There are several important dates taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season:
- Jan. 15: IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
- Jan. 29: Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
- Feb. 1: Employers and other payors have until Feb. 1 to issue Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statements, Forms 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and the new Forms 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation. See why it is important to wait to receive these before filing.
- Feb. 12: IRS begins 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
- Feb. 22: Projected date for the IRS.gov Where’s My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC.
- First week of March: Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and if there are no issues with their tax returns.
- Please note that under the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving EITC or ACTC before mid-February. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves.
- April 15: Due date for the first quarter Estimated Tax payment. For taxpayers located in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, see June 15 below. Note: Taxpayers should check with their state tax agencies, for State tax related due dates.
- May 17: Deadline for filing 2020 federal tax returns and paying the tax. Individual taxpayers do not need to file any forms or call the IRS to qualify for this automatic federal tax filing and payment relief.
- June 15: For taxpayers located in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana – Deadline to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments. This extension to May 17 does not affect the June deadline. The June 15 deadline also applies to quarterly estimated income tax payments due on April 15. See Victims of Texas winter storms for more tax relief information.
- Oct. 15: Deadline to file for those requesting an extension to file their 2020 tax returns.
Filing Tip
To speed-up tax return processing and refund issuance during the pandemic, we urge taxpayers to file electronically and choose direct deposit.