Tax Due Dates
For most taxpayers, April 15 is usually the due date for filing a tax return. Because of a District of Columbia holiday, the deadline has been extended to April 18 for the 2011 filing season. If you use a fiscal year, your return is due the 15th day of the fourth month after the close of your fiscal year. Example: if your fiscal year ends June 30, your tax return due date would be October 15.
If the due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the due date is extended to the next business day.
If you cannot file your return by the due date, you can request an automatic six-month extension of time to file. To request an extension, file Form 4868 no later than the due date of the tax return.
Requesting an extension of time to file does not entitle you to an extension of time to pay tax. If you do not pay tax by the due date of your return, you will owe interest on past-due tax, as well as late payment penalties.
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident and your main place of business is located outside of the United States or Puerto Rico, you are allowed an automatic extension until June 15 to file and pay tax that is due. This also applies to members of the military stationed outside the United States or Puerto Rico. If you choose to use this automatic extension, you must attach a statement to your return showing that you met the requirements for the extension.
You should file tax returns when they are due, regardless of whether you can make full payment with the return. Failure to file can be costly, and a delay in filing may result in a late penalty and interest charges that could increase your tax bill by 25% or more.
And April 15 is just one of the many important dates in the IRS tax code. Here are the rest of them:
| January 2011 | |
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| January 1 | Employers - Stop advance payments of the earned income credit. |
| Employers - Give your employees their copies of Form W-2 for 2010 by January 31, 2011. If an employee agreed to receive Form W-2 electronically, post it on a website accessible to the employee and notify the employee of the posting by January 31. | |
| January 10 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during December, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070 Employee's Report of Tips to Employer. |
| January 18 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in December 2010. |
| Individuals- Make a payment of your estimated tax for 2010 if you did not pay your income tax for the year through withholding (or did not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the final installment date for 2010 estimated tax. However, you do not have to make this payment if you file your 2010 return (Form 1040) and pay any tax due by January 31, 2011. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll Withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in December 2010. | |
| Farmers and Fishermen - Pay your estimated tax for 2010 using Form 1040-ES. You have until April 18 to file your 2010 income tax return (Form 1040). If you do not pay your estimated tax by January 17, you must file your 2010 return and pay any tax due by February 28, 2011, to avoid an estimated tax penalty. | |
| January 31 | Employers - Federal unemployment tax. File Form 940 for 2010. If your undeposited tax is $500 or less, you can either pay it with your return or deposit it. If it is more than $500, you must deposit it. However, if you already deposited the tax for the year in full and on time, you have until February 10 to file the return. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File Form 941 for the fourth quarter of 2010. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time, you have until February 10 to file the return. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll taxes. File Form 945 to report income tax withheld for 2010 on all nonpayroll items, including backup withholding and withholding on pensions, annuities, IRAs, gambling winnings, and payments of Indian gaming profits to tribal members. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the year in full and on time, you have until February 10 to file the return. | |
| Employers - Give your employees their copies of Form W-2 for 2010. If an employee agreed to receive Form W-2 electronically, post it on a website accessible to the employee and notify the employee of the posting. | |
| Individuals - who must make estimated tax payments. If you did not pay your last installment of estimated tax by January 17, you may choose (but are not required) to file your income tax return (Form 1040) for 2010. Filing your return and paying any tax due by January 31, 2011 prevents any penalty for late payment of last installment. If you cannot file and pay your tax by January 18, file and pay your tax by April 18. | |
| Businesses - Give annual information statements to recipients of 1099 payments made during 2010. | |
| Payers of Gambling Winnings - If you either paid reportable gambling winnings or withheld income tax from gambling winnings, give the winners their copies of From W-2G. | |
| Certain Small Employers - File Form 944 to report social security and Medicare taxes and withheld income tax for 2010. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is $2,500 or more from 2010 but less than $2,500 for the fourth quarter, deposit any undeposited tax or pay it in full with a timely filed return. | |
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| February 2011 | |
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| February 10 | Employers - Federal unemployment tax. File Form 940 for 2010. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year in full and on time. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File Form 941 for the fourth quarter of 2010. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time. | |
| Farm Employers - File Form 943 to report social security and Medicare taxes and withheld income tax for 2010. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year in full and on time. | |
| Certain Small Employers - File Form 944 to report social security and Medicare taxes and withheld income tax for 2010. This tax due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year in full and on time. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll taxes. File Form 945 to report income tax withheld for 2010 on all nonpayroll items. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year in full and on time. | |
| Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during January, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. | |
| February 15 | Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in January. |
| Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in January. | |
| Individuals - If you claimed exemption from income tax withholding last year on the Form W-4 you gave your employer, you must file a new Form W-4 by this date to continue your exemption for another year. | |
| Employers - Begin withholding income tax from the pay of any employee who claimed exemption from withholding in 2010, but did not give you a new Form W-4 to continue the exemption this year. | |
| February 28 | Businesses - File information returns (Form 1099) for certain payments you made during 2010. These payments are described under January 31. There are different forms for different types of payments. Use a separate Form 1096 to summarize and transmit the forms for each type of payment. See the 2010 Instructions for Forms 1099, 1098, 5498, and W-2G for information on what payments are covered, how much the payment must be before a return is required, what form to use, and extensions of time to file. If you file Forms 1098, 1099, or W-2G electronically (not by magnetic media), your due date for filing them with the IRS will be extended to March 31. The due date for giving the recipient these forms will still be February 1. |
| Payers of Gambling Winnings - File Form 1096, Annual Summary and transmittal of U.S. Information Returns, along with Copy A of all the Forms W-G2 you issued for 2010. If you file Forms W-G2 electronically (not by magnetic tape), your due date for filing them with the IRS will be extended to March 31. The due date for giving the recipient these forms remains January 31. | |
| Employers - File Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements, along with Copy A of all the Forms W-2 you issued for 2010.
If you file Forms W-2 electronically (not by magnetic media), your due date for filing them with the SSA will be extended to March 31. The due date for giving the recipient these forms will still be February 1. |
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| Employers - with employees who work for tips. File Form 8027, Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips. Use Form 8027-T, Transmittal of Employer's Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips, to summarize and transmit Forms 8027 if you have more than one establishment. If you file Forms 8027 electronically (not by magnetic tape), your due date for filing them with the IRS will be extended to March 31. | |
| Farmers and Fishermen - File your 2010 income tax return (Form 1040) and pay any tax due. However, you have until April 18 to file if you paid your 2010 estimated tax by January 17, 2011. | |
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| March 2011 | |
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| March 10 | Employees who work for tips. - If you received $20 or more in tips during February, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| March 15 | Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in February. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in February. | |
| Corporations - File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120 or 1120-A) and pay any tax due. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004 and deposit what you estimate you owe. | |
| S Corporations - File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) and pay any tax due. Provide each shareholder with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S), Shareholder's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc., or a substitute Schedule K-1. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004 and deposit what you estimate you owe. | |
| Electing large partnerships - Provide each partner with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065-B), Partner's Share of Income (Loss) From an Electing Large Partnership. This due date is effective for the first March 15 following the close of the partnership's tax year. The due date of March 15 applies even if the partnership requests an extension of time to file the Form 1065-B by filing Form 8736 or Form 8800. | |
| S corporation election - File Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation, to choose to be treated as an S corporation beginning with calendar year 2011. If Form 2553 is filed late, S treatment will begin with calendar year 2012. | |
| March 31 | Electronic filing of Forms 1098, 1099, and W-2G. File Forms 1098, 1099, or W-2G with the IRS. This due date applies only if you file electronically (not by magnetic media). Otherwise, see February 28. The due date for giving the recipient these forms will still be January 31.
For information about filing Forms 1098, 1099, or W-2G electronically, see Publication 1220, Specifications for Filing Forms 1098, 1099, 5498 and W-2G Magnetically or Electronically. |
| Electronic filing of Forms W-2 File copies of all the Forms W-2 you issued for 2010. This due date applies only if you electronically file. Otherwise see February 28. The due date for giving the recipient these forms remains at January 31. | |
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| April 2011 | |
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| April 11 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during March, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| April 18 | Individuals - File an income tax return for 2010 (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) and pay any tax due. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, or you can get an extension by phone if you pay part or all of your estimate of income tax due with a credit card. Then file Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ by October 17. |
| Household Employers - If you paid cash wages of $1,700 or more in 2010 to a household employee, file Schedule H (Form 1040) with your income tax return and report any employment taxes. Report any federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on Schedule H if you paid total cash wages of $1,000 or more in any calendar quarter of 2009 or 2010 to household employees. Also report any income tax you withheld for your household employees. | |
| Individuals - If you are not paying your 2011 income tax through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax during the year that way), pay the first installment of your 2011 estimated tax. Use Form 1040-ES. | |
| Partnerships - File a 2010 calendar year return (Form 1065). Provide each partner with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), Partner's Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, etc., or a substitute Schedule K-1. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return and provide Schedule K-1 or a substitute Schedule K-1, file Form 7004. Then file Form 1065 by September 15. | |
| Electing Large Partnerships - File a 2010 calendar year return (Form 1065-B). If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004. Then file Form 1065-B by October 17. See March 15 for the due date for furnishing the Schedules K-1 to the partners. | |
| Corporations - Deposit the first installment of estimated income tax for 2011. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in March. | |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in March. | |
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| May 2011 | |
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| May 2 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the first quarter of 2011. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time, you have until May 10 to file the return. |
| Employers - Federal Unemployment Tax. Deposit the tax owed through March if more than $500. | |
| May 10 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the first quarter of 2011. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time. |
| Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during April, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. | |
| May 16 | Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in April. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in April. | |
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| June 2011 | |
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| June 10 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during May, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| June 15 | Individuals - If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living and working (or on military duty) outside the United States and Puerto Rico, file Form 1040 and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. Otherwise, see April 18. If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain 4 additional months to file. Then file Form 1040 by October 17. However, if you are a participant in a combat zone you may be able to further extend the filing deadline. |
| Individuals - Make a payment of your 2011 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the second installment date for estimated tax in 2011. | |
| Corporations - Deposit the second installment of estimated income tax for 2011. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in May. | |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in May. | |
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| July 2011 | |
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| July 11 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during June, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| July 15 | Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in June. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in June. | |
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| August 2011 | |
| August 1 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the second quarter of 2011. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time, you have until August 10 to file the return. |
| Employers - Federal Unemployment Tax. Deposit the tax owed through June if more than $500. | |
| Employers - If you maintain an employee benefit plan, such as a pension, profit sharing, or stock bonus plan, file Form 5500 or 5500-EZ for calendar year 2010. If you use a fiscal year as your plan year, file the form by the last day of the seventh month after the plan year ends. | |
| Certain Small Employers - Deposit any undeposited tax if your tax liability is $2,500 or more for 2011 but less than $2,500 for the second quarter. | |
| August 10 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the second quarter of 2011. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time. |
| Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during July, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. | |
| August 15 | Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in July. | |
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| September 2011 | |
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| September 12 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during August, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| September 15 | Partnerships - File a 2010 calendar year return (Form 1065). This due date applies only if you were given an additional 6-month extension. Provide each partner with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) or a substitute K-1. |
| Individuals - Make a payment of your 2011 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the third installment date for estimated tax in 2011. | |
| Corporations - File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120 or 1120-A) and pay any tax due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see March 15. | |
| S Corporations - File a 2010 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) and pay any tax due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see March 15. Provide each shareholder with a copy of Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) or a substitute Schedule K-1. | |
| Corporations - Deposit the third installment of estimated income tax for 2011. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you make an estimate of your tax for the year. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in August. | |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in August. | |
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| October 2011 | |
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| October 11 | Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during September, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. |
| October 17 | Individuals - If you have an automatic 6-month extension to file your income tax return for 2010, file Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. |
| Electing Large Partnerships - File a 2010 calendar year return (Form 1065-B). This due date applies only if you were given an additional 6-month extension. See March 15 for the due date for furnishing the Schedules K-1 to the partners. | |
| Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in September. | |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in September. | |
| October 31 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the third quarter of 2011. Deposit any undeposited tax. (If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return.) If you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time, you have until November 10 to file the return. |
| Certain Small Employers - Deposit any undeposited tax if your tax liability is $2,500 or more for 2011 but less than $2,500 for the third quarter. | |
| Employers - Federal Unemployment Tax. Deposit the tax owed through September if more than $500. | |
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| November 2011 | |
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| Employers - Income Tax Withholding. Ask employees whose withholding allowances will be different in 2012 to fill out a new Form W-4. | |
| November 10 | Employers - Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. File form 941 for the third quarter of 2011. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter in full and on time. |
| Employees - who work for tips. If you received $20 or more in tips during October, report them to your employer. You can use Form 4070. | |
| November 15 | Employers - Nonpayroll withholding. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in October. |
| Employers - Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax. If the monthly deposit rule applies, deposit the tax for payments in October. | |