When are taxes due in 2024? And how soon should you file an extension?

John Tufts, Louisville Courier Journal

The deadline to file your taxes with the Internal Revenue Service is next month and will be here before we know it. If you haven't already submitted your documents to the IRS and the Kentucky Department of Revenue, here's what you need to know.

When is the deadline to file taxes in 2024?

April 15, 2024, is the filing deadline for taxes. That's on a Monday this year.

What happens if I miss the tax deadline?

If you fail to file your federal tax return on time, the standard penalty is a whopping 5% of any tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance. If you file a return but fail to pay any taxes you owe, or if you get an extension, you typically face a much smaller monthly penalty of 0.5% of any unpaid amount.

Can I request more time from the April 15 deadline to file taxes?

Yes, but don't wait until the last minute. The sooner you request an extension, the better. It doesn't buy you more time to pay your taxes, however. You'll still have to pay any amount due to avoid penalties, but you'll have more time to complete your tax forms.

More: What to know about filing federal and Kentucky tax returns

What's the new deadline to file taxes if I get an extension?

If you request an extension with the IRS, you'll have until Oct. 15 — an additional six months — to file your return.

If you need an extension to file your state returns with the Kentucky Department of Revenue, you'll have until Oct. 15, 2024, after the request has been submitted to file your documents and pay any outstanding balance due. According to the Kentucky DOR, if you get a federal extension, you automatically have an extension to file with Kentucky. Just be sure to attach the federal form (Form 4868) with your state return before the April deadline.

The filing deadline for most 2023 federal and state of Kentucky income tax returns is April 15, 2024.
The filing deadline for most 2023 federal and state of Kentucky income tax returns is April 15, 2024.

I've used TurboTax and H&R Block in the past, but can I file my taxes for free at IRS.gov?

Yes, you can — if your adjusted gross income is $79,000 or less. "IRS Free File" allows qualified taxpayers to file their federal income tax returns online using guided tax preparation software at IRS.gov.

How can I check my tax refund status in Kentucky?

You can check the status of your Kentucky state tax refund at the state's online portal. You can speak with an examiner about a prior year's or amended refund by calling (502) 564-4581. You'll need to provide a Social Security number, as well as the exact amount of the refund.

The Kentucky Department of Revenue recommends waiting a minimum of four to six weeks before checking the status of your electronically filed tax refund and 10-14 weeks for paper-filed returns.

How long does it take to get my federal tax refund?

The IRS issues most refunds within 21 days. It could take longer, however, if you send your tax return by mail.

Where's my tax refund?

Visit the IRS online at Where's My Refund? (irs.gov/refunds) or at IRS2Go mobile app to get the latest details about your current tax return and refund, as well as information about your taxes from 2022 or 2021. Here's when you can begin checking:

  • 24 hours after e-filing a tax year 2023 return.

  • Three or four days after e-filing a tax year 2021 or 2022 return.

  • Four weeks after mailing a paper return.

More: Need more time to file taxes in Kentucky? Requesting an extension is easy

John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Follow him on X at @JTuftsReports.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: When are taxes due in 2024? How soon should you file a tax extension?

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