2010 Tax Due Dates

January 1 • Start of tax season.

January 15 • Individuals - Make the fourth payment of your 2009 Estimated Tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). You won't need to make this payment if you file your 2009 return and pay any tax due by February 1, 2010.

February 1 • W-2s are due from your employer. Forms 1099 are due from payers of interest, dividends and other specified types of income. You should file your 2009 income tax return if you did not pay your last installment of estimated tax by January 15, 2010. Filing your return and paying any tax due by February 1 prevents any penalty for late payment of the last installment.

February 16 • If you were exempt from income tax withholding for 2009, you must file a new Form W-4 by today to continue your exemption for 2010.

April 1 • Tax filing deadline in two weeks. File today with Star Tax & Accounting.

April 15 • Tax Returns Due. Get an automatic four-month extension to file your return. You can also download Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File. This form must be postmarked on or before April 15. With the extension, your new deadline for filing your return will be August 15, 2010. Last day to set up an IRA or make 2009 IRA contributions even if you get an extension.

Individuals - Make the first payment of your 2010 Estimated Tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way).

June 15 • Individuals - If you are a U.S. 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.

If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain two additional months to file. Then file Form 1040 by August 16. If you still need additional time, file Form 2688 to request an additional two months as soon as possible so that your application can be acted on before August 16. However, if you are a participant in a combat zone you may be able to further extend the filing deadline.

Individuals - Make the second payment of your 2010 Estimated Tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way).

August 15 • If you filed for an extension, file your return by today and pay any tax, interest and penalties due. Additional two-month extension: File Form 2688, Application for Additional Extension of Time To File. It must be postmarked today. Caution: This extension is not automatic. You must have a valid reason for needing this extension. If your second extension is approved,your new tax filing deadline is October 15.

September 15 • Individuals - Make the third payment of your 2010 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way).