You probably already know that most Americans have to file their 2018 federal tax return by April 15, 2019 (as we told you earlier). For most states with an income tax (there are nine states with no income tax), the state return is also due on April 15 this year. However, some states give you more time to file — such as Louisiana.
States With Tax Deadlines After April 15 in 2019
| State | Due Date |
|---|---|
| Delaware | April 30 |
| Hawaii | April 22 |
| Iowa | April 30 |
| Louisiana | May 15 |
| Maine | April 17 |
| Massachusetts | April 17 |
| New Mexico | April 30 (if e-filed) |
| Oklahoma | April 22 (if e-filed) |
| Virginia | May 1 |
The Pelican State has the latest tax return deadline in the nation. For the 2018 tax year, Form IT-540 isn't due until May 15, 2019. That's a full month after the due date for federal returns.
There are four ways to ask for a six-month extension if you can't file your Louisiana return by the deadline. You can request an extension (1) through the Louisiana Department of Revenue's website, (2) by calling 225-922-3270 or 888-829-3071, (3) by checking the state extension box in your tax-preparation software, or (4) by mailing Form R-2867 with a copy of your federal extension to the LDR. Your request must be submitted by May 15. Also remember that a filing extension does not extend the time to pay any tax due. Interest and penalties will be applied to tax payments received after May 15.
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We recommend filing both federal and state returns at the same time if possible. State returns typically "piggyback" off the federal return, so it's usually easier to do them at the same time. There's also a better chance of avoiding discrepancies if you do them together. However, if that's not possible, having an extra month to file your Louisiana return can help. It gives you more time to focus on getting your federal return off before the April 15 deadline and then to get your state return just right.
For information about other states with delayed tax filing deadlines, see 9 States Where You Can File Your State Tax Return After April 15.
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