Most tax penalties are not about getting the numbers wrong: they come from filing or paying late. Putting the key dates in your calendar at the start of the year is one of the simplest ways to avoid them. These are the main US federal dates for a calendar year; your state, your business structure and your own situation can add others.
January
- January 15: the fourth estimated tax payment for the previous year, if you pay estimated tax.
- January 31: send W-2 forms to employees and 1099-NEC forms to contractors, and file them with the government. The fourth-quarter payroll return (Form 941) is usually due the same day.
March and April
- March 15: returns for partnerships and S corporations.
- April 15: individual returns (Form 1040), calendar-year C corporation returns and the first estimated tax payment for the current year. The first-quarter payroll return is due on April 30.
June, September and October
- June 15 and September 15: the second and third estimated tax payments.
- September 15: extended partnership and S corporation returns.
- October 15: extended individual and C corporation returns. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
Make the dates work for you
- When a date falls on a weekend or a public holiday, it usually moves to the next business day.
- Set a reminder two or three weeks before each date, so there is time to gather documents.
- Keep a small savings account for tax, and move money into it every time you are paid.
If you are not sure which of these dates apply to you, ask your accountant for a personal deadline list. It takes a few minutes and saves a lot of stress later.
This article is general information, not financial or tax advice. Dates and rules change and depend on your situation and state; check with your accountant before you act.