This comprehensive tax calendar will help you track key tax dates all year long. From estimated tax payments to extension filing deadlines, you'll find all the important tax dates below.
January 1
Start of tax season.
January 15
Individuals – Make the fourth payment of your 2008 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. You won't need to make this payment if you file your 2008 return and pay any tax due by February 2, 2009.
February 2
Individuals – If you did not pay your last installment of estimated tax by January 15, you may choose (but are not required) to file your income tax return (Form 1040) for 2008 by February 2. Filing your return and paying any tax due by February 2 prevents any penalty for late payment of the last installment. If you cannot file and pay your tax by February 2, file and pay your tax by April 15.
W–2s are due from your employer. Forms 1099 are due from payers of interest, dividends and other specified types of income.
February 15
If you were exempt from income tax withholding for 2008, you must file a new Form W–4 by today to continue your exemption for 2009.
April 1
Tax filing deadline in two weeks. File today with TurboTax® or TaxCut software.
April 16
Tax returns due.
Get an Automatic 6–month extension to file your return. You can download Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time to File. This form must be postmarked on or before today. With the extension, your new deadline for filing your return will be October 15, 2009.Last day to set up an IRA or Roth IRA and make contributions, even if you get a filing extension.
Individuals – Make the first payment of your 2009 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.
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 your 2008 Form 1040 and pay any tax, interest and penalties due.
If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain four additional months to file. However, if you are a member of the armed forces serving in a combat zone you may be able to further extend the filing deadline.
Individuals – Make the second payment of your 2009 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.
September 15
Individuals – Make the third payment of your 2007 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.
October 1
Deadline for establishing a SIMPLE IRA for your business.
October 15
If you filed Form 4868 extending the due date of your return, file your 2009 tax return by today and pay any tax, interest and penalties due.
Last day for recharacterizing an IRA contribution for 2009 if you filed your 2009 return on time.
Last day for making many elections that ordinarily were required to be made by the due date of the 2009 return if you filed your 2009 return on time.