A key part of managing your finances is being aware of important deadlines so you can prepare for them in advance. If you drop the ball, you may wind up losing money or paying costly penalties. Here are some important tax deadlines and personal finance dates to circle on your calendar.
January 4, 2024
ezTaxReturn’s opening day
Taxpayers can begin preparing their tax return at ezTaxReturn.com. It’s fast, ez and you’ll get the biggest possible refund, guaranteed.
January 16, 2024
4th quarter 2023 estimated tax payments are due
If you’re self-employed or have other fourth quarter income, you must make your estimated tax payment by January 16th. The IRS accepts payment online, over the phone or by mail.
January 27, 2024
EITC Awareness Day
Workers who earn low to moderate incomes may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which is potentially worth $7,430. Unfortunately, 1 in 5 eligible workers fail to take it. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return.
January 29, 2024
IRS tax filing season begins
The IRS will begin accepting and processing tax returns.
January 31, 2024
Deadline for employers to mail your W-2
If you don’t receive your W-2 by mid-February, you may call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for assistance.
1099 deadlines
Certain 1099 forms such as the 1099-NEC, 1099-K and 1099-INT must be issued by January 31st.
April 1, 2024
1st required minimum distribution (RMD) deadline
If you turned 73 in 2023, you have until April 1st to take your first required minimum distribution (RMD).
April 15, 2024
Tax Day
Most Americans must have their federal and state tax returns e-filed or postmarked before midnight.
Last chance to file for a tax extension
Need more time to file? If so, you can request an extension to October 15 by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS. Keep in mind, an extension only gives you more time to file. It does not give you additional time to pay if you have a balance due.
Final opportunity to make a 2023 IRA contribution
April 15th is the last day you can contribute to your traditional or Roth IRA for 2023. The contribution limit is $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older).
Deadline to make a 2023 HSA contribution
Last chance to max out your health savings account (HSA). You can contribute up to $3,850 if you have health coverage just for yourself or $7,750 if you have family coverage.
1st quarter estimated tax payments are due
Self-employed or have other first quarter income? If so, your estimated tax payment is due by April 15th.
June 17, 2024
2nd quarter estimated tax payments are due
If you’re self-employed or have other second quarter income, your estimated tax payment is due by June 17th.
June 30, 2024
Deadline to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
If you or your child plan to attend college this year, June 30th is an important date for you. This is the deadline to submit the 2023-2024 FASFA to qualify for grants, scholarships, federal work-study and federal student loans. ezTaxReturn users who need to download a copy of their tax return for their FAFSA can click here.
September 16, 2024
3rd quarter estimated tax payments are due
Those who are self-employed or have other third quarter income must make their estimated tax payment by September 16th.
October 15, 2024
Extended tax deadline
If you requested more time to do your taxes, October 15th is the last day to e-file. With ezTaxReturn.com, it only takes 30 minutes to prepare your federal return.
November 1, 2024
Open enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplace begins
If you plan to purchase health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, November 1st is the first day you can enroll in or renew a plan for 2025.
December 31, 2024
FAFSA open date
December 31st is the first day you can begin submitting your 2024-2025 FAFSA. Many schools operate on a first come, first served basis so apply early.
Required minimum distribution (RMD) deadline
If you’re 73 and older, this is your last chance to withdraw your RMD from your employer sponsored retirement plan or traditional IRA.
Use your FSA dollars or lose it
If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be required to use your remaining balance by December 31st or forfeit the cash. Some companies do offer a 2 ½ month grace period or let you carry over $640 so check with your employer.
January 15, 2025
4th quarter estimated tax payment due
Those who are self-employed or have other fourth quarter income must make their estimated tax payment by January 15th.
Tax Deadline FAQs
What is the deadline for filing taxes in 2024?
The deadline for filing your federal tax return is April 15, 2024.
What’s the fastest way to file my taxes?
The fastest, easiest, and safest way to file your taxes is to e-file. ezTaxReturn will walk you through each step of the filing process, so there’s no tax knowledge needed. We guarantee 100% accurate results and your biggest possible refund. Once you’re done, your return will be transmitted directly to the IRS.
Can you mail your taxes on the deadline day?
Yes, as long your tax return is postmarked by the filing deadline the IRS considers it to be on time. Some USPS locations even offer extended hours on Tax Day. Be sure to check your local post office hours so you can get there before they close.
How do I get an extension on my taxes?
You can get an extension on your taxes by filing Form 4868 with the IRS online or by mail.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline but are owed money?
If you’re due a refund, there’s no penalty for filing your taxes late. However, you should file as soon as possible to claim your refund.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline and I owe money?
If you miss the filing deadline and owe the IRS money, you’ll accumulate failure to file penalties, failure to pay penalties, and interest until your balance is paid in full.
What is the penalty for filing taxes late?
- The failure-to-pay penalty is 0.5% of your unpaid balance for each month or part of the month it’s late, up to a maximum of 25%.
- The failure-to-file penalty is 5% of your unpaid balance for each month or part of the month it’s late, up to a maximum of 25%. If it’s more than 60 days late, the minimum penalty is $485 or 100% of the taxes owed.
- The interest rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percent, and it compounds daily.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
