Important Tax Deadlines & How They Affect You
A guide to my internal cutoffs and IRS deadlines — and why both matter.
The IRS sets official filing deadlines, but I work to internal deadlines that fall earlier. This buffer is what allows me to do quality work, handle IRS rejections, and make sure nothing gets filed at the last minute.
Please treat my internal deadlines as your real deadlines. Missing them almost always means filing an extension — which costs extra and pushes your return into the fall.
Individual Returns
My internal deadline
IRS official deadline
March 15
Document Submission Cutoff
To guarantee your return is filed by April 15, I need all your tax documents by this date. Submissions after March 15 may not leave enough time, and an extension may be required.
April 15
Tax Filing & Payment Deadline IRS Deadline
The official IRS deadline for filing your individual return and paying any taxes owed. Even if you file an extension, any taxes due must still be paid by this date to avoid penalties and interest.
September 1
Extended Return Document Cutoff
If your return is on extension, I need all your documents by September 1 to ensure your return is filed before the October 15 IRS deadline.
October 15
Extended Return Filing Deadline
The final IRS deadline for extended individual returns. This is the absolute last date your return can be filed. Note that this does not extend your payment deadline — that remains April 15.
Business Returns
My internal deadline
IRS official deadline
February 15
Extension Opt-In Deadline
If you’d like me to file a business tax extension on your behalf, I need to know by this date. After this, I’ll send you an extension invoice. Note: the extension fee is nonrefundable but will be credited toward your final tax prep fee.
March 15
Business Return Filing Deadline
The IRS deadline for S-corps and partnerships. If you’re filing an extension, that must be submitted by this date as well.
August 1
Extended Return Document Cutoff
If your business return is on extension, I need your financial statements and all relevant tax documents by August 1 to meet the September 15 IRS deadline. This includes your profit & loss statement and balance sheet.
September 15
Extended Business Return Deadline
The final IRS deadline for extended S-corp and partnership returns. Returns not filed by this date are subject to late penalties.
Why do your internal deadlines fall before the IRS deadlines?
I work with many clients at once, and the IRS can reject returns that then need to be corrected and resubmitted. Building in buffer time means that even if something goes wrong, your return still gets filed on time. When clients submit documents at the last minute, something almost always gets missed — and that’s when extensions happen.
Common Questions
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What happens if I miss your March 15 document deadline?
What does an extension actually do?
My return is done — why is filing being held up?
Can I file my own extension if I miss your opt-in deadline?
I haven't signed the engagement letter yet — does that affect my deadline?
What do I need to submit for an extended business return?
For extended business returns (due by my August 1 internal cutoff), I’ll need your company’s profit & loss statement and balance sheet for the year — in Excel format if possible. If your books aren’t fully reconciled, you can use the Business Tax Organizer I provide to fill in income and expense information. You’ll also need to upload any tax documents you’ve received (1099s, K-1s, etc.).