New Jersey’s Tax Day Buzz: Key Information for April 15, 2025

Get ready for New Jersey's Tax Day 2025 as April 15 approaches.

News Summary

As Tax Day 2025 approaches on April 15, New Jersey residents are busy organizing their files. With average state refunds at $3,989, many taxpayers are finding themselves in a unique situation where refunds are less frequent but slightly larger. The IRS offers tools for tracking refund statuses and a new program for easy filing, helping taxpayers manage their returns effectively. With unclaimed refunds totaling over a billion dollars nationwide, it’s crucial for taxpayers to stay informed and file on time to avoid penalties and maximize potential refunds.

New Jersey’s Tax Day Buzz: What You Need to Know for April 15, 2025!

As the clock ticks down to Tax Day 2025 on April 15, residents across the country, especially in New Jersey, are gearing up to file their taxes or at least make sure they don’t miss the deadline. It’s that time of year again when individuals rush to gather their W-2s, 1099s, and all those other valuable pieces of paper that help keep Uncle Sam happy.

The Lowdown on Refunds

Now, here’s an interesting tidbit for Garden State residents: when it comes to tax refunds, New Jersey isn’t exactly leading the pack. The average tax refund in the state stands at an unexciting $3,989. Neighboring Delaware isn’t doing much better, with an average refund of just $3,884. If you’re living in Pennsylvania, however, you’re faring a bit better with an average refund of $4,448. It’s hard not to compare and shake your head a little, right?

Fewer Refunds But a Slight Increase

According to a recent study, fewer Americans are receiving refunds this year, but those who do are seeing a bump in the amount! The average refund increased by about 2%, reaching just over $2,600. This data comes directly from IRS records based on the 2025 filing season. It’s a curious situation where wallets may feel lighter for some, but those who do get refunds are definitely cashing in a bit more!

How to File With Ease

For all you last-minute filers, remember that the IRS considers a tax return filed on time if it’s postmarked by the due date. Plus, the U.S. Postal Service will be operating normally on April 15, and certain branches might extend their hours to cater to those scrambling to get their returns in. If you find yourself in a sticky situation and need more time, you can easily request an extension. Just keep in mind that all owed taxes have to be paid by April’s deadline. That could save you from some major headaches down the road!

Stay Updated on Your Refund Status

With refunds being such a hot topic, the IRS has a handy tool called “Where’s My Refund“. It allows taxpayers to track the progress of their refund. You’ll just need your Social Security number, filing status, and your exact refund amount at hand to check. Be patient, though; if you’re opting for electronic payments, it could take around five days for access, while mailed checks may take weeks!

Claim Your Refunds Before It’s Too Late

An important note for all those choosing not to file — there are currently more than 1.1 million unclaimed refunds across the U.S., totaling over a billion dollars! In New Jersey, roughly 32,000 taxpayers are waiting to claim refunds worth about $26.53 million. The median unclaimed tax refund in the state stands at $657, while the national median is slightly higher at $781. But be careful, as these unclaimed funds can become property of the U.S. Treasury if not addressed within three years!

Make the Most of Your Filing Experience

In a bid to make the filing process even easier, the IRS has rolled out a new program called “Direct File“, allowing individuals with straightforward taxes to electronically file for free. This program expanded to 25 states in 2025, including New Jersey, where more than 1.3 million residents are eligible. The IRS Free File program is also available for individuals with an AGI of $84,000 or less, providing a gateway to partnered services for filing. Such options could save you time and stress!

As we head into the homestretch of tax season, don’t forget those prior-year returns! You can still file taxes for 2022 and 2023, but remember that any money owed from previous filings might be snagged to cover past debts or obligations. Priority tax forms from earlier years are available on the IRS website or by reaching out to them.

So mark your calendars for April 15, gather your tax documents, and get ready to tackle this tax season! Whether you’re looking forward to a nice refund or simply hoping to avoid penalties, being prepared will always work in your favor!