Key Tax Filing Deadlines
The most important deadline for filing federal income tax returns is April 15th. If this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. For 2024, the deadline is April 15th, a Monday.
State Tax Deadlines
While many states align with the federal deadline, some have different dates. Check with your state's tax agency or the Federation of Tax Administrators for specific deadlines.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes
Self-employed individuals and those with income not subject to withholding must pay estimated taxes quarterly:
- April 15th (for January 1 - March 31)
- June 15th (for April 1 - May 31)
- September 15th (for June 1 - August 31)
- January 15th (for September 1 - December 31)
Special Circumstances
- Extension Deadline: Request an extension by April 15th using Form 4868 for an October 15th filing deadline
- Natural Disasters: The IRS may extend deadlines for affected taxpayers. Check the IRS disaster relief page
- Living Abroad: U.S. citizens living overseas get an automatic two-month extension to June 15th
Required Documentation
Before filing, gather these essential documents:
- W-2 forms from employers
- 1099 forms for contract work
- Mortgage interest statements
- Property tax records
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense records
- Investment income statements
- Last year's tax return for reference
Filing Options
Digital Filing
- IRS Free File (income below $73,000)
- Tax software like TurboTax or H&R Block
- Professional tax preparers with e-filing capabilities
Paper Filing
Download forms from the IRS website and mail them.
Tips for Smooth Filing
Organization
- Create a dedicated tax folder
- Save digital copies of all documents
- Track expenses throughout the year
- Keep receipts organized by category
Double-Check Your Information
- Verify all personal information
- Check Social Security numbers
- Confirm bank account details
- Review for math errors
"The earlier you file, the sooner you can receive your refund. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of receiving electronically filed returns."
Late Filing Penalties
The IRS imposes two main penalties:
| Penalty Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Failure to File | 5% of unpaid taxes per month |
| Failure to Pay | 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month |
Stay Informed
- Monitor tax law changes through the IRS Newsroom
- Consider professional help for complex situations
- Keep tax records for at least three years
- File early to avoid last-minute stress and delays
Remember that while an extension gives you more time to file, it doesn't extend the time to pay any taxes owed. Always estimate and pay taxes by the original deadline to avoid penalties and interest.