Important Taxpayer Dates – Don’t Miss Them!

Do you associate April with a time for flowers and trees to bloom and show their gorgeous colors or with paying taxes? We hope you are more into witnessing how the world around us revives, but it’s hard to ignore the rustle of leaves whispering to you, “File your taxes.” April’s due date is hard to overlook when everywhere on the internet and news, you hear about the least pleasant responsibility of being a working adult.

So, we are here to make your life easier and list all the most important tax return dates you should add to your calendar. And if you don’t want to spam it, simply bookmark this page and come back to it when it’s time to process tax returns.

Tax Filing Deadlines

As a rule, the federal tax deadline is April 15th; however, if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline is shifted to the next working day.

Let’s take, for example, the year 2022 when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting tax returns in 2022, which was on January 23rd. April 18, 2023, was the last day when you could file your taxes. A 6-month tax extension is available only for those who timely apply for it in a timely manner Form 4868.

If you filed taxes in due time, you have nothing to worry about. But those who tend to procrastinate will be happy to hear that:

• If you file your return by the due date, it is considered on time, even if it was very close to the deadline date. But remember, the IRS considers your paper return on time only if you fill it out correctly, the letter is properly marked and stamped, etc.

• E-filers should pay attention to the time zone they are in because every state has its own rule.

• Those who pay estimated taxes (e.g., if you are self-employed) should follow different tax deadlines, namely those collected in January, April, June, and September.

The IRS does a good job keeping citizens informed when it is time to file taxes; hence, it is always a good idea to double-check their official website for updates.

Missing the Tax Deadline

It may happen that you forget to file for an extension by April 15 and find yourself in a tough spot. According to the IRS, you should still file your return as soon as possible. The earlier you do it, the less you have to pay later as a penalty.

In cases when you cannot pay your tax bill, you can arrange an installment plan with the IRS.

Tax Date Extension Process: What to Expect?

If you already know you need to extend the deadline, you can do so by requesting a tax extension Form 4868. Filing for it extends your federal tax returns by October, meaning exactly 6 months.

An important note to remember is that when you file for an extension, it lets you file your return taxes later; however, you still have to pay your taxes by the original due date (i.e., April 15).

The automatic six-month extension may be eligible for military personnel or those impacted by natural disasters.

Estimated Tax Return Due Dates to Add to Your Calendar

Let us remind you that earning $73,000 or less annually allows you to file your taxes for free with the IRS Free File program. Always keep your prior-year tax returns for at least three years in case the IRS decides to run an audit.

Every tax calendar is divided into quarters. Each quarter is a deadline for filing tax forms, paying taxes, and other requirements of the federal tax law.

Here is a general tax calendar for individuals for 2023. Keep in mind that dates may fluctuate in the following years (depending on the weekends or holidays as it was in 2023.)

Tax Deadline January

January 15 – First Estimated Tax Payments

January 15 is the due date to make a payment of the estimated tax for the previous year. This applies to workers who are self-employed or have other sources of income without any tax withholding.

January 22 – Start of Federal Income Tax Return

The start date when federal tax returns can be filed is January 22.

January 31 – Time to File Form 1099

January 31 is the deadline for all businesses to file and send W-2s to their employees. They should also fill out the appropriate version of Form 1099. For independent contractors, use Form 1099-NEC.

Tax Deadline February

February 15 – Renewal of Tax Withholding Exemption

Those who claimed exemption from income tax withholding the previous year, giving Form W-4 to employers, must re-file Form W-4 to continue the validity of the exemption.

Tax Deadline April

April 3 – Required Minimum Distribution for Those Just Turned 72

If you turned 72 the previous year, you may need to take your first required minimum distribution (RMD) from your retirement account by this date.

April 15 (April 18, 2023) – Tax Deadline

If you don’t extend the tax deadline, you are required to file your taxes. You still have a chance to extend your deadline, but it will not apply to payments you need to make (if you owe taxes) before this date.

Deadline to Make IRA and HSA Contributions

April 15 is the time to make a final contribution to your IRA and HSA for the previous tax year.

Estimated Tax Payments

The date is also important for those who make estimated tax payments because it requires them to predict how much revenue will be earned and how much taxes will be owed.

Tax Deadline June

June 15 – Estimated Taxes for the 2nd Quarter

June 15 marks the second quarter of a quarterly payment on income generated from April to May.

Tax Deadline September

September 15 – Estimated Taxes for the 3rd Quarter

September 15 marks the third quarter of a quarterly payment on income generated from June to August.

Tax Deadline October

October 15 – Tax Extension Deadline

Those who apply for tax extensions before April have a new deadline in October to finally file taxes. If you forget to file your tax return, you may face penalties from the IRS.

Tax Deadline December

December 31 – Required Minimum Distribution for People Aged 73 or Older

Those who take their first RMD need to take another one by the end of the year.

401(k) Contributions Deadline

December 31 is your last chance to contribute to your retirement plans for the year.

January 15 – Estimated Taxes for the 4th Quarter

The final estimated tax payment is January 15. Any unpaid taxes will be due when you file next year’s tax return by April.

What Is a State Income Tax Deadline?

Federal and state taxes may have different tax filing deadlines. Although some state income taxes are due in October, they cannot set a tax deadline earlier than April 15th.

In 2023, 10 states extended their deadlines for people living in states affected by natural disasters, but only in selected counties. Taxpayers in certain disaster areas do not have to apply for an extension online or on paper; the due date is pushed back automatically.

You can find a tax relief page on the IRS website.

No Tax Extension Deadlines by State

The following states do not allow extensions on earned income tax:

• Alaska

• Florida

• Nevada

• New Hampshire

• South Dakota

• Texas

• Tennessee

• Washington

• Wyoming

Frequently Asked Questions

Are taxes due April 18 or 15?

Taxes are due April 15; however, if it is a weekend or holiday and not considered a working day, then the Tax Day is pushed back to the next working day. Hence, in 2023, the tax deadline is April 18, and in 2024, it will be April 15.

When should I apply for a tax extension?

You should file a tax extension by the due date, meaning April 15.

Did the IRS extend the tax deadlines for 2023?

Yes, the disaster relief tax is applied to:

• Alabama – October 16, 2023

  • Counties: Autauga, Barbour, Chambers, Conecuh, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Greene, Hale, Mobile, Morgan, Sumter, Tallapoosa.

• Arkansas – July 31, 2023

  • Counties: Cross, Lonoke, Pulaski.

• California – October 16, 2023

  • Counties: Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Sierra, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yuba.

• Florida – August 15, 2023

  • Counties: Boward

• Georgia – October 16, 2023

  • Counties: Butts, Crisp, Henry, Jasper, Meriwether, Newton, Pike, Spalding, Troup.

• Indiana – July 31, 2023

  • Counties: Allen, Benton, Clinton, Grant, Howard, Johnson, Lake, Monroe, Morgan, Owen, Sullivan, White.

• Mississippi – July 31, 2023

  • Counties: Carroll, Humphreys, Monroe, Sharkey.

• New York – May 15, 2023

  • Counties: Erie, Genesee, Niagara, St. Lawrence, Suffolk.

• Oklahoma – August 31, 2023

  • Counties: McClain, Pottawatomie.

• Tennessee – July 31, 2023

  • Counties: Cannon, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Lewis, Macon, McNairy, Rutherford, Tipton, Wayne.

Note that the extension applies to people living in selected counties in each state.

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