2025 Tax Deadlines for Georgia Small Businesses (And How to Stay Compliant)

As a Georgia small business owner, staying on schedule with tax deadlines is crucial. Missed deadlines can lead to penalties, interest, and unwanted stress. Whether you're filing state income taxes, payroll taxes, sales tax, or estimated taxes, here’s a clear and friendly guide to help Atlanta business owners—and those across the state—stay compliant in 2025.

1. Georgia Individual & Business Income Tax — Due May 1, 2025

Georgia extended the deadline for filing 2024 individual income tax returns until May 1, 2025, due to Hurricane Helene.

• Georgia resident individuals must file by May 1, 2025. This includes sole proprietorships and single-member LLCs reporting on Form 500 or 500-EZ.
• A six-month extension can be requested by filing the appropriate form by that date; however, any tax owed must still be paid by May 1 to avoid penalties.

2. Corporate, S-Corp, Partnership Returns

Deadlines depend on your business structure:

• C Corporations (Form 600): Georgia corporate tax filings are due by the 15th day of the 4th month after closing your tax year – typically April 15, 2026, for calendar-year businesses.
• Pass-through entities (Form 600S for S‑Corps; IT‑565 for Partnerships): Due by the 15th day of the 3rd month, usually March 15, 2026.

Georgia grants an automatic six-month filing extension, but payments are still due by the original deadlines.

3. Federal & Georgia Estimated Quarterly Tax Payments

Federal Estimated Taxes: For self-employed individuals and pass-through entity owners expecting to owe $1,000+, estimated taxes for 2025 are due:

• April 15, 2025
• June 16, 2025 (adjusted from the usual June 15 due to weekend)
• September 15, 2025
• January 15, 2026

Georgia Estimated Taxes: Follow a similar schedule, adjusted per weekends:

• April 15, 2025
• June 16, 2025
• September 15, 2025
• January 15, 2026

Make sure to include both federal and Georgia state estimated payments in your planning.

4. Payroll & FUTA Tax Deadlines

If your business has employees:

• FUTA (Federal Unemployment Tax): Quarterly payments due if liability exceeds $500:
  • January 31 (for Q4 2024),
  • April 30 (Q1 2025),
  • July 31 (Q2 2025),
  • October 31 (Q3 2025).
• Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return): Due by the last day of the month after the quarter ends:
  • January 31, April 30, July 31, October 31 (2025).
  • If you deposited taxes timely, extended deadlines apply (eg. filing by Feb 12 instead of Jan 31).

Georgia withholding deposits generally follow similar schedules—check withholding thresholds and schedules via Georgia Tax Center.

How to Stay Compliant & Avoid Penalties

• Mark all deadlines in your calendar (federal and state).
• Set reminders at least 2 weeks in advance.
• Keep accurate records: invoices, expenses, payroll reports, forms like 1099s and 940/941.
• Meet obligations even if no tax is owed (e.g. file returns, report zero liability).
• Use Georgia Tax Center (GTC) to file and pay — it’s the secure portal for Georgia tax filings.
• Request extensions before deadlines if needed—but pay any estimated tax liability by the original due date.
• Hire a local Atlanta CPA or accounting professional to help you stay on track.

Summary Tax Deadline Table

Need Help Staying on Track?

If deadlines feel overwhelming, you're not alone. Our Atlanta accounting firm specializes in guiding Georgia small businesses—sole proprietors, LLCs, partnerships, and corporations—through state and federal tax requirements. We offer reminders, hands-on help, and proactive support so no deadline slips through the cracks.