Key Tax Deadlines Every Taxpayer Needs to Know
Staying on top of tax deadlines is crucial to avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth financial operations. We’ve compiled a complete guide to individual and business tax deadlines, so everything is in one place. Bookmark this page and refer back whenever needed!
You want to read this blog if...
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You want to stay on top of the tax deadlines this year.
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Want to know individual and business tax deadlines.
Individual Tax Deadlines
Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments
If you are self-employed or earn income that is not subject to withholding, you likely need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year. These are due:
- Q1: April 15
- Q2: June 15
- Q3: September 15
- Q4: January 15 (of the following year)
How to Pay:
- IRS Website: www.irs.gov/payments
- Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS): www.eftps.gov/eftps/
📌 Note: Some states also require estimated tax payments. Check your state’s tax agency website for details.
Annual Individual Tax Return
- Federal Individual Income Tax (Form 1040): Due April 15
- State Returns: Varies by state—check with your local tax agency
Need an extension? You can file Form 4868 for a six-month extension (new due date: October 15), but remember that an extension only extends the filing deadline, not the payment deadline.
- IRS Extension Form 4868: https://www.irs.gov/filing/get-an-extension-to-file-your-tax-return
Business Tax Deadlines
Corporate & Business Tax Returns
- Partnerships (Form 1065): Due March 15 (extendable to September 15)
- S-Corporations (Form 1120-S): Due March 15 (extendable to September 15)
- C-Corporations (Form 1120): Due April 15 (extendable to October 15)
- Sole Proprietors & Single-Member LLCs: File under Form 1040 (Schedule C), due April 15
1099-NEC Filing for Contractors
If you paid an independent contractor $600 or more during the year, you must issue a 1099-NEC to them and file it with the IRS by January 31.
Common scenarios requiring 1099-NEC filing:
- Payments to freelancers, consultants, or service providers (except corporations)
📌 Exceptions:
- Payments to C-Corps & S-Corps (except attorneys and medical providers)
- Employee wages (reported on Form W-2, not 1099-NEC)
- Payments for tangible goods or merchandise
If you need assistance filing business returns, 1099s, or filing an extension, contact Spark Tax Services LLC!
Retirement Contribution Deadlines
To take advantage of retirement tax benefits, your retirement account must be open by December 31, but contributions for some accounts can be made until April 15 of the following year. Here’s a breakdown:
- Traditional IRA & Roth IRA:
- Must be open by December 31
- Contributions for the prior year can be made until April 15
- SEP-IRA (Self-Employed Pension Plan):
- Must be opened by the business tax filing deadline (including extensions)
- Contributions can be made until the business tax return due date (including extensions)
- Solo 401(k):
- Must be opened by December 31
- Employee contributions must be made by December 31
- Employer contributions can be made until the business tax return due date (including extensions)
Need help maximizing your retirement tax savings? Reach out to Spark Tax Services!
Additional Compliance Deadlines
Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) Payments
Some states allow pass-through businesses (S-Corps, Partnerships) to make tax payments at the business level instead of individual owners. Check your state's PTET filing deadlines:
- Maryland: Business PTET Payments
- Virginia: 502PTET Online Form
- New York: Business PTET
- New Jersey: PTET Payments
Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting
If your business has undergone ownership changes or been newly formed, you may be required to file a BOI report. More information can be found on FinCEN’s website: https://www.fincen.gov/boi
Final Reminders & Links
To make your Federal tax payments:
- IRS Website: www.irs.gov/payments
- EFTPS for recurring payments: www.eftps.gov/eftps/
For State tax payments, use your state’s tax website:
- Maryland (Individuals & PTET): State Payment Link
- Virginia (Individuals & 502PTET): State Payment Link
- Washington D.C.: MyTax DC
- New York (Individuals & Businesses): State Payment Link
- New Jersey (Individuals & PTET): State Payment Link
- Massachusetts: State Payment Link
- Illinois: State Payment Link
📌 If you have any questions or need assistance, reach out via our client portal!
By staying proactive, you can avoid penalties, reduce stress, and keep your business on track. Let’s make tax season smooth and stress-free! 🚀
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Disclaimer
The information provided is for general purposes and does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax situations vary, and we recommend consulting with a qualified tax professional or attorney before taking any action. Spark Tax Services LLC is not responsible for any errors or the outcomes from using this information, and tax laws may change.
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