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Happy tax filing season 2011!
OK, that doesn't have quite the same ring as happy New Year or happy birthday. And I know most of you aren't as thrilled with the arrival of filing season as I am.
But since you are reading a tax blog, I figure you're up for a little tax-related celebration.
And there are a few things to celebrate in 2011.
First, you have longer to file your 2010 tax return. The usual filing deadline is April 15, but this year it's April 18.
Why the three extra days? Because Friday, April 15, is Emancipation Day, a holiday observed in the District of Columbia. By law, says the Internal Revenue Service, official District of Columbia holidays have the same effect on tax deadlines as do regular federal holidays.
That means tax day 2011 gets pushed back to the next business day, which is Monday, April 18.
So tax procrastinators rejoice! You get three more days to fill out your forms and pay any taxes due.
Also worth celebrating is the debut today of Bankrate's annual tax guide.
You'll find lots of good information there about income tax rates, filing requirements, deduction opportunities and much, much more. Check it out.
And keep coming back. We'll be adding more tax stories, tips, videos and the like to the tax guide all the way through April 18.
You also can make sure you don't miss anything in the tax world this filing season by subscribing to Bankrate's free Daily Tax Tip newsletter.
Good question, Daryl! I know New Jersey has adopted the April 18 filing deadline. I'm in the process of updating Bankrate's state tax pages. When I finish that (in the new couple of weeks, I hope! remember, there are 50 states plus D.C. and just one me!), I'll let you and other readers know. Of course, if folks have heard from their state tax departments about a revised April filing deadline, feel free to share that info here.
Are all the states in line with the April 18 date?
Lori, the IRS starts accepting e-filed returns on Friday, Jan. 14 ... unless, of course, you claim the educators credit, the tuition and fees credit or itemize. In those cases, the IRS won't start processing returns until mid-February at the earliest and asks taxpayers not to file until then so that returns don't get misplaced in a holding pattern.
Can anyone tell me when is the earliest I can file my taxes online
I'll take the extra few days (even though I usually file mid-February)...but I just love that Washington gives themselves a special holiday all their own!! What is wrong with this picture?