Tax Return Deadlines

Tax return deadlines aren’t flexible so here’s a list of dates to keep in mind as you gather receipts and determine deductions for 2009 and 2010.

December 31, 2009

This is the deadline for making expenditures which can be deducted from your 2009 tax return, payments such as mortgage interest and charitable donations.

January 2010

Businesses are preparing tax documents to be sent to their employees. Banks, churches, and other organizations are also preparing tax-related documents to be mailed.

1/15/2010 – is the first day the Internal Revenue Service begins accepting tax returns that are filed electronically. This is also the deadline for fourth quarter estimated tax payments. If you pay your tax return in full by February 1, 2010 you can avoid this last payment without risk of penalty fees.

February 2010

2/01/2010 – Last day for 1098, 1099, and W-2 tax forms to be provided and mailed out. (Normally, 1/31 but this falls on a Sunday in 2010.)

2/16/2010 – Last day for filing W-4 forms for those who were exempt from income tax withholding in 2009, and wish to continue this exemption status. (Normally, 2/15 but this falls on President’s Day in 2010.)

March 2010

3/01/2010 – Last day for Fishermen and Farmers to file and pay in full their tax returns if they skipped paying their fourth quarter estimated tax payment, in order to avoid any late payment penalties.

3/16/2010:

– Corporations must file Forms 1120 or 1120-A for a 2009 calendar-year income tax return. If an extension is requested, the corporation will be required to make the fourth quarter estimated tax payment. Use a 7004 form to file for a six-month extension.

– S Corporations must file a Form 1120S for their 2009 calendar-year tax returns and make any due tax payments. A copy of Schedule K-1 or a substitute Schedule K-1 must be sent out to each shareholder. S Corporations must also use a Form 7004 to file for an extension, but must pay due taxes.

April 15^th 2010

– Tax returns are due to be filed and paid unless an extension has been applied for and granted.

– Use a Form 4868 to apply for a six-month extension, but be sure to pay any due taxes by April 15, 2010. The extension gives you until October 15th to file.

– This is the deadline to make contributions to IRA’s or Roth IRA’s for the 2009 tax year.

– The first-quarter estimated tax payment for the 2010 tax year are due.

– For most states, 2009 State Tax returns are due on April 15 also. If you’ve filed for a Federal extension, you may have automatically been granted a state extension but be sure to check on both the file due date and extensions.

– Household employers must file a Schedule H (1040) Form if they’ve paid $1,700 or more of wages in cash to household employees, along with their regular tax returns, reporting any employment taxes for 2009 as well.

June 15, 2010

Filing deadline – if you’re a U.S. citizen, a U.S. Military member, or a residential alien who is working or living outside the U.S. or Puerto Rico, then file Form 1040, also paying any due interest, penalties, and taxes. An extension until 10/15/10 can be filed.

Second-quarter estimated tax payment for 2010 are due; use Form 1040-ES.

September 15, 2010

Third-quarter estimated tax payment for 2010 are due.

October 15, 2010

If you filed for a six-month extension using a 4868 form, your 2009 tax returns are now due.

December 31, 2010

Keogh plan – Deadline to open a Keogh plan in order to deduct any plan contributions on your 2010 tax return.

If you happen to miss a payment deadline still go ahead and make your payment as soon as possible because interest can accrue on unpaid balances.  If you miss a tax deadline such as contributing to an IRA before April 15, there’s not much you can do.  The tax documents you recieve won’t reflect the late contribution until your 2010 taxes.  Hopefully this list of tax return deadlines will help you get all your tax matters complete on time! For a complete list of all tax deadlines your can visit the IRS website.

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