Tax Day 2024: Filing Deadline and Other Due Dates
Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.
For most of us, the 2024 tax season has come to a close. The last day to file a federal income tax return was Monday, April 15, 2024, and the deadline for those with a valid tax extension was Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024.
Here are a few more tax deadlines to know about — some of which don't involve tallying up with the IRS.
When were taxes due in 2024?
The deadline for filing a federal tax return was 11:59 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2024. Maine and Massachusetts residents had until April 17 because of state holidays, and Americans living abroad had until June 17, 2024, to file and pay.
The IRS says the date and time in your time zone when your electronic return was transmitted determined whether it was on time. For paper filers, the IRS will consider your return on time if it was properly addressed, had enough postage, and was put in the mail and postmarked by the due date.
Some people, such as certain military members and people affected by natural disasters, may have been eligible for automatic extensions.
» Still need to file? NerdWallet's top picks for tax software
What if I didn't make the 2024 tax deadline?
If you weren't able to finish your return on time and you requested a six-month tax extension using Form 4868, your new filing deadline was moved out to October. However, remember that tax extensions move the filing deadline, not the payment deadline.
What if I didn't get an extension?
If you're due a refund, there's no IRS penalty for filing your return late, but consider filing quickly anyway to get your money back sooner. And remember that though you might not be hit with a penalty for filing late, you very likely still need to file a return. The IRS has a strict definition of who has to file a tax return based on annual income, among other factors.
If owe the IRS, didn't secure an extension in time, and are getting to your taxes late, penalties and interest will begin to accrue. The IRS encourages you to pay an estimate of what you owe as soon as possible to limit penalties and interest. If you can't pay your tax bill in full, the agency recommends paying what you can and setting up an installment plan.
When are taxes due in October?
If you filed an extension by Tax Day, your new filing deadline was Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. Getting an extension gave you more time to file, but it did not give you more time to pay your taxes. Any tax you owe, or a good estimate of that amount, was due April 15. Interest and penalties apply to tax bills owed after April 15, and they add up until your balance is paid.
» Next steps: 10 ways to make an IRS payment
When are state taxes due in 2024?
State income tax deadlines typically mirror the federal tax deadline, but some exceptions exist.
Nine states — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming — do not have a state-level income tax, but certain filers living in Washington or New Hampshire who have substantial capital gains or investing income may have had state tax filing obligations.
If you live in a county that was affected by a natural disaster, the IRS might have extended your federal tax filing and payment due date — but keep in mind that not all state tax departments extend the same courtesy for state returns. If you have any questions about the due date of your return, make sure to check with your state's revenue department
» Curious about your state income taxes? Check your state's tax rate here
What are the other 2024 tax deadlines to know?
January 12 | Free File opens. The IRS partners with brand-name software companies to provide taxpayers who make below a certain income access to free tax-prep and filing software. The Free File program opens and begins accepting returns Jan. 12. | |
January 29 | Tax filing season begins. The IRS begins to accept and process federal tax returns Jan. 29. Note that if you applied for certain credits, like the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit, the agency will not issue your refund until at least mid-February — no matter how early you file. | |
January 16 | Estimated tax payments due for 4th quarter. This is the last day to pay estimated taxes for income earned Sept. 1, 2023, through Dec. 31, 2023. Generally applies to self-employed workers and taxpayers whose withholding does not cover enough of their tax liability. » MORE: Learn more about how estimated tax payments work. | |
January 31 | Form W-2 deadline. Employers must mail or furnish W-2 forms to employees who worked for them in 2023 by this date. 1099 deadlines. The IRS requires that certain information returns, such as the 1099-NEC, 1099-K and 1099-INT, be issued or mailed by Jan. 31. This means, for example, if you earned a certain income from interest in 2023 or are a freelancer who made $600 or more in non-employee earnings, you should expect a document in your inbox or in the mail outlining those earnings around this time. You’ll need to reference it when you file your taxes. » MORE: Still waiting for your W-2? Here are some steps to take. | |
February 15 | Form W-4 deadline for tax-exempt status. If you were exempt from tax withholding in 2023, this is the deadline to file a new Form W-4 with your employer if you intend to reclaim the exemption for 2024. 1099 deadlines (continued). Another set of 1099 deadlines: Informational returns like the 1099-Bs (for income earned from the sale of certain securities) and certain 1099-MISC forms must be sent to recipients by this date. The IRS has more details about information returns here. » MORE: An overview of the key 2024 tax forms and publications. | |
April 15: Tax Day | Federal tax filing deadline. This is the date by which you must file your taxes with the IRS. This is also the deadline to file for a tax extension. Remember, a tax extension gives you more time to submit your return, not pay your taxes. Even if you submit a request for an extension, you must pay your taxes owed by April 15. HSA and IRA contribution deadline. The last day to make contributions to your health savings account or a Roth/traditional individual retirement account for the tax year 2023. The limit for HSA contributions in 2023 is $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for family coverage. The contribution limit for IRAs in 2023 is $6,500 ($7,500 if you’re 50 or older). Estimated taxes due for 1st quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the first quarter of the year (Jan. 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024) are due today. » MORE: How to file for a tax extension in 2024. | |
May 17 | 2020 refund deadline. If you didn't file a tax return in 2020 but would have been due a refund if you had, this is the last day to submit a 2020 tax return to recoup those unclaimed funds. The IRS estimates that over $1 billion in funds remain unclaimed. | |
June 17 | Estimated taxes due for 2nd Quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the second quarter of the year (April 1, 2024, through May 31, 2024) are due today. Tax deadline for Americans living abroad. Taxpayers who live or work outside of the U.S. are granted an automatic two-month extension from April to timely file. In 2024, taxes for this group are due by June 17. | |
September 16 | Estimated taxes due for 3rd quarter. Estimated tax payments on income earned during the third quarter of the year (June 1, 2024, through Aug. 31, 2024) are due today. | |
October 15 | Tax extension deadline. Filing for an extension by April 15 gives you until Oct. 15 to finalize your returns. If you miss this deadline, your return is considered late by IRS and the penalties will begin to pile on. SEP and Simple IRA, Solo 401(k) contribution deadline. Those who have established any of the self-employment retirement plans listed above and who timely filed for an extension in April have until Oct. 15 to make a final contribution to these plans for the 2023 tax year. | |
December 31 | 401(k) contributions deadline. If you contribute to an employer-sponsored retirement plan like a traditional or Roth 401(k), Dec. 31 is typically the last day to make a qualified contribution. For the 2024 tax year, the most you can contribute is $23,000 ($30,500 if you’re 50 or older). RMD deadline. If you’re required to take RMDs, you must do so by Dec. 31. Charitable donations deadline. If you itemize deductions and want to donate to charity to reduce your taxable income, this is the last day to do it for the 2024 tax year. | |
When will I get my refund?
It depends on how you filed. The IRS says most people who filed electronically and chose direct deposit get their refund within 21 days. Paper returns can take longer to process — up to four weeks or more in most cases.
If you've already filed, you can check the status of your return on the IRS website.
Tax Day resources
Federal tax rates and brackets: See what federal tax bracket you're in.
How tax returns work: Get up to speed on the basics.
How to fill out a 1040 form: Learn more about tax returns and other schedules.
Learn about free tax filing options: IRS Free File and VITA are just a few options.
Free File: The National Taxpayer Advocate estimates that more than 70% of filers qualify.
How estimated tax payments work: Paying this way can help avoid penalties and interest.
401(k): See how these retirement plans can cut your tax bill.
