A Brief History of Tax Filing Deadlines: How We Got to April 15

Take outs:

• The deadline has occasionally been extended in cases of emergencies, natural disasters, and the COVID-19 pandemic. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. 
  
  
• Different deadlines exist for businesses. Partnerships and S-corporations file by March 15, while C-corporations and sole proprietors follow the April 15 deadline. 
  
  
• Though April 15 has been the standard for nearly 70 years, there have been discussions about changing it, including aligning it with the fiscal year or moving it to an earlier date.

A Brief History of Tax filing Deadlines:
How We Got to April 15

For most Americans, April 15 is an unavoidable date on the calendar—it's Tax Day, the day you either breathe a sigh of relief or scramble to hit "submit" on your return. But has it always been this way? Actually, no. The IRS didn't always demand your paperwork (and possibly your money) by mid-April. The deadline has shifted over time, influenced by everything from war to economic crises to the sheer need for more processing time. 

So, how did we get here? Let's take a look back. 

For now, though, April 15 is here to stay—at least until the IRS tells us otherwise. 

If you would like to discuss your tax needs, please get in touch today.