Staying on top of tax deadlines is critical for avoiding penalties, interest, and missed refund opportunities. Whether you’re filing a federal income tax return, paying quarterly estimated taxes, or handling state-specific obligations, being aware of key dates helps ensure smooth compliance with both the IRS and your state’s tax authority. This comprehensive guide outlines the most important tax deadlines that individual taxpayers should track each year.
Federal Tax Deadlines: Key Dates You Must Know
January 15 – 4th Quarter Estimated Tax Payment (Prior Year)
If you are self-employed or have income that is not subject to withholding (such as rental, interest, or gig income), you must pay estimated taxes quarterly. The fourth and final estimated payment for the prior tax year is due by January 15 of the current year. Failing to pay may result in an underpayment penalty.
January 31 – Form W-2 and Form 1099 Issuance Deadline
Employers must issue Form W-2 to employees and file copies with the Social Security Administration by January 31. Similarly, payers of nonemployee compensation (like freelancers and contractors) must issue Form 1099-NEC by this date. Ensure you receive all necessary forms by early February to accurately file your return.
April 15 – Tax Day (Federal Individual Income Tax Return Due)
April 15 is the most critical tax deadline. Individual taxpayers must file their Form 1040 federal income tax return by this date unless it falls on a weekend or holiday, in which case it moves to the next business day. Any taxes owed must also be paid by this deadline to avoid late payment penalties and interest.
April 15 – First Quarter Estimated Tax Payment (Current Year)
If you’re required to make estimated tax payments for the current year, the first installment is due on the same day as the filing deadline—April 15. This is common for freelancers, landlords, investors, and others with non-W-2 income.
June 15 – Second Quarter Estimated Tax Payment
The second estimated tax installment for the current year is due on June 15. U.S. citizens and resident aliens living abroad also have until this date to file their federal return without filing an extension, although interest applies on any unpaid balance after April 15.
September 15 – Third Quarter Estimated Tax Payment
This is the due date for the third estimated payment for the current tax year. Stay on schedule to prevent IRS underpayment penalties.
October 15 – Extended Tax Return Filing Deadline
If you filed for a 6-month extension (Form 4868) by April 15, this is your final deadline to submit your federal income tax return. Note that extensions apply only to filing, not to payment—you must still pay any tax due by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Other Important Federal Filing Dates
- March 1: Farmers and fishermen who did not make estimated payments must file and pay in full.
- January 10: Deadline for those who owe no penalty because they file and pay in full by this date (often applies to certain small filers).
- January 31: Deadline for businesses to furnish Form 1099-MISC/NEC to independent contractors.
State Tax Deadlines: Vary by Jurisdiction
Each U.S. state with an income tax sets its own deadlines for filing returns and making payments. In most states, the individual income tax return is due on or around April 15, aligning with the federal deadline. However, there are exceptions and unique considerations.
States That Follow the Federal Deadline
Most states—including California, New York, Illinois, and Texas (for franchise taxes)—follow the IRS April 15 deadline for individual income tax returns. If the IRS extends the deadline for any reason, these states typically follow suit.
States With No Income Tax
Some states do not levy a personal income tax, so residents do not need to file a state return. These states are:
- Alaska
- Florida
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (full exemption from 2021)
- Texas
- Washington
- Wyoming
Unique State Deadline Notes
- Virginia: State tax returns are due May 1.
- Massachusetts and Maine: Often follow Patriot’s Day (mid-April), so the deadline can differ slightly from April 15.
- Hawaii: Deadline is typically April 20.
- Oregon: Aligns with federal but has specific kicker credit requirements.
Quarterly Estimated Payments at the State Level
If your state requires quarterly estimated tax payments (e.g., California, New York), the due dates typically mirror the federal schedule:
- April 15
- June 15
- September 15
- January 15 (following year)
Check with your state’s Department of Revenue to confirm exact deadlines, especially if you are self-employed or have significant income not subject to withholding.
Tips to Stay Organized with Tax Deadlines
- Use a tax calendar or reminder system to track deadlines throughout the year.
- File early to avoid last-minute stress and processing delays.
- Keep copies of tax forms (W-2s, 1099s, receipts, etc.) in a central location for easy access.
- Set up EFTPS or IRS Direct Pay for timely and secure payments.
- If you’re unsure about your payment obligations, consult a tax professional early in the year.
Penalties for Missing Deadlines
Failing to meet filing or payment deadlines can result in substantial penalties:
- Failure to file: 5% of unpaid taxes per month (up to 25%)
- Failure to pay: 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month (up to 25%)
- Interest: Accrues on any unpaid tax balance until paid in full
Conclusion
Understanding and tracking key tax deadlines—both federal and state—is essential for staying compliant, avoiding fines, and maximizing your refund. From estimated tax payments to filing deadlines and extension cutoffs, marking your calendar with these important dates can save you time, money, and stress. Whether you file your own taxes or work with a preparer, proactive planning ensures you’re always on the IRS’s good side.
If you have multiple income streams, live in more than one state, or need help managing estimated payments, consulting a qualified tax advisor is a smart move to stay ahead of tax deadlines year-round.
