Last Day to E-file or Mail Federal and State Taxes
Meeting your tax obligation goes beyond a single date. Understand the specific rules that determine your final federal and state filing and payment deadlines.
The U.S. tax system requires the annual filing of income tax returns by a specific date. This deadline can change depending on the calendar, and options are available if you cannot file on time. Understanding these dates for both federal and state returns helps avoid penalties.
Determining Your Federal Filing Deadline
The standard deadline to file federal individual income tax returns, such as Form 1040, is April 15. This date is not fixed, as it shifts to the next business day if April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday.
The Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia can also affect the national deadline. Because federal law recognizes D.C. holidays for tax filing, if Emancipation Day’s observance moves the tax deadline, the entire country’s filing date is pushed to the next business day.
The method used to submit your return determines the cutoff time on the last day. E-filed returns must be transmitted by midnight in your time zone on the deadline date. Mailed returns must be correctly addressed, have sufficient postage, and be postmarked on or before the deadline.
Navigating State Filing Deadlines
While the federal government sets a national schedule, each state with an income tax establishes its own rules and deadlines. Most states align their income tax filing due date with the federal deadline for convenience.
This alignment is not universal, as some states set their own unique deadlines. For example, Hawaii’s deadline is often after the federal date. You must verify the specific filing deadline for any state where you have a filing requirement to avoid penalties.
To confirm a state’s tax deadline, consult the official website for that state’s department of revenue or taxation. These government sources provide the most accurate and current information regarding filing due dates and extension procedures.
Requesting a Tax Filing Extension
If you cannot submit your return by the deadline, you can request an automatic six-month extension to file. This is an extension of time to file, not to pay. You must estimate your tax liability and pay any amount owed by the original due date to avoid interest and late-payment penalties.
To request a federal extension, you can submit Form 4868 electronically or by mail. Another method is to make an electronic payment for your estimated tax through an IRS payment option, indicating the payment is for an extension, which does not require a separate form.
An extension pushes the filing deadline to October 15. A similar process is available for state taxes, but requirements vary. You must check your state’s rules, as some accept the federal extension while others require a separate state-specific form.