? If you haven’t completed your tax filings, there’s still time. Even if you owe money instead of expecting a refund, various restaurants are offering free food, deals, or discounts to sweeten Tax Day.
The deadline to submit federal taxes to the IRS is April 15. The same deadline applies for filing state taxes with the Mississippi Department of Revenue.
Extensions can be requested for filing, but this doesn’t alter the deadline for any owed amounts.
If you haven’t submitted federal taxes in previous years, you can still file for years as far back as 2021.
The IRS notes that many taxpayers may miss out on income tax refunds due to not filing their taxes.
It’s estimated that 1.1 million Americans have not claimed their 2021 income tax refunds, resulting in around $1 billion in unclaimed funds.
Additionally, you may be eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check from the federal government. If you haven’t received one yet, eligible individuals have until the deadline to apply.
The IRS began distributing about $2.4 billion to 1 million taxpayers for Recovery Rebate Credit checks that went unclaimed back in December.
The final deadline to qualify is April 15, 2025. Funds will revert to the U.S. Treasury if not claimed.
Here’s what you need to know regarding your eligibility for a stimulus check in Mississippi, the deadline to file your state and federal taxes, how to track your refunds, and where to find food deals on April 15.
What is a Tax Refund?
If you overpaid your taxes, the IRS will return that excess amount to you. You may also qualify for a refundable credit.
To be eligible, you must file your taxes, and you have three years to claim a federal refund.
When is the Federal Tax Deadline in 2025?
April 15 is the last day to file without requesting an extension. Unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, Tax Day is consistently observed on April 15.
Can I File My Taxes for Free?
You can file your federal taxes for free using certain tax preparers or online services.
The IRS Direct File program is available in 25 states and offers free online tax filing directly with the IRS; however, it is not available in Mississippi this year.
How Do I Track My Federal Tax Refund?
Track your federal refund online at irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.
Alternatively, call 800-829-1954 for current-year refund inquiries or 866-464-2050 for amended returns.
Have the following details ready:
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer ID Number (ITIN).
- Your filing status.
- The exact refund amount.
When Can I Expect My Federal Refund?
The IRS indicates that most refunds will be issued within 21 days for electronic filers and six to eight weeks for paper filers. Delays may occur if any documents are inaccurate or incomplete.
However, don’t make significant purchases or presume that funds will be available to pay a bill by a particular date. Wait until the money is securely in your account.
Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax Credits began being issued in mid-February.
The IRS mentions there may be a few days between when the payment is sent and when it appears in your bank account.
Who Can Receive the Stimulus Check?
The IRS has reported that over a million taxpayers across the U.S. failed to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.
This refundable credit is for those who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (stimulus checks) during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deadline Approaching to Claim $1,400 IRS Stimulus Check – Are You Eligible?
Time is running out for certain American taxpayers to claim up to $1,400 in pandemic-era stimulus funds.
Fox – 32 Chicago
How Do I Claim the Check? How Much Will I Receive?
You don’t need to take any action to receive it. The checks will be sent out automatically.
The IRS has stated checks, amounting up to $1,400, will be distributed either by paper check or via direct deposit based on the bank details provided with your 2023 tax return. A separate letter will notify you of the payment.
What If I Did Not File My 2021 Taxes? What is the Deadline?
You can file back taxes until April 15, 2025.
The IRS indicates that you may still qualify for the stimulus check, but only individuals who have submitted their tax filings will receive one.
Individuals also must file their 2021 taxes to receive any refunds that might be owed.
When is the Deadline to File Mississippi State Taxes?
The deadline for filing state taxes in Mississippi is likewise April 15, 2025.
What If I Request an Extension for State Taxes?
Taxpayers who request an extension can submit their returns until October 15, 2025. The Mississippi Department of Revenue reminds everyone that while this grants extended time to file, it does not extend the deadline for due taxes. Payments owed should be submitted by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
How Can I File Mississippi State Taxes?
The Mississippi Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers who are able to file electronically.
The most commonly used paper tax forms can also be accessed at libraries throughout the state.
Did Mississippi Abolish the State Income Tax?
House Bill 1 Signed Into Law
Governor Tate Reeves has signed House Bill 1 into law, marking the elimination of the state income tax.
The answer is yes. The Mississippi Legislature has agreed to abolish the state income tax, but you are required to file this year.
Here’s why:
The phase-out of the income tax will occur gradually over an estimated decade, and ongoing tax reductions have already been initiated following cuts from 2022.
By the fiscal year 2027, Mississippi will have a 4% tax rate, and it is projected to decline to 3% by 2030.
From 2031 onward, tax cuts will commence based on triggers set forth in the legislation enacted this year.
Governor Tate Reeves signed the bill in March, which also lowered the sales tax on groceries by 2% and enacted a nine-cent increase in the gas tax over the next three years to support infrastructure funding.
How Can I Track My Mississippi State Tax Refund?
You can check your status online at tap.dor.ms.gov. Please have your ID type and number ready along with your refund amount.
Where Can I Obtain Free Food or Discounts in Mississippi on Tax Day?
A variety of restaurant chains in Mississippi are offering discounts, deals, and free food on April 15 to celebrate Tax Day.
- Hooters: Customers can enjoy an appetizer for $4.15 with a reward in their app, selecting from options like mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, buffalo shrimp, and chips & queso.
- Burger King: Royal Perks members can purchase a cheeseburger for a penny with a $1 minimum spend at participating locations.
- Potbelly: Customers receive a free Original sandwich when they buy any Original or Big sandwich. Redeem online or through the app with promo code BOGO.
- 7-Eleven: Customers using the 7Now Delivery app can get $10.40 off orders of $20 or more with code WRITEOFF.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: App users earn double points on orders over $1 on April 15.
- Smoothie King: Healthy Rewards Members get $3 off on purchases of $15 or $4 off on $20.
- Great American Cookies: Offers a buy one, get one free deal on Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Slices on April 15 at participating locations nationwide.
- Fazoli’s: Buy one, get one free on classic Baked Spaghetti on April 15 with code “TAX25” at participating locations.
- Round Table Pizza: Offers $7 off any large or XL pizza with code “RTP220” from April 11 through April 17 at participating locations.
- Kona Ice: Giving away free cups of shaved ice on April 15.
- Sonny’s BBQ: Customers can enjoy a St. Louis Rib Dinner for only $10.99 on April 15.
- Checkers & Rally’s: Offering a Crispy Fish or Spicy Chicken sandwich for $3 on April 15 at participating locations.
Contributions from: Eve Chen and Grant McLaughlin
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at bbolden@gannett.com.
