When Are Taxes Due 2024? Your Guide to Tax Deadlines - NerdWallet (2024)

Each year, everyone's favorite annual obligation rolls around — getting those taxes filed. And whether you're an early bird or enjoy the adrenaline rush of a last-minute race to the finish line, there's a question that unites us all: "When are taxes due this year?" Here's a cheat sheet for all the important tax deadlines in 2024 — from your federal income tax return due date to estimated tax payments.

April 15, 2024, is tax day, the deadline for filing a federal income tax return. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts will have until April 17, 2024, due to state holidays. If you request a six-month tax extension using Form 4868 by April 15, the filing deadline is moved to Oct. 15, 2024.

For those who file last minute, the IRS will consider your paper return on time if it was properly addressed, had enough postage, was postmarked and put in the mail by the due date. For e-filers, the agency says the date and time in your time zone when your return is transmitted determines whether it is on time.

State income tax due dates typically follow the federal deadline, but some exceptions exist. Residents of Virginia, for example, typically get until May 1 to file their state returns.

The rules for requesting a state tax extension can also vary. Illinois and Ohio, for example, automatically extend the state tax return deadline to mid-October if a person's federal tax extension is approved, while other states might require taxpayers to apply online or submit an additional form. Your state's tax department is the easiest way to determine your state income tax deadline and how to file for a state tax extension.

Here are a few more 2024 tax deadlines — and not all of them involve tallying up with the IRS.

If you think you won't be able to finish your return, you can request an extension by the April 15 tax deadline. However, remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay. For those who think they'll have a tax bill, the IRS encourages file and pay estimated taxes to limit penalties and interest. If you can't pay your tax bill in full, you can set up an installment plan with the IRS.

If you're due a refund, there's no penalty for filing late, but consider filing quickly anyway to get your money back sooner. And remember that though you might not be hit with a penalty for filing late, you very likely still need to file a return. The IRS has a strict definition of who has a filing obligation based on annual income, among other factors.

Some people, such as certain military members, people affected by natural disasters, or Americans living abroad, may be eligible for automatic extensions.

If you requested a tax extension by April 15, your federal tax return is due Oct. 15, 2024. You must file Form 4868 by tax day (April 15) to be eligible for the extension. Getting an extension gives you more time to file, but it does not give you more time to pay your taxes. Any tax you owe, or a good estimate of that amount, was due by the April deadline. Interest and penalties apply to tax bills owed after April 15, and they add up until your balance is paid.

If you submitted a full or partial payment of your tax bill using a debit/credit card, Direct Pay, or EFTPS by the deadline, and indicated that the payment was for a tax extension, Form 4868 was not required. Make sure to keep the payment confirmation number for your records.

1. Max out your 401(k)

Contributions to a traditional 401(k) reduce your total taxable income for the year. For example, let’s say you make $65,000 a year and put $10,000 into your 401(k). Instead of paying income taxes on the entire $65,000 you earned, you’ll only owe taxes on $55,000 of your salary. In other words, saving for the future lets you shield that $10,000 from taxes. Many employers offer to match a portion of what you save, meaning that if you contribute enough to your account, you'll also nab some free money.

In 2023, you can contribute up to $22,500 (and up to $30,000 if you're 50 or older) by Dec. 31. (Read more on 401(k) contribution limits here.)

2. Contribute to or open an IRA by tax day

Contributions to a traditional IRA can be tax-deductible. You have until the tax deadline in 2024 to contribute to an IRA —either Roth or traditional —for the 2023 tax year. The maximum contribution amount for either type of IRA in 2023 is $6,500, or $7,500 if you're age 50 or older. See all the IRA rules here.

» MORE: Learn how an IRA works and where to get one

3. Contribute to your health savings account

This medical account, available to individuals who have a high-deductible health plan, provides a tax-saving way to pay for out-of-pocket costs. You have until the 2024 tax deadline to contribute to an HSA for the 2023 tax year. The 2023 limits are $3,850 for an individual HSA owner and $7,750 for a family. If you're 55 or older, you can put an extra $1,000 in your HSA.

Tax filing resources