What to Know About Tax Deadlines for 2024

The 2024 tax filing season officially starts January 29, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing 2023 tax returns. More than 128.7 million individual federal tax returns are expected to be filed by April 15, 2024, according to the IRS.

Whether you like to get a jump on your tax return or are a last-minute filer, it’s important to know when you have to send in forms and any payments you owe. Mark these dates in your calendar to avoid missing any deadlines.

What is the federal tax deadline for 2024?

‍The deadline to submit 2023 federal tax returns is April 15, 2024.‍

The filing deadline to submit federal tax returns typically is April 15. This is also the deadline to request a filing extension and to pay any taxes owed. 

However, taxpayers in Maine or Massachusetts have until April 17, 2024, to file returns because of Patriot's Day and Emancipation Day holidays in those states. Also, the deadline is extended until June 17, 2024, for residents in parts of Tennessee impacted by severe storms and tornadoes on December 9, 2023 and for residents in parts of Connecticut impacted by severe storms on January 10, 2024. 

What is the tax deadline if you file for an extension?

If you can’t finish your federal tax return by April 15, you can apply for an extension by filling out Form 4868. This will push the deadline for filing a return back to October 15, 2024. However, it doesn’t grant you an extension to pay your taxes. If you owe money, you must estimate the amount that is due and pay it by the filing deadline of April 15.

When are state taxes due?

State income tax returns are due on April 15, 2024, in most states with a state income tax. However, there are a few exceptions.

• Delaware: April 30, 2024
• Hawaii: April 22, 2024
• Iowa: April 30, 2024
• Louisiana: May 15, 2024
• Virginia: May 1, 2024

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Should I file my taxes early?

Start preparing your tax return as soon as you receive W-2s, 1099s and other forms you need to complete your return. That way, if you discover you are missing forms, you have time to track them down before the filing deadline.

Plus, preparing your tax return as soon as possible will let you know whether you are getting a refund or have to pay taxes. If you discover that you owe taxes, you’ll have more time to come up with the amount due by April 15. 

If you are owed a refund, the fastest way to get it is by filing your return electronically and opting for direct deposit. The IRS offers free tax preparation and filing software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less.  

What happens if I miss the tax deadline?

There is no penalty for filing a tax return after the deadline if you don’t owe taxes or if you are owed a refund.

If you owe taxes and don’t pay by the tax filing deadline, the amount owed but not paid is subject to interest and penalties. So it’s important to pay as much as you can by the filing deadline to reduce the interest and penalties you’ll have to pay. You can then apply for an IRS payment plan or installment agreement to pay off your outstanding balance over time.

If you can’t afford to pay what you owe, you might qualify for an offer in compromise to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount owed. The IRS has a tool you can use to see if you qualify for an offer in compromise.

When are tax refunds sent?

The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days after receiving a tax return. Using direct deposit is the fastest, safest way to receive a refund, according to the IRS.

It can take longer to receive a refund if you file a paper return or request a check rather than direct deposit. Refunds also can take longer for tax returns that have mistakes or require additional review.

Taxpayers can check the status of their refunds by using the Where’s My Refund? tool at IRS.gov. To use the tool, you’ll need your Social Security number, filing status and your refund amount. You can check the status of your 2023 refund 24 hours after filing an electronic return and four weeks after mailing a return.

What are the deadlines for estimated tax payments?

You might have to make estimated tax payments if you are self-employed, have income that isn’t from an employer such as investment income, or don’t have enough income tax withheld from your salary or pension payments. If you don’t make payments throughout the year, you may be subject to an estimated tax penalty when you file your tax return.

Estimated tax payments must be made each quarter. Payments for the first three quarters of 2024 are due on April 15, June 17 and September 16. The fourth quarter payment is due on January 15, 2025. Payments can be made by phone, mail, electronically through IRS Direct Pay or through the IRS2Go mobile app. The amount owed can be figured using Form 1040-ES.

Key tax deadlines in 2024

Taxpayers need to be aware of these tax filing due dates in 2024.

• January 12, 2024: IRS Free File service opens
• January 16, 2024: Fourth quarter 2023 estimated tax payment due
• January 29, 2024: IRS begins accepting 2023 tax returns
• April 15, 2024: Tax filing deadline for federal income tax returns
• April 15, 2024: Deadline to file Form 4868 to request a tax filing extension
• April 15, 2024:  First quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due
• June 17, 2024:  Second quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due
• September 16, 2024: Third quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due
• October 15, 2023: Deadline to file a 2024 tax return if you filed for an extension
• January 15, 2025: Fourth quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due

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