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California Tax Deadline Approaching: What to Do Before October 15, 2025

California taxpayers, take note: October 15, 2025, is fast approaching. This is the final deadline to file 2024 state income tax returns for individuals who filed an extension. Missing this date can lead to penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress. The good news? With proper planning and preparation, you can avoid these pitfalls and even maximize potential deductions.

At Velin & Associates, Inc., we specialize in guiding clients across various industries — from YouTubers, TikTokers, Shopify store owners, Amazon business operators, and online creators, to medical and dental practices, law firms, and high net worth individuals — to ensure their California tax returns are accurate, timely, and optimized for maximum savings.

Who Needs to Take Action Now

The October 15 deadline primarily affects:

Even if you already filed an extension, this is not the time to procrastinate. Late filings after this date may incur penalties up to 25% of unpaid tax, plus interest, which continues to accumulate daily.

Steps to Take Before the Deadline

1. Gather All Your Documentation

Before filing, make sure you have collected:

For business owners and self-employed professionals, proper records are critical. These include:

2. Review Deductions and Credits

October 15 is the last chance to make the most of your tax benefits. Examples of potential deductions:

Careful bookkeeping throughout the year ensures no deduction is missed, reducing your taxable income and potentially increasing your refund.

3. Calculate Any Remaining Payments

If you owe taxes, paying by October 15, 2025, helps you avoid additional interest and penalties. For business owners, consider:

4. File Electronically for Accuracy and Speed

Electronic filing reduces errors, speeds processing, and ensures the state receives your return on time. Many e-filing options also allow you to directly deposit any refund, reducing waiting times.

5. Seek Professional Guidance

Complex tax situations — such as multi-state income, self-employment deductions, or high-value investments — benefit greatly from professional oversight. A CPA with industry-specific experience can:

At Velin & Associates, Inc., we offer expertise in:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing deadlines: Filing after October 15 could trigger penalties and interest.

2. Incomplete documentation: Missing receipts or expense reports can limit your deductions.

3. Mixing personal and business finances: This is especially important for self-employed professionals and business owners.

4. Ignoring estimated tax payments: Underpayment can result in penalties even if your final return shows a small balance due.

Example Scenarios:

YouTuber in Los Angeles: You recorded content and purchased editing software in 2024. Having organized receipts allows you to claim those expenses before the October 15 deadline.

Shopify Store Owner: Your software subscription and advertising spend are eligible deductions. Proper bookkeeping ensures these are applied to reduce your taxable income.

Dentist with a private practice: Equipment purchases and renovations are fully deductible if properly documented. Waiting until last minute without organized records may result in lost deductions.

Amazon Business Owner: Paying a third-party logistics provider for experimental AI-driven tools? Documented costs can be included in your 2024 return.

Final Thoughts

October 15, 2025, is not just another date on the calendar — it is your opportunity to finalize your California 2024 tax return, claim all eligible deductions, and avoid penalties. Organized bookkeeping and timely professional guidance are key to maximizing savings and minimizing stress.

At Velin & Associates, Inc., we guide individuals and businesses — from creators and online entrepreneurs to medical and dental practices, law firms, and high net worth individuals — through California tax deadlines with confidence.

Don’t wait until the last minute. Gather your documents, review deductions, and contact us today to ensure your return is accurate, complete, and optimized.

For more information about our tax planning services, contact us today: visit our website.

Velin & Associates, Inc

8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org



Our firm provides the information in this e-newsletter for general guidance only, and does not constitute the provision of legal advice, tax advice, accounting services, investment advice, or professional consulting of any kind. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional tax, accounting, legal, or other competent advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. Tax articles in this e-newsletter are not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding accuracy-related penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. The information is provided "as is," with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability, and fitness for a particular purpose.

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