Six Tax Deadlines for October 2023
You might know about the federal tax return extension deadline, but did you know about these other tax deadlines for Oct.16?


The Oct. 16 federal tax extension deadline has passed, but it’s not the only one. Several other tax deadlines fall on the same day. Missing one of these deadlines might cause you to miss out on tax savings. Missing others could result in financial penalties.
Here’s what you need to know about every tax deadline for Oct. 16.
Federal tax deadline extensions
Federal tax returns for 2022 were originally due April 18. However, if you were granted a tax extension by the IRS, you needed to file by Oct.16. Failing to file by the deadline could result in a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of taxes due for every month (or partial month) that your return is late.

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.
The failure-to-file penalty is separate from late payment penalties. Payments for 2022 federal tax returns were due on April 18, whether or not you were granted a federal tax extension. So, if you haven’t paid your taxes yet, you should as soon as possible. The IRS offers several options for paying taxes, even if you can’t pay the full amount.
Can you avoid a late filing penalty? The IRS won’t impose a failure-to-file penalty if you had no tax liability for last year or are due a tax refund. Also, if you lived or had records in a federally declared disaster area, your tax filing extension deadline may be after Oct. 16.
Federal tax extensions for disaster areas
Some taxpayers have until Oct. 16 to file federal tax returns, even if they didn’t request a filing extension. Taxpayers impacted by federally declared disasters in parts of Georgia and Alabama were automatically granted an Oct. 16 federal tax filing extension. The IRS also granted taxpayers eligible for the relief more time to make certain contributions and tax payments.
- 2023 estimated tax payments originally due on April 18, June 15 and Sept. 15 are due Oct. 16.
- Affected taxpayers have until Oct. 16 to make contributions to HSAs and IRAs.
- Quarterly payroll and excise tax returns originally due on Jan. 31, April 30 and July 31 are due Oct. 16.
Not all taxpayers in Georgia and Alabama qualify for the automatic Oct. 16 tax deadline extensions. You can check the IRS’ disaster relief page for more information.
(Note: The IRS initially extended the tax deadline for taxpayers in parts of California to Oct. 16, but this deadline has been postponed to Nov. 16.)
State tax deadline extensions
Most state tax extension deadlines are also due Oct. 16. Some states, such as Alabama and Kansas, grant automatic tax extensions if you request a federal filing extension.
However, not all states do, and the tax extension deadlines for some states can fall after Oct. 16. For example, the extended tax deadline for Louisiana state personal income tax returns isn’t until Nov. 15.
Here are a few other exceptions to the October 16 tax deadline:
- The extended tax deadline in New Hampshire is Nov. 15.
- The extended tax deadline in Virginia is Nov. 1.
Exceptions may apply for deadlines that fall after Oct. 16. For example, some states won’t grant a filing extension if you owe tax. So, it’s important to check with your state’s Department of Revenue before waiting to file your state tax return.
SEP IRA contribution deadline
If you filed for a federal tax extension, you have until Oct.16 to make contributions to your employee’s 2022 SEP IRA accounts. That’s because the contribution deadline for this type of IRA aligns with your federal income tax return deadline, including any granted extensions.
Making contributions to this type of IRA may lower your tax liability since you can claim them as a tax deduction on your return. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the IRS only allows you to deduct up to 25% of employee compensation or the amount of your contributions, whichever is less.
Solo 401(k) contribution deadline
Self-employed taxpayers who requested a federal tax filing extension have until Oct. 16 to contribute to solo 401(k) accounts. Just make sure you don’t exceed these contribution limits if you choose to make additional contributions:
- $61,000 or 25% of your net adjusted self-employment income, whichever is less
- If making catch-up contributions and are 50 or older, $67,500 or 25% of your net adjusted self-employment income, whichever is less
Correct excess IRA contributions
If you accidentally made excess IRA contributions (also known as ineligible contributions) last year, and you were granted a federal tax extension, you still have time to correct the mistake (if you act quickly). And since the IRS will tax you 6% on the excess in your account, you’ll want to withdraw the excess funds before the Oct. 16 deadline.
Here are the 2022 contribution limits for traditional IRAs and Roth IRAs.
- For taxpayers less than 50 years, $6,000 or your taxable compensation for 2022, whichever is less
- For taxpayers 50 and older, $7,000 or your taxable compensation for 2022, whichever is less
Tax deadline time
You have all day today (October 16) to meet the above-mentioned tax deadlines since taxes aren't due until the end of the day (midnight). That means you'll want to have your return filed by 11:59 tonight. However, any documents you send via regular mail must be postmarked by today, which means you must visit your post office before it closes.
Regardless of whether you are mailing documents or submitting them electronically, it's not possible to predict exactly how long it will take to complete all your forms, so the sooner you file (or make or correct contributions), the better.
Related Content
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.

Katelyn has more than 6 years of experience working in tax and finance. While she specialized in tax content while working at Kiplinger from 2023 to 2024, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement, and financial planning and had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes knowledge is the key to success and enjoys providing content that educates and informs.
-
Dow Retreats From a Record High: Stock Market Today
Quietly rising since April, Home Depot stock was conspicuously constructive Tuesday as high-profile tech names dragged equity indexes down.
-
My car is 10 years old. Should I drop down to minimum coverage on my car insurance?
Reducing your car insurance to minimum coverage could save you thousands on premiums. But when is it worth the risk?
-
Stay NJ Could Give You $6,500: The Deadline You Can't Miss
Property Taxes New Jersey has a new property tax relief program for 2025. But the application deadline is fast approaching.
-
The Fall Garden Tax? What to Plant and How to Prepare
Tax Tips Fall gardening could increase your taxes this season. Here’s what to know while planting in 2025.
-
Texas Sales Tax-Free Weekend 2025
Tax Holiday Here's what you needed to know about the Texas sales tax holiday.
-
Retirees Should Watch These Four Key Tax Changes in 2025
Tax Changes This year brings key tax changes that could affect your retirement taxes and income.
-
The Most Tax-Friendly State for Retirement in 2025: Here It Is
Retirement Tax How do you retire ‘tax-free’? This state doesn’t tax retirement income, has a low median property tax bill, and even offers savings on gas. Are you ready for a move?
-
Five Ways Trump’s 2025 Tax Bill Could Boost Your Tax Refund (or Shrink It)
Tax Refunds The tax code is changing again, and if you’re filing for 2025, Trump’s ‘big beautiful’ bill could mean a bigger refund, a smaller one or something in between next year. Here are five ways the new law could impact your bottom line.
-
New SALT Deduction Could Put Thousands Back in California Homeowners’ Pockets
Tax Breaks The federal state and local sales tax (SALT) deduction cap is higher this year, and could translate into bigger savings for Golden State homeowners.
-
Money for Your Kids? Three Ways Trump's ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Impacts Your Child's Finances
Tax Tips The Trump tax bill could help your child with future education and homebuying costs. Here’s how.