House Bill 1 signed into law
Gov. Tate Reeves signs House Bill 1 into law, eliminating the state income tax.
- The Mississippi and federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
- Mississippi has initiated the phase-out of its income tax, but filing is still necessary for 2025.
- Taxpayers can monitor their Mississippi refund at https://tap.dor.ms.gov/ and their federal refund at https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.
- Numerous restaurants offer discounts and deals on Tax Day.
Mississippi has recently enacted a law that eliminates the income tax.
The federal government may follow suit. In March, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated that President Donald Trump aims to overhaul the tax system and abolish income taxes for most Americans.
So, do you still need to file state taxes in 2025? Yes. However, significant changes are on the way.
April 15 is the deadline set by the Mississippi Department of Revenue for settling any dues or requesting an extension. The IRS has the same deadline for federal tax submissions.
If you haven’t submitted your taxes yet, there’s still time. Whether you expect a substantial refund or owe money, Tax Day might be more enjoyable this year as several restaurants are offering free meals, deals, and discounts.
Here’s what you should know regarding state and federal tax filing in Mississippi, deadlines, how to track your refund, and where to score food deals on 4/15.
What is a tax refund?
If you have paid more taxes than you owe, according to the IRS, you will receive that amount back. Alternatively, you may qualify for a refundable credit.
You need to file your taxes to qualify, and you have three years to claim a federal refund.
Did Mississippi abolish the state income tax? When will it be completely eliminated?
The Mississippi Legislature approved the elimination of the state income tax, and Gov. Tate Reeves enacted it into law in March. However, state tax submissions are still required this year.
Here’s what you need to understand.
The state will gradually eliminate its income tax, but it may take up to ten years for it to vanish completely. The state had already started reducing the tax based on a cut from 2022.
By the fiscal year 2027, Mississippi will have a 4% tax rate, lowering to 3% by 2030.
Post-2031, further cuts will be initiated based on triggers established in the law that was passed this year.
This legislation also reduced the sales tax on groceries by 2% while increasing the gas tax by nine cents over the next three years to enhance infrastructure funding.
Will Trump abolish federal income taxes?
“How about removing taxes on tips? How about no taxation on overtime? How about eliminating Social Security taxes? These are the kinds of ideas that will transform America,” Lutnick stated in an interview with CBS. “I am aware of President Trump’s intention… no tax for anyone earning less than $150,000 a year. That is his vision, and that’s what I am striving for.” (Later in the interview, he mentioned the aim is to lower taxes imposed on Social Security.)
If implemented, over 76% of American households would no longer pay income taxes, resulting in an increase in take-home pay.
As per the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 18% of Mississippi residents live below the poverty line. The median household income in the state is $54,915, with an average income per individual at $30,529.
“Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich foreign nations, we should impose tariffs and taxes on foreign entities to benefit our citizens,” he advocated at the House GOP Issues Conference in January. “Does that make sense? Right? Following the American-first economic model, as tariffs on other countries rise, taxes on American workers and businesses will decrease, leading to an influx of jobs and factories returned home.”
However, this doesn’t mean there would be an absence of federal taxes; rather, it would involve transitioning from the existing system to an alternative method of government funding. Tariffs seem to be the proposed approach.
State and local taxes would still be applicable.
In theory, the federal government could discontinue income taxes, but such a change would necessitate a comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. tax system. Federal funding is approved by Congress, and numerous laws would have to be amended.
No specific timeline is available.
When is the filing deadline for Mississippi state taxes?
The deadline for filing state taxes in Mississippi is also April 15, 2025.
What if I request an extension on state taxes?
Those who seek an extension can submit their returns by October 15, 2025. The Mississippi Department of Revenue reminds everyone that while extensions provide additional time to file, it does not extend the deadline to pay due taxes. Any liabilities should be settled on or before April 15, or penalties and interest may apply.
How can I file Mississippi state taxes?
The Mississippi Department of Revenue encourages electronic filing when possible.
The most commonly used paper return forms are also accessible at libraries throughout the state.
How can I track my Mississippi state tax refund?
You can check your refund status online at https://tap.dor.ms.gov/. Make sure to have your ID type and number along with your refund amount ready.
Where can I find free food or discounts in Mississippi on Tax Day?
Numerous restaurant chains in Mississippi are providing discounts, deals, and free food on April 15 for Tax Day.
- Hooters customers can avail an appetizer for $4.15 with a reward in their app. Participating locations offer choices like mozzarella sticks, fried pickles, buffalo shrimp, and chips & queso.
- Burger King Royal Perks members can purchase a cheeseburger for a penny with a minimum purchase of $1 at participating locations.
- Potbelly diners receive a free Original sandwich with any Original or Big sandwich purchase. This offer can be redeemed online or via the app using promo code BOGO.
- 7-Eleven customers on the 7Now Delivery app can get $10.40 off on orders of $20 or more using code WRITEOFF.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers will award double points to app users ordering more than $1 on April 15.
- Smoothie King will offer Healthy Rewards Members $3 off $15 or $4 off $20.
- Great American Cookies is running a buy one Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake Slice, get one free deal on April 15. This offer is available in-store at participating locations nationwide.
- Fazoli’s is offering a buy one, get one free deal on their classic Baked Spaghetti on April 15 using code “TAX25” at participating restaurants.
- Round Table Pizza is giving $7 off any large or XL pizza with code “RTP220” at participating locations from April 11 to April 17.
- Kona Ice is distributing free cups of shaved ice on April 15.
- Sonny’s BBQ has a St. Louis Rib Dinner priced at just $10.99 on April 15.
- Checkers & Rally’s will offer a Crispy Fish or Spicy Chicken sandwich for $3 on April 15 at participating locations.
When is the federal tax deadline in 2025?
April 15 remains the last day to file without an extension. Unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, Tax Day is consistently on April 15.
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Can I file my federal taxes for free?
Federal tax filing can be done for free with various tax preparers or online services.
IRS Direct File is available in 25 states and offers free online tax filing directly with the IRS, although it is not available in Mississippi this year.
How do I track my federal tax refund?
You can track your federal refund online at https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund.
Alternatively, call 800-829-1954 for current-year refunds or 866-464-2050 for amended returns.
Have the following information handy:
- Social Security number or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).
- Filing status.
- Exact refund amount.
When can I expect my federal refund?
The IRS states that most refunds will be issued within 21 days for online filers and six to eight weeks for paper filers. Delays may occur if documents are inaccurate or incomplete.
However, they advise against counting on a significant purchase or assuming payment will cover a bill by a certain date. Wait until the funds are in your account.
Earned Income Tax Credits and Additional Child Tax Credits were initiated in mid-February.
According to the IRS, it may take several days after payment is dispatched for online payments to appear in your bank account.
Mississippi gets more back in taxes than it pays
For every $1 of income tax collected in Mississippi, the state receives $2.53 in federal funding, as per a 2022 SmartAsset analysis of state budgets.
Mississippi derives over 47% of its state revenues from federal sources.
A per capita examination by the Rockefeller Institute of Government reveals that the average resident of Mississippi receives $9,077 from the federal government in relation to their tax contributions.
Contributions from: Grant McLaughlin
Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at Gdhauari@gannett.com.
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Contact her at bbolden@gannett.com.
