TAX SEASON 2024

When is the tax deadline? Important dates for filing your return in 2024

With less than a week to file your federal income taxes, we look at the critical deadlines you don’t want to miss.

Maite joined the AS USA in 2021, bringing her experience as a research analyst investigating illegal logging to the team. Maite’s interest in politics propelled her to pursue a degree in international relations and a master's in political philosophy. At AS USA, Maite combines her knowledge of political economy and personal finance to empower readers by providing answers to their most pressing questions.

Update: Apr 9th, 2024 06:17 EDT

Federal tax returns are due Monday, 15 April, meaning there is little under a week left to file. As of the end of March, the IRS has reported that the average federal refund being sent is $3,145 — 5.8 percent higher than at the same point in 2024.

Requesting an extension

Those seeking an extension can request it for free using the IRS’ Free File software. This action will push back the filing deadline to 15 October, 2024. Be aware that this extension only applies to submitting one’s return, not to any taxes owed to the IRS.

#FriendlyReminder: Be sure to file an #IRS tax return or request an extension by April 15, even if you can’t pay the full amount owed. See: https://t.co/aO7gmxudbN pic.twitter.com/Q8pr3NknBB
— IRSnews (@IRSnews) March 19, 2024

Automatic extensions for those impacted by natural disasters

People across the country affected by severe natural disasters are offered automatic extensions by the IRS when the Federal Emergency Management Adminstration (FEMA) declares an emergency in the area. So far, several extensions have been announced, all of which push back the filing deadline to 17 June, 2024:

Those who can make their dedication before that date are welcome to do so.

State filing deadlines to keep in mind

Some states have different filing deadlines, and one should also keep those dates in mind.

Delaware: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Hawaii: Monday, April 22, 2024
Iowa: Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Kentucky: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Louisiana: Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Maine: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Massachusetts: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Missouri: Thursday, April 18, 2024
New Mexico: Wednesday, April 30, 2024
Virginia: Wednesday, 1 May, 2024
West Virginia: Thursday, April 18, 2024

Advice from experts as tax season draws to a close

WELFARE

Who will receive $1,900 from Social Security on 3 April?

All other states that require residents to pay income tax have deadlines that align with those imposed at the federal level: 15 April. States typically offer extensions as well, and you should contact or visit the website of the relevant tax authority to request one.

Deadline to claim stimulus checks

Time is running out to claim stimulus checks distributed in 2020 and 2021. On 4 March, the IRS reminded filers that those who have not received their Economic Impact Payments, or stimulus checks, have until 17 May, 2024 to claim the checks sent in 2020. The funds are claimed through the Recovery Rebate Credit, and filers should know that you always have three years to claim a refund. “For 2020 tax returns, this year’s May 17 due date is three years after the original May 17, 2021, tax deadline,” reported the tax authority, adding that “individuals wanting to claim the 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit, they have until April 15, 2025, to file the required tax return.”