Whether you’re a salaried employee, a freelancer, a small business owner, or a corporation, understanding and adhering to tax deadlines will help you effectively manage your tax obligations throughout the year, ensure compliance with tax laws, and avoid unnecessary penalties. But we know you have plenty going on in your life, and keeping track of every IRS tax deadline may not always be top of your agenda.
To make things easier for you, this comprehensive guide contains essential tax deadlines for the year 2024.
Make sure your 2024 calendar is updated with these tax deadlines, dates, and possible extensions:
If you read nothing else, know the below:
- The usual deadline for individual income tax returns is April 15, unless it coincides with a weekend or holiday, or if you opt for an extension by filing Form 4868, which extends the deadline until October 15.
- Independent contractors, gig workers, and self-employed individuals are generally required to make quarterly estimated tax payments on predetermined dates throughout the year.
- Partnerships (including multi-member LLCs) and S-Corps typically have filing deadlines on March 15, unless they operate on a fiscal year basis. An extension of six months, until September 15 (or five months after the original deadline), can be requested using Form 7004.
2024 tax deadlines for individuals
Employees, retirees, self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and gig workers
- January 16, 2024: The final estimated tax payment for the 4th quarter of 2023 is due. If you’re self-employed or have other sources of income not subject to withholding, this deadline applies to you.
- January 29, 2024: The IRS begins processing 2023 tax returns. It’s time to gather your documents and start preparing to file your taxes for the previous year.
- January 31, 2024: The IRS requires all employers to send you a W-2 no later than January 31 following the close of the tax year. You can also expect various 1099 forms (including 1099-NEC,1099-MISC, and 1099-K).
- February 15, 2024: Deadline to reclaim exemption from withholding by filing Form W-4. If you want to adjust the amount of tax withheld from your paycheck, make sure to submit this form to your employer by this date.
- April 1, 2024: First Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) due for individuals who turned 73 in 2023 or those who will attain age 72 in 2024. As a result of a recent amendment, IRA owners who will attain age 72 in 2024 will have a required beginning date of 4/1/26, rather than 4/1/25. Failure to withdraw the required amount from your retirement accounts could result in steep penalties.
- April 15, 2024: Tax Day (unless extended due to local state holiday). This is the deadline to file your 2023 tax return and request an extension (Form 4868) if needed. It’s also the deadline to make IRA and HSA contributions for the 2023 tax year, and the first quarter 2024 estimated tax payment is due.
- June 17, 2024: Second quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due. If you pay estimated taxes on income not subject to withholding, such as self-employment income or investment income, mark this date on your calendar.
- September 16, 2024: Third quarter 2024 estimated tax payment due. Stay on top of your estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties at the end of the year.
- October 15, 2024: Deadline to file an extended 2023 tax return. If you filed for an extension in April, make sure to submit your tax return by this date to avoid late filing penalties. What happens if you miss the extended tax deadline?
2024 tax deadlines for businesses
Partnerships (including LLCs), C Corps (Form 1120), and S Corps (Form 1120S)
You may also be interested in: Tax implications of business legal structures
- Early 2024: 2023 tax season begins.
- January 15, 2024: 4th Quarter 2023 estimated tax payment due for partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations. Don’t forget to account for any pass-through income when calculating your estimated tax payments.
- January 31, 2024: Employers send W-2s forms to employees and send certain 1099 forms.
- March 15, 2024: Taxes due for partnerships, multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations for the 2023 calendar year. Make sure to file your tax return or request an extension by this date to avoid late filing penalties.
- April 15, 2024: Taxes due for C-Corporations for the 2023 calendar year. If your business operates as a C-Corporation, mark this date on your calendar and ensure timely payment of your corporate taxes.
- September 16, 2024: Deadline for extended partnership and S-corporation returns. If you filed for an extension in March, make sure to submit your tax return by this date to avoid late filing penalties.
- October 15, 2024: Deadline for extended C-corporation returns. If you operate as a C-Corporation and filed for an extension in April, make sure to file your tax return by this date to avoid penalties.
PLEASE NOTE: The lists above only cover the important tax deadlines broadly relevant to individuals and businesses. To see all the important tax deadlines applicable to each taxpayer, please visit IRS Publication 509.
You may also be interested in: 10 Year-End Tax Planning Recommendations
When are state taxes due?
For the most part, state taxes are also due on April 15, 2024. However, the following states have different deadlines:
- Massachusetts: April 17, 2024
- Maine: April 17, 2024
- Hawaii: April 22, 2024
- New Mexico: April 30, 2024 (e-returns only)
- Oklahoma: April 20, 2024 (e-returns only)
- Delaware: April 30, 2024
- Iowa: April 30, 2024
- Virginia: May 1, 2024
- Louisiana: May 15, 2024
States that do not collect income taxes: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming.
Consult with your state’s Department of Revenue for the most current information.
Tips to help you make sure you get everything done right and on time:
- Save future time and trouble with a new S Corp by getting your accountant the proper paperwork showing that your S Corp status has been accepted.
- An extension will extend your time to file, but not your time to pay. If you think you might owe money this year, don’t wait to get us as much information as possible.
- Avoid the temptation to ignore that 1099 you received this year, or leave out things like bank interest or dividends that may seem insignificant to you. Companies report this income information to the IRS and it is matched by computer to what you file. If you choose not to file altogether, the IRS may choose to file for you. The IRS is the worst tax accountant you could have when it comes to finding deductions and credits.
- Ask questions. The tax law is constantly changing. If you think something might be deductible, or should be deductible, it never hurts to ask your accountant.
And as always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call. That’s what we are here for! Working with a tax professional can help you understand your eligibility for deductions and credits, reconcile your information, and submit an accurate tax return that is likely to result in a quicker refund. Contact us for assistance.
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