As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to start thinking about your tax return. While the deadline for filing taxes in the United States generally falls on April 15th of each year, there are some important dates that you should be aware of as you prepare to file your taxes. In this article, we’ll break down a few key dates and provide some expert tips to help make sure you’re ready when it comes time to submit your return.
Understanding Key Dates
Here are some important dates and deadlines related to tax filings:
January 1st
This marks the beginning of the new tax year. This is also an excellent time to start organizing all necessary paperwork and documents you will need to file your income taxes.
January 27th – February 28th
During this period employers must send out W-2 forms for their employees.
March 15th
If youre a business owner or self-employed, this date signifies a critical deadline for filing corporate taxes (Form 1120) or partnership returns (Form 1065).
April 15th
This is typically known as ‘Tax Day’ in America because individual Federal Income Tax Returns need filed by this day.The deadline might vary slightly depending on weekends/holidays, but generally expect it around mid-April like clockwork every year.
Tips For Preparing Your Taxes
Here are a few things you can do throughout the year leading up until Tax Day that can help make preparing and submitting your returns much easier:
- Keep all receipts organized in one place.
- Make use of spreadsheets or online tools like Google Sheets if helpful.
- Keep track & document any donation made within Internal Revenue Service guidelines.
- It could lead towards getting deductions during annual auditing with demonstrating proper evidence upon appropriate receipt documentation
- Regularly review paycheck withholdings.
- The amount of withholdings should reflect the latest income tax brackets.
- Double-check all documents before filing for errors or omissions.
- Proofread every piece of relevant information to make sure there are no mistakes.
By following these tips and staying on top of important dates you will be able to submit your taxes without any hiccups. Happy filing!
FAQs
Here are 3 popular FAQs about tax filing deadlines with answers:
Q: When is the deadline to submit my tax return?
A: The deadline to file individual federal income tax returns is typically April 15th of each year, although this may vary based on weekends and holidays. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for the 2020 and 2021 tax years, the IRS has extended the filing deadline for individuals until May 17th.
Q: Can I receive an extension on my tax return deadline?
A: Yes. Taxpayers can request an extension of up to six months (until October) by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS before their initial filing due date. Keep in mind that while you can request an extension for more time to file your taxes, any taxes owed must still be paid by your original filing deadline.
Q: What happens if I miss the tax return submission deadline?
A: If you fail to submit your tax return or request an extension by the deadline (April 15th or May 17th), you may be subject to late-filing penalties and interest charges on any unpaid taxes owed. It’s important not to ignore a missed deadline; instead, contact a qualified CPA or other financial professional who can provide guidance and help navigate next steps.