Important Tax Dates and Deadlines for 2006
April 17, 2006
Tax returns are due today!
Your 2005 income tax return is due, unless you file for an extension until August 15, 2006. Note: The April 15 statutory deadline for income tax filing falls on a Saturday. When that happens, the IRS pushes the deadline to the next business day.
File for extension. If you want an automatic extension of time to file your 2005 tax return, file Form 4868. To avoid a penalty, pay any tax that you owe.
Both IRAs and Roth IRAs contributions. This is the deadline for making contributions to IRAs or Roth IRAs for 2005. This is also the deadline to open these accounts for 2006.
Your estimated tax payment. Your first-quarter estimated tax payment for 2006 is due.
State tax returns due. If you are required to file a state tax return, it is probably due — but check with your state to be certain. Many states automatically extend the filing time to those who have filed for a federal extension.
Household employers report due. If you paid cash wages of $1,300 or more in 2005 to a household employee, file Schedule H (Form 1040) with your income tax return and report any employment taxes by April 17, 2006.
June 15, 2006
Tax filing deadline. If you’re a United States citizen or resident alien living and working (or on military duty) outside the U.S. and Puerto Rico, file Form 1040 and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. You can file for an extension until Aug. 15, 2006.
Estimation on your taxes is due. Your second-quarter estimated tax payment (using form 1040-ES) for 2006 is due.
August 15, 2006
Income tax return due. Your 2005 income tax return is due if you filed for an automatic extension with Form 4868.
File for a second extension. File Form 2688 if you need an additional 2-month extension to file your 2005 income tax return.
September 15, 2006
Estimated tax due. Your third-quarter estimated tax payment (using form 1040-ES) for 2006 is due.
October 16, 2006
Income tax return due. Your 2006 income tax return is due if you filed an extension request using Form 2688 and if the IRS approved the request.
December 31, 2006
Deduction deadline. This is the last date on which you can make payments that can be deducted from your 2005 return.
Also keep in mind that if you didn’t have a chance to get to your taxes because you are busy, you can always file for an extension. In cases penalties will have to be paid. However, if you are due for a refund, you will not be penalized. (Why should you for lending them your money “interest free” for until you get a return in?).