IRS Filing Dates

Here are 2024 tax deadlines.

January 29th tax filing season begins. The IRS typically begins to accept and process federal tax returns in mid-to-late January. 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. 

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.

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. 

April 15 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. » 

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.

Mid-July deadline to claim 2020 tax refund. This is typically the final month to file a tax return to claim a refund for a prior-year return going back three years.

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.