Top 10 tax tips for Washington filers in 2025 

Navigating tax season can be complex, especially as rules and deadlines shift each year. To help Washington residents prepare for the 2025 filing season, UW Bothell alumna Stephanie Kiewiet, a partner at Hutchinson & Walter, shares some key insights and practical tips. 

Her recommendations can help filers stay informed, avoid penalties and make confident decisions. 

1. Extensions are easy — and can help you save on penalties 

If you’re not ready to file your taxes by April 15, you can request an extension that moves your filing deadline to Oct. 15, helping you avoid “failure-to-file” penalties.  

Remember: An extension does not extend your time to pay. You must still estimate and pay taxes owed by April 15 to avoid interest (or May 1 this year if you are in a qualified disaster area — see item 3 below).  

You can request an extension by doing one of the following (all options submit Form 4868): 

  • filing Form 4868 directly 
  • using IRS Free File, which electronically submits Form 4868 
  • making an online IRS payment and selecting “extension,” which counts as an extension request 

2. For your safety: Pay online instead of mailing a check 

Online payments at IRS.gov/payments are more secure and reliable than mailing a check. 
Benefits include: 

  • immediate confirmation 
  • lower risk of mail delays or loss 
  • faster application to your IRS account 
  • ability to choose correct payment type (extension, estimated tax or balance due) 
  • easy verification through your IRS online account at ID.me 

If filing jointly, it is recommended to use the primary taxpayer’s information when submitting payments online.  

3. Flood-related tax relief for Washington residents 

Following the December 2025 storms and flooding, affected Washington taxpayers have until May 1, 2026, to file and pay certain federal taxes. 

This relief applies to tax deadlines originally falling between Dec. 9, 2025, and May 1, 2026. 

This relief covers: 

  • 2025 individual returns 
  • 2025 IRA and HSA contributions 
  • certain payroll and excise tax filings, with penalties waived if deposits are made by Dec. 29, 2025 
  • estimated payments due Jan. 15 and Apr. 15, 2026 

You must make sure your return shows an address in the disaster area: The IRS automatically grants relief based on the IRS address of record. If you moved or your return shows a different address, the system may not flag you automatically. In that case, call the IRS Disaster Hotline at 866.562.5227 to request relief. 

4. If you owe, don’t panic — you have options 

If you’re in financial hardship, it is always best to file (or file with an extension) on time, even when you owe and can’t pay immediately. Filing on time will keep failure-to-file penalties and interest from accruing.  

Depending on your situation, you may be able to apply for a payment plan online with the IRS. 

You can call the IRS to discuss your situation. The IRS may: 

  • temporarily pause collection efforts 
  • adjust your payment expectations 
  • help you avoid enforced actions while you get back on track 

5. IRS transcripts 

Understanding IRS transcripts 

IRS transcripts provide secure snapshots of what the IRS has on file, including wage data, tax payments, penalties and account activity. Personal information is partially masked for identity protection.  

Common transcript types include: 

  • Tax Return Transcript — shows key line items from your filed return 
  • Tax Account Transcript — shows payments, penalties, adjustments and refund activity 
  • Wage & Income Transcript — lists W-2s, 1099s and other forms submitted to the IRS  
  • Record of Account Transcript — the most comprehensive, combining return and account history 

You should expect delays in transcript data: Third-party wage and income forms often aren’t fully posted until later in the year, so transcripts may appear incomplete if accessed early. 

6. You can have somebody do your taxes for you for free 

If you’re struggling to file your own taxes and want to maximize your return, a few programs exist for free tax filing depending on your eligibility. 

7. New tax deductions for 2025 (subject to income limitations and phase-outs) 

The IRS has added new tax deductions this year. If you’re eligible, don’t forget to apply these deductions to your return. 

  • Overtime deduction: designed to ease the tax burden for workers with significant overtime earnings by allowing a deduction for qualifying overtime income 
  • Senior deduction: an enhanced deduction for qualifying seniors, reducing taxable income beyond the standard deduction 
  • Tip deduction: allows eligible tipped workers to deduct certain reported tip income 

8. Tips for itemized deductions 

For Washington residents who itemize, the deductions below may be beneficial. 

  • State and local tax deduction increase: This may benefit households under certain income thresholds. Real estate taxes are included in this deduction. 
  • Sales tax deduction: This can be beneficial to Washington residents, as the state currently has no income tax. For those who itemize, there is a general sales tax deduction that can be calculated, plus sales tax on large purchases such as vehicles and major home improvements. 
  • RTA (Regional Transit Authority) tax portion of King County vehicle tabs: This may also be deductible as personal property tax if you itemize. 

9. Beware of “TikTok Tax” 

If advice on social media seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to contact a tax professional or to seek guidance directly from the IRS. 

10. Double-check your return before filing 

Small errors can delay your refund or trigger IRS follow-up. Before submitting your return, make sure that: 

  • names and Social Security numbers match official records, 
  • bank account information is correct for direct deposit, 
  • income and deduction amounts are entered accurately, and  
  • required forms and signatures are included.  

Taking a few extra minutes to review your return can help avoid delays and unnecessary complications. 

Disclaimer: This material is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered tax, legal or accounting advice. Consult a qualified professional about your specific circumstances. 

Hutchinson & Walter is a Bellevue-based CPA firm founded in 1977. The women- and minority-owned firm provides tax preparation and strategic planning services to help clients make confident, tax-smart decisions.