The 2024 tax season is kicking off later this month, which means it’s time to start checking your mailbox daily for any important tax paperwork you’ll need. You may also want to start saving money now for a potential tax bill — or paying your estimated taxes now). Below, we’ll tell you when tax season officially begins and what the deadline is for filing and paying your taxes.
Also, when it comes to state taxes, a majority of states adhere to the federal government’s timetable, but some have their own schedule (see more below).
Here are the dates you need to know to get you through this tax season. For more on taxes, here’s how to set up an account on the IRS website and how to file your taxes on your phone.
How soon can I file my 2023 tax return?
The 2024 tax season will begin on Jan. 29, the IRS announced on Jan. 8. That means the agency will begin accepting and processing tax returns that Monday if you’d like to get an early start on submitting your taxes.
Want to get an even earlier start? If you use tax software to file your taxes, you can go ahead and start entering all the information you currently have. You can also submit your tax paperwork to a tax professional before Jan. 29.
Note that employers are required to send employees their W-2 and 1099 income tax forms by the end of January, so check your mailbox regularly.
When is the deadline for filing a 2023 tax return with the IRS?
The official deadline to file federal tax returns is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Of course, the IRS does offer extensions in the event of a disaster. And if you’re serving abroad in the military, you may also be granted additional time to file.
What’s the deadline to file for a tax extension?
April 15 is also the deadline to file a tax extension with the IRS. Getting an extension doesn’t change the payment deadline. It just gives you until October to complete the relevant paperwork. You still have to submit any amount you owe on time to avoid late penalties.
Some states have later tax return deadlines
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not collect income taxes.
Of the 41 states that do, most adhere to the April 15 federal filing deadline. There are some exceptions, including Delaware, Iowa, Louisiana and Virginia.
To date, residents in other states with federal filing extensions must still file their state returns by April 15, 2024. In most cases, taxpayers can request an automatic filing extension but they still have to make any outstanding payments by the original deadline.
Check with your state department of revenue for the most up-to-date information.
When can I expect my refund?
The IRS says taxpayers who file electronically and are due a refund can expect it within 21 days — if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their return.
By law, the IRS must wait until mid-February to issue refunds to taxpayers who claimed the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit. According to the agency, those payments should be received by Feb. 27, 2024, for taxpayers who use direct deposit and have no other issues.
For more on taxes, learn which tax-prep software is the best and get up to speed on tax breaks for homeowners.
