Tax Day 2024 was April 15 So, if you haven't already filed your 2023 federal income tax return (and pay any tax due), you should do so even though you missed the tax deadline. But if you were waiting until the last minute, you ought to at least know when that last minute arrived.
Paper returns – Postmark rules
Some people still fill out paper tax forms. If they owe any money with their return, they may write a paper check to the IRS for the amount due. If that's you, make sure the envelope is postmarked by April 15.
But don't expect your post office to stay open until midnight on Tax Day as they used to years ago (sometimes with bands playing and snacks available). Get there before their regular hours expire if you are hand delivering your return at the postal counter.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For more information, see Is the Post Office Open Late on Tax Day?
E-filed returns – The stroke of midnight
If you are filing an electronic return, as most people do, you must e-file your tax forms by midnight on Tax Day.
However, don't wait until 11:59 p.m. to click the submit button. It can take a few minutes for your return to be successfully transmitted to the IRS and that delay can cause you to miss the deadline.
You can pay the IRS if you owe taxes, electronically. It's easy using the IRS's Direct Pay service (payment directly from a bank account); the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System; or a credit card, debit card or digital wallet like PayPal (processing fees may apply). Go to the IRS's "Pay Online" webpage to get started.
Tax extensions are available
If you just cannot file your return on Tax Day for whatever reason, you can get a tax filing extension to October 15, 2024. But you have to act on Tax Day to get the extension. You can get an extension by mailing in a paper Form 4868 – postmarked by April 15 – or submitting an electronic version of the form by midnight. You can also get a filing extension by making an electronic tax payment by midnight.
Also, keep in mind that many people in states impacted by storms and natural disasters have extended IRS tax deadlines.
Also keep in mind that an extension to file doesn't extend the time to pay your tax. If you don't pay the taxes you owe by the end of the day on April 15, you'll owe interest on the unpaid tax. You could also be hit with additional penalties for filing and paying late.
For more information on filing extensions, see How to Get More Time to File Your Tax Return.
If you can't pay the tax you owe, pay what you can now and then look into the various tax payment options for any amount left. You can set up a payment plan, make an "offer in compromise," or request a temporary collection delay.
State tax returns
Unless you live in a state with no income tax, you probably have to file a state income tax return by the end of the day, too. (Perhaps a local tax return as well.) Most states set their tax return due dates to match up with the federal deadline, but not all of them. For find your state's tax deadlines – including those for extension requests, estimated payments, and returns for other types of taxes – check with the state tax agency where you live.
Related
- Tax Day: Is the Post Office Open Late?
- How to File for a Tax Extension
- Ways to Pay the IRS if You Owe Taxes
-
UBS Global's Solita Marcelli: It's a Green Light for U.S. Stocks in 2025A strong economy, rate cuts and continued AI spending should support stocks in the new year, says UBS Global's chief investment officer, Americas.
-
General Mills Stock Is Sinking After An Earnings Beat. Here's WhyGeneral Mills stock is one of the worst S&P 500 stocks Wednesday as weak full-year guidance offsets better-than-expected earnings. Here's what you need to know.
-
On the Naughty List: Holiday Tax Scams to Look Out ForTax Tips The IRS says scammers are on the prowl for your financial information. Know the signs so you don't fall victim.
-
Retirement Abroad? Three Countries Without Inheritance TaxRetirement Taxes These 2025 top-retiree-friendly countries have an added benefit: potential tax savings for you and your heirs.
-
Five Tax-Savvy Ways To Donate This Holiday SeasonCharitable Donations Food pantries, toy drives, and animal sanctuaries are popular ways to support others year-round.
-
Tax Pros: Is Someone Fraudulently Filing Returns With Your PTIN?Tax Filing An unmonitored preparer tax identification number (PTIN) can lead to serious issues.
-
IRS Shakeup? What Trump's Commissioner Pick Could Mean for TaxesIRS An unconventional nominee comes amid broader efforts to reshape the IRS and tax policy in 2025.
-
IRS Could Lose Another $20 Billion in FundingIRS A mistake in legislative language could soon risk the tax agency's Inflation Reduction Act funding.
-
Are You a Renter? You Could Save on TaxesTax Breaks With these tax savings at your fingertips, rent may be more affordable
-
2025 Open Enrollment: Some DACA Recipients Can Purchase Affordable Care Act Health InsuranceOpen Enrollment Your eligibility to purchase health insurance from the federal marketplace may have changed. Here's what you need to know.
