Procrastinators, watch out! The deadline to file taxes is just a week away.

Individuals are expected to file more than 160 million federal and more than 3 million Arizona returns for tax year 2024. If you're not already among them, you have until April 15 to file.

If needed, you can receive an automatic extension to push your filing deadline to Oct. 15. Extensions are available to people who submit a Form 4868 to the IRS by the April 15 deadline. Arizonans can file an extension using state form 204.

Here's everything you need to know before you file taxes, including when they are due and how to track your refund.

What is the deadline to file taxes in 2025?

April 15 is the normal filing deadline, although taxpayers may receive a six-month extension, taking them until Oct. 15, by filing Form 4868.

What are the new IRS rules for 2025?

Aside from annual inflation adjustments, most individual taxpayers will encounter few changes compared with last year . One change of note is an increase in the mileage allowance for the business use of a vehicle to 70 cents a mile, up from 67 cents.

Can I prepare my return for free?

Yes. The IRS has been pushing its Direct File program , which will be available in 24 states, including Arizona, for the filing season.

Also worth considering is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. With this, available to most moderate-income taxpayers , you can receive in-person help from volunteers trained by the IRS. For the most recent filing season, the program was geared to taxpayers earning roughly $64,000 or less in income.

Do most taxpayers receive a refund?

Yes, roughly two in three taxpayers receive refunds. The average amount for individuals in the most recent year was $3,143.

Where is my tax refund?

You can check your refund status with the Internal Revenue Service using the “Where’s My Refund” feature 24 hours after you file a return electronically or anytime after that. The wait is four-plus weeks if you file a return by paper.

The IRS updates the status of refunds once a day, overnight. To check, you’ll need your filing status, the exact refund amount listed on your return and your Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number/ITIN.

The Arizona Department of Revenue has a similar online feature for checking the status of refunds .

Refund money moves faster and more securely if you have signed up for direct deposit , a free service through the IRS website. You can deposit the money into as many as three accounts, including checking and savings.

People who use a combination of electronic filing of returns and direct deposit can get their refund money most rapidly.