When Is My Tax Return Due?
id=”article-body” class=”row” section=”article-body” data-component=”trackCWV”>
The time to file your 2021 tax return or a tax extension has nearly expired.
Getty Images
Monday is your final opportunity to on time (excepting residents of Massachusetts or Maine, who get one extra day). Midnight — in your local time zone — marks the deadline for or postmarking a tax return.
If you can’t complete and file your tax return by Monday, you’ll want to , particularly if you owe. The IRS could charge a , plus additional interest and fines on top of that. like can help you file an extension as well as finish your return. If you are expecting a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late.
Most state income tax returns are also due on April 18, although a handful of states have different deadlines. And, of course, some states at all.
Here are all the important dates for the 2022 tax season — including when state taxes are due, the deadline for Sports News extensions and when you should — plus tips for a smooth and speedy filing experience.
For more, find the , the this year and the for this tax season.
What’s the deadline for filing your federal tax return?
- The deadline for filing federal this year for most taxpayers is Monday, April 18.
- Taxpayers in Maine and Massachusetts, however, have until April 19 because of the observance of Patriots’ Day in those states.
- The IRS has also announced extended federal tax filing deadlines for victims of winter storms in parts of , and victims of . An extended May 16 deadline is limited to affected counties, which can be found on the .
- In addition, if you’re serving in the military abroad, including in a combat zone or as part of a contingency operation in support of the US Armed Forces, you may be granted your return.
When are state taxes due?
Of the 43 states that levy income tax, most are following this year’s federal April 18 deadline, though there are some exceptions below.
State |
Filing Due Date |
May 2, 2022 |
|
April 20, 2022 |
|
May 2, 2022 |
|
May 16, 2022 |
|
April 19, 2022 |
|
July 15, 2022 |
|
April 19, 2022 |
|
April 15, 2022 |
|
April 20, 2022 (if filing electronically) |
|
May 1, 2022 |
Note: New Hampshire doesn’t tax earned income but it does tax investment income and dividends, so residents may still need to file a state return. (Tennessee, which also only taxes investment income, adheres to the April 18 deadline).
Check with your for the most current information and deadlines.
What’s the deadline for filing an extension?
You still have to submit your request for an extension by April 18 (or April 19, if you live in Maine or Massachusetts). But you will have until Oct. 17, 2022, to file a completed 2021 tax return.
Keep in mind that doesn’t push back when you need to pay the IRS: To avoid late penalties, you still need to submit an estimate of what you owe. An extension just gives you more time to complete your return.
Your state may have a different tax deadline than the IRS does.
Sarah Tew/CNET
When can I expect my refund?
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS says you can , assuming there are no problems with your return.
The IRS has already processed more than 70 million returns for fiscal 2021 and issued nearly . But the agency has also about delays in processing returns, especially as the 2022 tax season involved like and an .
“The pandemic continues to create challenges, but the IRS reminds people there are important steps they can take to help ensure their tax return and refund don’t face processing delays,” IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig said .
Experts agree direct deposit is the fastest way to get your refund from the IRS.
Sarah Tew/CNET
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
If you’re owed a refund, there is no penalty for filing federal taxes late, though it may be different for your state taxes. Still, it’s best to e-file or postmark your individual tax return as early as possible.
If you owe the IRS money, however, penalties and interest start to accrue on any remaining unpaid taxes after the filing deadline. The late filing penalty is 5% of the taxes due for each month your return is behind, with fees increasing to up to 25% of your due balance after 60 days have passed.
You may also incur a late-payment penalty, which is 0.5% of the taxes due for each month your return is late, with penalties increasing to up to 25% of your unpaid tax, depending on how long you take to file.
How do I check the status of my refund?
The IRS website features that lets you check the status of your refund (electronic or paper). There’s also a mobile app, .
You can usually access your refund status about 24 hours after e-filing or four weeks after mailing in a return. To check your status, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number or ITIN, your filing status and the exact amount of your refund. If your status is “received,” the IRS has your return and is processing it. “Approved” means your refund is on its way.