Tax season officially began on Jan. 29, 2024, when the IRS began accepting federal income tax returns for tax year 2023.
In 2023, the agency processed more than 163 million returns and issued more than 105 million refunds. (The average refund amount? Close to $3,200.)
While many people wait until closer to the filing deadline to send in their returns, it’s always a good idea to get your paperwork together early in case there are any issues.
Here are the dates you need to know for tax season 2024, including federal and state filing deadlines, as well as when you can expect your refund.
The deadline for most taxpayers to file a federal tax return is Monday, April 15, 2024.
Because of the observances of Patriot’s Day (April 15) and Emancipation Day (April 16), taxpayers living in Maine and Massachusetts have until Wednesday, April 17, 2024, to file.
Many parts of the U.S. have been impacted by severe weather: Residents and businesses in parts of Connecticut, Maine, Rhode Island and West Virginia that have been declared disaster areas by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have until June 17, 2024, to file their federal returns.
A full list of federally designated disaster sites is available on the FEMA website.
For the most part, state taxes are also due on April 15, 2024.
The following states have different deadlines:
- Massachusetts: April 17, 2024
- Maine: April 17, 2024
- Hawaii: April 22, 2024
- New Mexico: April 30, 2024 (only for e-returns)
- Oklahoma: April 20, 2024 (only for e-returns)
- Delaware: April 30, 2024
- Iowa: April 30, 2024
- Virginia: May 1, 2024
- Louisiana: May 15, 2024
Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming do not collect income taxes.
For the most current information, consult with your state’s Department of Revenue.
If you filed your federal return electronically and are due a refund, the IRS says you can generally expect it within 21 days. (Enrolling in direct deposit will help you get your money faster, too.)
If there is an issue with your return or if you filed a paper return, it may take longer.
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get your refund is with an online tax-filing program: TurboTax’s basic edition accepts Form 1040 and limited tax credits, and the company claims 37% of filers are eligible to use it for free.
If you need to itemize your deductions, you can pay for TurboTax Deluxe Online for federal returns and state filing. It will also crosscheck over 350 deductions and credits to see if you qualify.
TurboTax
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Cost
Costs may vary depending on the plan selected – click “Learn More” for details
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Free version
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Mobile app
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Live support
Available with some pricing and filing options
Click here for TurboTax offer details and disclosures. Terms apply.
H&R Block’s free online edition is also suited for simple returns, though it will process unemployment compensation and retirement income. If you need to itemize your deductions or report self-employment taxes, you’ll want the paid deluxe edition, which comes with help from both live experts and H&R Block’s AI tax assistant.
A Refund Advance Loan from H&R Block can make up to $3,500 available the same day you file, with no loan fees or interest.
H&R Block
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Cost
Costs may vary depending on the plan selected (Free Online, Deluxe, Premium, or Self-Employed) – click “Learn More” for details
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Free version
Yes (for simple returns only)
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Mobile app
-
Live support
Available with some pricing and filing options
The deadline to file a tax extension is April 15, 2024. You will then have until Oct. 15, 2024, to file your return but, you still need to make an estimated payment on April 15. According to the IRS, “an extension of time to file your return does not grant you any extension of time to pay your taxes.”
To request an extension, you can submit an online or paper version of IRS Form 4868. You can also submit some or all of the money you owe and indicate it’s for an extension.
Each state has its own process for requesting a tax extension. Many, including California and Illinois, offer an automatic six-month extension for their state returns.
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The deadline for most taxpayers to file federal and state income taxes is April 15, 2024. although there are some exceptions. If you are expecting to receive a refund and file electronically, your money should arrive within 21 days.
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