Free Guide to 2024 Tax Return Filing Dates

Overview of 2024 Tax Return Filing Dates and Deadlines

The 2024 tax filing season follows a set schedule that affects millions of people across the United States. Understanding when dates fall and what they mean can help you plan your tax preparation without confusion. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets specific dates each year for when filing begins, when it ends, and when taxes are due if you owe money.

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For the 2024 tax year, the IRS began accepting returns on January 29, 2024. This marked the official start of tax season when taxpayers could begin submitting their federal income tax returns. The deadline to file your 2024 return is April 15, 2025, unless you live in a state or territory with a recognized holiday that falls on that date. In some cases, April 15 may fall on a weekend or holiday, which can shift the deadline. For 2024 returns, April 15, 2025 is a Monday, so that is the actual filing deadline for most people.

If you cannot file by April 15, you may request an automatic extension that gives you until October 15, 2025 to submit your return. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe taxes, you should still pay by April 15, even if you file your return later. Paying on time helps you avoid penalties and interest charges on any amount you owe.

Different types of filers may have different dates to remember. Self-employed individuals, business owners, and those with complex tax situations often need to track additional dates for estimated tax payments throughout the year. Understanding your specific situation helps you stay on track with all tax obligations.

Practical Takeaway: Mark April 15, 2025 on your calendar as your main filing deadline. If you think you cannot file by then, plan ahead to request an extension before the deadline passes. Keep in mind that paying taxes owed by April 15 is separate from filing your return by October 15 if you receive an extension.

Key Dates Throughout the 2024 Tax Year

The tax year runs from January 1 through December 31, and important dates are spread throughout this period. Knowing these dates helps you prepare documents, make payments, and avoid missing critical deadlines that could result in fees or penalties.

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January marks the start of receiving tax documents from employers, financial institutions, and other sources. Your employer must provide you with a W-2 form by January 31, showing all wages paid and taxes withheld during 2024. Banks and investment companies must send 1099 forms by the same date if you received interest, dividends, or other reportable income. Having these documents early allows you to start gathering information for your return.

Throughout the year, self-employed individuals and business owners make estimated quarterly tax payments. These payments are due on specific dates: April 15, June 17, September 16, and January 16 of the following year. These dates represent quarterly periods and help spread tax obligations throughout the year instead of paying everything at once. Missing these payments can result in penalty fees even if you end up filing a return later.

April 15 serves double duty as both the deadline for filing 2024 returns and the deadline for making the first estimated tax payment for the next tax year. This means some people must handle both obligations on the same day. September marks the midpoint of the year when many people can reflect on their tax situation and make adjustments if needed, such as changing withholding amounts with their employer.

December 31 closes out the tax year. Any income received by this date counts toward your 2024 taxes, while income received on January 1 of the next year belongs to the next tax year. Some taxpayers use December to make charitable contributions, max out retirement account deposits, or make other financial moves that affect their taxes.

Practical Takeaway: Create a calendar with these key dates: January 31 (W-2 and 1099 due), April 15, June 17, September 16 (estimated tax payments if self-employed), and April 15, 2025 (final filing deadline). This helps you stay organized and prevents missing important payments or deadlines.

Understanding Tax Return Filing Extensions

An extension gives you more time to file your tax return, but many people misunderstand what an extension actually does. Filing an extension does not give you more time to pay taxes owed—it only gives you more time to submit your return paperwork. This distinction matters because penalties and interest begin accumulating on unpaid taxes as soon as April 15 passes, regardless of whether you filed an extension.

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To request an extension, you must file Form 4868 with the IRS on or before April 15, 2025. You can file this form electronically through tax software, through a tax professional, or by mail. Most tax software programs make this process straightforward. Filing Form 4868 gives you an automatic six-month extension, moving your filing deadline to October 15, 2025. You do not need to provide a reason or get approval—the extension is automatic if you file the form on time.

The extension applies only to your federal return. If you live in a state that has income tax, you may need to file a separate state extension form to get more time for your state return. State deadlines and requirements vary, so check with your state tax agency if you live in one of the states with income tax. Some states follow the federal extension date, while others have different rules.

Extensions work well for people in several situations. If you are waiting for documents to arrive, such as K-1 forms from partnerships or complex business records, an extension provides breathing room. If you owe money and need time to arrange payment, filing an extension shows the IRS you are trying to meet your obligations. Self-employed people with complicated books sometimes use an extension to give themselves time to organize records and work with a tax professional.

The key to using an extension wisely is estimating what you owe and paying it by April 15 anyway. This stops penalties and interest from growing. Then, when you file your return later, you can claim a refund if you overpaid or settle the difference if your estimate was off. Waiting until October 15 to pay taxes that were already owed on April 15 results in penalty charges.

Practical Takeaway: If you need more time to file, send Form 4868 to the IRS before April 15, 2025. But pay whatever taxes you estimate you owe by April 15 anyway to avoid penalties. Use the extension to file your paperwork, not as a delay on paying what you owe.

Specific Dates for Different Types of Filers

Different people have different filing requirements and dates based on their income, filing status, and type of work. Understanding which rules apply to you prevents missing deadlines specific to your situation.

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W-2 employees who work for a company represent the most straightforward filing situation. Your employer withholds taxes from each paycheck and files tax documents with the IRS. You must file your return by April 15, 2025 to reconcile what was withheld against what you actually owe. Most W-2 employees can file anytime between late January and April 15 without special considerations.

Self-employed individuals and business owners face more complex dates. Beyond filing your annual return by April 15, you must make estimated quarterly tax payments by April 15, June 17, September 16, and January 16. If you miss one of these dates, you may owe penalties even if you later pay the full amount. Additionally, if you operate a partnership, S-corporation, or other business structure, your business may need to file a separate return before you file your personal return. Partnership returns are due March 15, 2025, which comes before the individual filing deadline. This means business partners must coordinate to get their business return filed first.

Farmers and fishermen have special rules. The IRS allows farmers and fishermen to file their 2024 returns by April 15, 2025, or by the date they file a request for an extension. However, they must pay estimated taxes differently than other self-employed people. Many farmers use a special estimated tax payment schedule that aligns with their income patterns.

People who operate a business from their home or have side income fall into the self-employed category and should follow self-employed dates even if they also have a W-2 job. The side income creates additional