When Do 2023 Taxes Have to Be Filed?
Navigate the 2024 tax season with clarity. Learn the primary deadline for 2023 returns, key exceptions, and the rules for filing an extension.
This article clarifies the filing dates for the 2023 tax year, which were submitted in 2024. The information provided outlines the standard federal due dates and other timelines applicable to specific taxpayer situations.
The 2023 Federal Tax Filing Deadline
For most individuals in the United States, the deadline to file their 2023 federal income tax return was Monday, April 15, 2024. This date is the standard tax day unless it falls on a weekend or holiday. Taxpayers were expected to submit their tax forms, such as the Form 1040, and pay any outstanding tax liability by this time.
A specific exception to the standard deadline applied to residents of Maine and Massachusetts. Their deadline to file and pay was Wednesday, April 17, 2024. This postponement was due to the observance of Patriots’ Day and Emancipation Day, which are local holidays recognized by the federal government for tax filing purposes.
Requesting a Filing Extension
Taxpayers who could not file their returns by the April deadline had the option to request an automatic six-month extension. This was accomplished by submitting Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to the IRS. Successfully filing this form pushed the deadline to file the tax return to Tuesday, October 15, 2024.
This extension only applied to the filing of the tax return, not the payment of taxes owed. An estimate of the tax liability for 2023 had to be calculated and paid by the original April 15 deadline. Failure to pay the estimated amount could result in interest and failure-to-pay penalties on the unpaid balance.
Special Deadlines for Certain Taxpayers
U.S. citizens and resident aliens who lived and worked outside the United States and Puerto Rico received an automatic two-month extension to file their federal income tax return. Their deadline was June 17, 2024, because the standard June 15 date fell on a weekend. This extension also applied to members of the military on duty outside the U.S.
The IRS often provides deadline relief to taxpayers affected by federally declared disasters, which may postpone tax-filing and payment deadlines for those in the affected area. Taxpayers who believe they qualify for this relief should consult the “Tax Relief in Disaster Situations” page on the IRS website for specific details about their location.