When is Income Tax Due? A Comprehensive Guide

Tax Day is the day when individual income tax returns must be filed with the federal government in the United States. Since 1955, Tax Day usually falls on April 15, but it was first introduced in 1913. At Bankrate, we take the accuracy of our content very seriously and strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. We provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards to ensure that happens. Our bank reporters and editors focus on the things that matter most to consumers: the best banks, the latest rates, different types of accounts, tips for saving money, and more, so you can feel safe managing your money. If you find yourself in a situation where you live outside the United States and Puerto Rico, you can get an additional four months to file your return if 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. This also ensures that you have time to gather your documents before the extended October deadline. Those 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. This is the standard schedule to follow, as long as nothing interferes. 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.

Your employer is responsible for sending those numbers to the IRS, as well as for adjusting the amount of money that comes out of your paycheck to meet your tip withholding. 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. If you served or are serving in the Armed Forces in a combat zone or in a contingency operation, or are hospitalized as a result of an injury sustained while serving in that area or operation, after the end of your tax year but before the normal due date of your return, you may have additional time to file and pay taxes. 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. You can request a six-month extension by filing Form 4868, making your last day to file individual income taxes October 15 or the next business day if it's a weekend or holiday. Most professional tax return preparers offer electronic filing of tax returns with their return preparation services and may charge a fee for filing your return electronically. If your business is operating in a non-calendar tax year, your federal tax return is generally due on the 15th of the third month following the end of the company's tax year. Keep in mind that the tax extension gives you more time to file your return, not more time to pay the tax you owe.

If you miss your tax filing deadline and you owe money to the IRS, you should file your tax return as soon as possible. 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. When you file Form 4868 for an extension of time to file taxes, it does not extend any payment due date.