Why Is Tax Day on April 18 in 2023? - AARP
America’s least favorite deadline doesn't always fall on April 15. Here's why.
www.aarp.orgShort answer: Tax Day in the U.S. is not always April 15. It can shift when the date falls near holidays or DC Emancipation Day, and in past years it has been moved (for example, to July 15 in 2020 and to April 18 in some years). The exact deadline depends on the calendar for the current tax year and any observed holidays.
Key points
- Standard deadline: April 15 for most years, historically the federal filing deadline for individuals.
- Possible shifts: If April 15 falls on a weekend or a DC holiday (Emancipation Day), the deadline moves to the next business day. In some years, special extensions have pushed the deadline further (e.g., July 15 during the 2020 pandemic relief period) [web sources reflect these patterns and exceptions].
- State variations: Some states align with the federal deadline, while others may have separate dates or additional extensions.
If you want, I can pull the latest official deadline for the current tax year and show how it’s determined, with citations.