When to Pay Taxes: Key Deadlines and Dates to Remember

## Federal Tax Deadlines ### Individual Income Tax Returns - **April 15**: Standard deadline for filing Form 1040 (federal income tax return). If this falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. - **October 15**: Extended deadline if you file Form 4868. Remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. ### Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments For self-employed individuals and those with significant non-wage income: 1. Q1 (January-March): April 15 2. Q2 (April-June): June 15 3. Q3 (July-September): September 15 4. Q4 (October-December): January 15 of the following year > *Note: If any of these dates fall on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.* ### Business Tax Deadlines | Business Type | Due Date | |--------------|----------| | S-Corporations | March 15 | | Partnerships | March 15 | | C-Corporations | April 15 | | Non-profits | May 15 | ## Employment Tax Due Dates * Form 941 (Quarterly Employment Tax Returns): - Q1: April 30 - Q2: July 31 - Q3: October 31 - Q4: January 31 * **January 31**: Deadline for employers to send W-2 forms to employees and 1099 forms to independent contractors ## Special Circumstances Several situations may affect your tax deadline: * Natural disaster victims may receive extended deadlines * Military personnel serving in combat zones get automatic extensions * U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad receive an automatic two-month extension (June 15) * Residents of Maine and Massachusetts may have different deadlines due to state holidays ## State Tax Deadlines Most states align their tax deadlines with federal dates, but there are exceptions. Check your state's Department of Revenue website for specific dates. You can find a comprehensive list of state tax agencies on the [IRS website](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed). ## Late Payment Penalties Failing to meet tax deadlines can result in: * Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes per month * Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month * Interest charges on unpaid taxes ## Tips for Staying on Track 1. Set calendar reminders for relevant deadlines 2. Maintain organized records throughout the year 3. Consider using tax preparation software or working with a professional 4. Set aside funds regularly if you need to make estimated payments 5. Keep all tax-related documents in a dedicated folder 6. Consult a tax professional if unsure about requirements For more detailed information about tax deadlines and penalties, visit the [IRS Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-Employed](https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/online-tax-calendar) or the [IRS official website](https://www.irs.gov/).

When to Pay Taxes: Key Deadlines and Dates to Remember

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