Wait! If you’re looking for the deadline for filing your 2011 federal income tax return, click here instead: When are 2011 Taxes Due?
Otherwise, read on…
As you’re likely aware, income taxes are due on April 15th of each year. If April 15th happens to fall on a weekend or a federal holiday, then the filing deadline is pushed back to the next business day.
This year, however, April 15th falls on a Friday – a day which is neither a weekend, nor a federal holiday – and yet your income taxes are not due on that day. Instead, the filing deadline is April 18, 2011. What gives?
As it turns out, Washington, D.C. will be celebrating Emancipation Day on April 15th, 2011 – a day earlier than the usual 16th because that’s a Saturday. Emancipation Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the Compensated Emancipation Act by President Lincoln in 1862, which freed the slaves in the District of Columbia.
Emancipation Day was made an official public holiday in the District of Columbia back in 2005, and it was also responsible for pushing back the tax filing deadline from April 16 to April 17 in 2007.
As some people know, there is a 3 year statute of limitations for refunds from the federal government IRS. In other words if for some reason you procrastinate filing for a tax return beyond 3 years of the original deadline, then you will receive a letter from the IRS explaining that you are too late!
My question is whether the 3 year limit is delayed to April 18th for my 2010 return because this the special circumstance in 2011?
I really hope so! because I didn’t finish filling out the return today (Apr 15, 2013) but will finish Apr 16 or 17th.
Thanks, Steve
It should be ok. I just checked my returns and the date signed is still April 18th. BTW I filed at 11:56 pm PST!
Would also like to know the answer to Ann’s question.
I’m wondering about the time of efile federal tax submission. I live in California. So if I submit at 11 pm tonight (April 18th), then it’s already April 19th in most of the rest of the country. Does this matter?
Actually, if you took a Govt. job in your 20’s, you would probably be looking at retirement now..with benefits paid for by others for the next 20 years or more (God willing). sort of like Greece.
Gavin, I think what gb was saying is that the last thing we need is another day of government being closed for another ‘holiday’, not that the three-day delay of the gov’t receiving our money will affect things that much.
I’m in my late 40s, and looking back, wish I’d taken a gov’t job in my 20s – I’d be looking at a slew of holidays, sick days, vacation days, and personal days off each year, plus really sweet benefits and retirement perks. Instead, I pay into the system so that others can reap the benefits.
K: Excellent question. The answer varies by state. In my own state, I believe they are still due on the 15th. In some states, I believe they are due on the 18th. And in a couple of states, they are actually due the 19th because the 18th is a state holiday (Patriot’s Day). Your best bet is to check with your state’s Dept of Revenue. I’m sure the answer is online.
Is this federal tax only or all taxes e.g. city, state, and federal?
Okay, here’s the deal… I’ve cleaned up the comments section and deleted and inflammatory comments, personal attacks, and off-topic discussion. PLEASE keep your comments on topic and polite. If not, I’ll be forced to lock the comments.
“gb”, I hardly think 3 days will make a difference when it comes to the country being bankrupt. I imagine there are lots of people that don’t feel Emancipation Day is obscure. Feel free to write that check and get it in the mail by Friday, so that you are not accused of celebrating an obscure holiday and being fiscally irresponsible.
And they wonder why the country is bankrupt. I don’t mind waiting until Monday to write the check, but celebrating an obscure day like emancipation day is fiscally irresponsible.
NICE!!! Me being the procrastinating type, have yet to do my taxes. I was getting really worried seeing as what I thought was the deadline was coming up. To my surprise, however, I now know that I have an extra three days!!! Praise be to Allah Jesus!!!
Interesting!