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For most taxpayers, the federal tax filing date falls either on April 15 or the next business day. This year, it falls on a Tuesday for most calendar year filers. Note that business tax return deadlines follow the fiscal year and may differ.<\/p>\n
Most state income tax deadlines mirror the federal filing deadline, but there are some exceptions, so double-check your state\u2019s website. For instance, Louisiana gives residents until May 15 to file their state income tax returns, and Hawaiians have until April 21. Eligible taxpayers affected by natural disasters may also have received automatic federal filing extensions if they reside in a disaster area.<\/p>\n
If you’re in a rush to submit your tax return before the deadline, there are several options to get your forms filed quickly and accurately. First, gather your paperwork for the tax year, including W-2s, Form 1099s, and other tax withholding documentation.<\/p>\n
The IRS has several programs to help taxpayers file their personal income tax returns for free this tax season. The IRS Direct File pilot program supports filing directly with the IRS for free if you\u2019re an eligible taxpayer in one of 25 states. For some states, Direct File also allows filers to import federal filing information directly into the state\u2019s filing tool.<\/p>\n
IRS Free File is a free guided tax software from IRS tax partners made available to taxpayers across the country with an annual taxable income of $84,000 or less.<\/p>\n
To complete your tax return before the due date, tax software can get the job done quickly and easily.<\/p>\n
The downside is most tax software doesn\u2019t come free, which can feel like piling on if you already owe taxes. If you have simple, straightforward returns you may be able to use one of the free or trial versions of tax software from TurboTax or H&R Block.<\/p>\n
The government offers tax assistance through programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), for low- and moderate-income taxpayers, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and MiliTax, which is free tax software offered through the Department of Defense to military members, some veterans, and their families.<\/p>\n
The IRS also runs tax assistance centers across the country. IRS staff and volunteers at Taxpayer Assistance Centers can set up a payment plan, check on your refund, and help you file your federal and state return online.<\/p>\n
While they\u2019ll be extremely busy as the tax deadline approaches, a tax professional can help you not only file a return, but also do other tax preparation work such as filing a request for a tax extension.<\/p>\n
Read more: <\/em>How to file your 2024 tax return for free<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/header>\n<\/section>\nThese are not-to-miss details to double-check before filing.<\/p>\n
1. Which tax credits and tax deductions are you eligible for?<\/p>\n
Make sure you\u2019re aware of the tax credits and deductions you or your family might be eligible for and how they work. Popular tax credits like the child tax credit and the earned income tax credit can dramatically lower your tax liability.<\/p>\n
2. Are you taking the standard deduction or will you itemize?<\/p>\n
The work needed to itemize deductions may be tricky if you\u2019re up against important tax deadlines. But there can be financial benefits that make the hassle worth it, especially for homeowners and those with significant medical expenses.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s how to decide whether you should itemize or choose the standard deduction.<\/p>\n
3. What’s the right tax filing status for you?<\/p>\n
In addition to your annual income, your filing status determines the rate at which you\u2019ll be taxed, so it\u2019s important to get it right. There are five federal filing statuses to choose from, but the most common are single or married filing jointly.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re scrambling to file your federal tax return, you can request a little extra time from the IRS. Your request must be submitted by the tax deadline and gives you an extra six months to file a return \u2014 but it doesn\u2019t provide an extension for making tax payments.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s worth saying again: Even with an extension, your estimated taxes are still due by the federal tax deadline. The six-month extension is a grace period only for filing taxes, not an exemption from paying them.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re in a federally declared natural disaster, you may receive notice from the IRS that you\u2019ve been automatically granted a filing extension.<\/p>\n
Not sure how to pay the piper for your unpaid taxes? Fortunately, you have several options if you have taxes due. If you\u2019re using e-file tax software, you can typically just route the tax payment through your bank account.<\/p>\n
You can also go to the IRS website and use the Direct Pay e-filing portal, which lets you make an electronic payment with your debit card, credit card, or through IRS-approved vendors. Self-employed taxpayers and small businesses can also use this portal to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.<\/p>\n
If you prefer to send a check or money order via snail mail, the IRS provides instructions on including a voucher (you\u2019ll file Form 1040 V) with your tax forms. Note, however, that a recent executive order seeks to phase out the use of paper checks for government payments in the near future.<\/p>\n
If you can’t pay your tax bill in full by the payment deadline, the IRS offers several repayment plans. These include a short-term repayment plan (less than 180 days), a longer-term installment plan (more than 180 days), and a settlement option called offer in compromise available to some taxpayers suffering from financial hardship.<\/p>\n
Read more: <\/em>Can you pay taxes with a credit card, and how much will it cost?<\/em><\/p>\nFailing to file taxes before the deadline comes with a cost. The IRS typically charges taxpayers two separate penalties, one for a failure to file and another for failure to pay.<\/p>\n
The failure to file penalty is 5% of your unpaid taxes charged each month, up to 25% of your unpaid tax liability. If you\u2019re more than 60 days late filing a return, penalties can be more expensive and accrue interest.<\/p>\n
The failure to pay penalty is 0.5% of your unpaid taxes assessed each month, up to 25% of your total tax bill. Once the IRS issues you a late notice, your late payment penalty increases to 1% per month plus accrued interest.<\/p>\n
If Uncle Sam owes you money, you can expect your refund to show up in your account via direct deposit a few weeks after you\u2019ve filed. If you don\u2019t choose direct deposit, getting a refund check may take a bit longer. Keep in mind that per executive order, the U.S. Treasury will no longer issue refunds via paper checks after Sept. 30, 2025.<\/p>\n
While you wait for that tax refund, you can start doing a little financial planning to ensure you\u2019ll use your money wisely. Most Americans opt to pay down debt, but you can also prop up an emergency fund or savings account or put the money toward college or retirement.<\/p>\n
Here are 5 ways to use your refund wisely.<\/p>\n
While the IRS recommends most taxpayers file an individual income tax return, there are some cases when filing isn\u2019t necessary. IRS income thresholds for mandatory filing are $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, and $23,625 for head-of-household filers.<\/p>\n
Taxpayers over 65 may have slightly more generous income thresholds for mandatory filing. There is no failure to file penalty if you\u2019re owed a refund.<\/p>\n
Read more: <\/em>Do you pay taxes on Social Security benefits?<\/em><\/p>\nMost states have the same or a similar deadline as federal tax returns, but there are some exceptions. You should check your state website for more information about when and how to file your state tax returns.<\/p>\n
Many filing methods and tax software options allow taxpayers to file federal and state income taxes at the same time, but some may charge an additional fee for filing in one or more states.<\/p>\n
Tax day isn\u2019t just the filing deadline. It\u2019s also the deadline for paying taxes. Otherwise, you\u2019ll begin to incur penalties. Even if you get an extension to compile and complete your tax return, you\u2019ll still be expected to make an estimated tax payment by the tax deadline.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re unable to pay your taxes by the deadline, the IRS offers payment plans or installment plans for eligible taxpayers.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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