Tax Day 2023: When is the Last Day to File Your Taxes?

Tax Day this year is April 18, 2023 (that's today!) when most people have to file their federal tax return for the 2022 tax year. But some taxpayers impacted by storms and natural disasters have more time to file. 

Also, special tax extension rules apply for Americans living abroad and people serving (or who served) in a combat zone or contingency operation. As a result, they might have more time beyond April 18 to file their federal income tax return and pay whatever tax they are expected to owe. And they could receive an extension past October 16.

In any case, here's what you need to know about when taxes are due this year.

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Tax Deadline: Why is Tax Day April 18?

The tax deadline or "Tax Day" is usually on April 15. But when a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or holiday, Tax Day is pushed back to the next available business day. 

Also, Emancipation Day is observed in the District of Columbia around Tax Day. (The holiday honors the end of slavery in Washington, D.C.).  The next business day is April 18, so that is the federal income tax filing deadline this year — for most people.

Tax Deadline Extensions for Natural Disasters

If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declares a disaster area following a natural disaster, the IRS usually offers tax relief for the disaster victims in the form of tax filing and payment extensions. In the case of certain recent natural disasters, the April 18 tax filing and payment deadline is extended for individuals and businesses residing or located in the designated disaster areas.

• Due to storms and other natural disasters, some taxpayers in California, Alabama, and Georgia have until October 16, 2023, to file their federal tax returns.
• The IRS also extended the tax deadline for some New Yorkers, due to winter and snow storms. Taxpayers in affected areas of New York have until May 15, 2023, to file their federal tax returns.
• Additionally, due to a recent tornado in Mississippi, the IRS has extended the tax deadline in affected areas of the state to July 31, 2023. The tax deadline is also extended in Arkansas and Tennessee.

Tax Extension: Do You Need More Time to File?

If, for some reason, you are not able to file your federal tax return on time, you can request an automatic six-month tax extension to October 16, 2023, by filing Form 4868 or making an electronic tax payment. To get an extension, you have to act by the original due date for your return, whether that is April 18, or another extended deadline date. 

Keep in mind, however, that an extension to file doesn't extend the time to pay your tax. If you don't pay the tax due by your tax deadline date, then you will owe interest on the unpaid tax and could be looking at additional penalties for filing and paying late.

Deadlines for State Tax Returns

Unless you live in a state with no income tax, you probably have to file a state tax return as well. Most states synch their income tax return deadline with the federal tax due date. But double check your state deadline to be sure. 

State rules regarding tax filing extensions may differ from the federal rules, too. So, check with the state tax agency where you live to find out when your state tax return is due and/or how to get an extension.