What Time Was the Tax Deadline?
If you like to wait until the last possible minute to file your tax return, you should at least know how much time you have.
Tax Day 2024 was April 15 So, if you haven't already filed your 2023 federal income tax return (and pay any tax due), you should do so even though you missed the tax deadline. But if you were waiting until the last minute, you ought to at least know when that last minute arrived.
Paper returns – Postmark rules
Some people still fill out paper tax forms. If they owe any money with their return, they may write a paper check to the IRS for the amount due. If that's you, make sure the envelope is postmarked by April 15.
But don't expect your post office to stay open until midnight on Tax Day as they used to years ago (sometimes with bands playing and snacks available). Get there before their regular hours expire if you are hand delivering your return at the postal counter.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more information, see Is the Post Office Open Late on Tax Day?
E-filed returns – The stroke of midnight
If you are filing an electronic return, as most people do, you must e-file your tax forms by midnight on Tax Day.
However, don't wait until 11:59 p.m. to click the submit button. It can take a few minutes for your return to be successfully transmitted to the IRS and that delay can cause you to miss the deadline.
You can pay the IRS if you owe taxes, electronically. It's easy using the IRS's Direct Pay service (payment directly from a bank account); the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System; or a credit card, debit card or digital wallet like PayPal (processing fees may apply). Go to the IRS's "Pay Online" webpage to get started.
Tax extensions are available
If you just cannot file your return on Tax Day for whatever reason, you can get a tax filing extension to October 15, 2024. But you have to act on Tax Day to get the extension. You can get an extension by mailing in a paper Form 4868 – postmarked by April 15 – or submitting an electronic version of the form by midnight. You can also get a filing extension by making an electronic tax payment by midnight.
Also, keep in mind that many people in states impacted by storms and natural disasters have extended IRS tax deadlines.
Also keep in mind that an extension to file doesn't extend the time to pay your tax. If you don't pay the taxes you owe by the end of the day on April 15, you'll owe interest on the unpaid tax. You could also be hit with additional penalties for filing and paying late.
For more information on filing extensions, see How to Get More Time to File Your Tax Return.
If you can't pay the tax you owe, pay what you can now and then look into the various tax payment options for any amount left. You can set up a payment plan, make an "offer in compromise," or request a temporary collection delay.
State tax returns
Unless you live in a state with no income tax, you probably have to file a state income tax return by the end of the day, too. (Perhaps a local tax return as well.) Most states set their tax return due dates to match up with the federal deadline, but not all of them. For find your state's tax deadlines – including those for extension requests, estimated payments, and returns for other types of taxes – check with the state tax agency where you live.
Related
- Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?
- How to File for a Tax Extension
- Ways to Pay the IRS if You Owe Taxes
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Rocky Mengle was a Senior Tax Editor for Kiplinger from October 2018 to January 2023 with more than 20 years of experience covering federal and state tax developments. Before coming to Kiplinger, Rocky worked for Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting, and Kleinrock Publishing, where he provided breaking news and guidance for CPAs, tax attorneys, and other tax professionals. He has also been quoted as an expert by USA Today, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report, Reuters, Accounting Today, and other media outlets. Rocky holds a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a B.A. in History from Salisbury University.
-
A Modern Guide to Money Etiquette: Gifts, Tips, Splitting Bills and More
What is modern money etiquette? The customs for splitting a restaurant check, purchasing a wedding gift, tipping and more have evolved. These guidelines can help.
By Emma Patch Published
-
Want to Give Money to Your Adult Children? 10 Things You Should Know
It’s less taxing to give money to your adult children than you might think. A good plan can help you avoid certain pitfalls — and drama.
By Jeremy Greenfield Published
-
Three Creative Ways to Lower Your Retirement Taxes
Tax Tips You can apply key minimalism concepts for potential tax savings. Here’s how.
By Kate Schubel Published
-
States That Offer a Child Tax Credit in 2024
Child Tax Credit Fifteen states plus the District of Columbia currently offer a child tax credit. Here’s how much you can get.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated
-
Three Tax Reasons to Retire in Panama
Retirement Taxes With low property taxes and tax-free foreign income, this tropical paradise could make you rethink retirement as a U.S. expat.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Is the IRS Coming for Your Gambling Winnings?
Tax Tips The latest tax audit on unreported income points to high-income, high-wealth gamblers. Could
By Kate Schubel Published
-
Best States to Buy Chocolate Candy Tax-Free
State Taxes There’s something spooky this Halloween and it’s not just the ghouls. Find out if your state’s sales tax takes a bite out of sweet savings.
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
Five Ways Your Boss Can Step Up in the Aftermath of a Hurricane
Tax Relief The IRS offers some tax advantages for employers that financially help their employees during federally declared disasters.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Published
-
Six Tax Deadlines for October 15
Tax Deadlines You might know about the federal tax return extension deadline, but did you know about these other tax deadlines for Oct. 15?
By Kate Schubel Last updated
-
IRS Sued for Millions Over Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Delays
Tax Credits The pandemic-era tax refunds for businesses have been a contention point for the agency, now employers are fighting for their cash.
By Gabriella Cruz-Martínez Last updated