When is the Deadline for Filing Your Individual Federal Income Tax Return?

If you file a calendar year return and your tax year ends on December 31, the deadline for filing your individual federal income tax return is generally April 15 of each year. However, some people have more time to apply, are you one of them? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) grants an automatic extension of six months to file the return, or two months if they are out of the country. In this case, the extension also applies to the payment of taxes due. If you live outside the United States and Puerto Rico, you can get another four months, provided you apply for them before the new expiration date assigned to you with your original two-month extension.

This way, if something goes wrong with your application, you'll have plenty of time to correct any errors and re-file them before the April 18 tax deadline. Taxpayers who pay estimated quarterly taxes include self-employed workers, as well as those who have similar jobs as employers or independent contractors. If your paycheck doesn't include income tax before the money arrives, then this requirement applies to you. The standard schedule to follow is that estimated taxes are due on April 15th, June 15th, September 15th and January 15th of the following year. If you're an employee who earns tips, you must report all your monthly tip income to your employer by the 10th of the following month. Don't let the impending tax deadline force you to rush through the tax filing process and make a mistake on your return.

With TurboTax, you can be sure that your taxes are done correctly, from simple to complex tax returns, no matter your situation. Before coming to Kiplinger, he worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for public accountants, tax attorneys and other tax professionals. Most states synchronize the deadline for your income tax return with the due date for federal taxes, but there are some states that have different deadlines (e.g. Maine). If you also file taxes for your small business as an S corporation, the last day to file your tax return is March 15 or April 15 for corporations, unless this day falls on a weekend or an official holiday. If you miss your tax filing deadline and you owe money to the IRS, you should file your tax return as soon as possible.

The IRS website has all the forms, deadlines and information you'll need. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declares a disaster area after a natural disaster, the IRS generally offers tax breaks to disaster victims in the form of tax returns and payment extensions. Now is also the time to review the capital gains tax rules you need to know to plan for the end of the year. You file your tax return and then realize that you forgot to report some income or apply for a certain tax credit. Unless you live in a state with no income taxes, don't forget that you'll probably have to file a state tax return as well. At Bankrate we strive to help people make smarter financial decisions by demystifying financial decision-making process and giving people confidence in what actions to take next.

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