The due date for U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns (Forms 1040) for tax year 2020 is May 17, 2021. (Filing deadlines for other return types are available on the TaxAct Tax Calendar webpage.)

Most states comply with the federal filing deadline, but we recommend that you check with your individual state taxing authority to confirm. See COVID-19 Response: State Deadlines Extended for details.

Can't finish in time? Don't worry! File an extension for free!

If you are unable to complete your return before the May 17th deadline, there is no need to worry. You can file Form 4868 Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return for a six-month filing extension with TaxAct. The extension deadline for 2020 remains October 15, 2021.

Important. Filing an extension only extends the time to file your return until October 15th and does not extend the time to pay any tax due. To avoid late payment penalties and interest, estimate your federal (and state, if applicable) taxes in TaxAct, then pay as much as possible when you e-file your extension.

Need help?

• See Filing a Federal Individual Tax Return Extension - Form 4868.
• For a list of information you'll need to prepare your taxes, see the TaxAct Tax Planning & Checklists webpage.
• Search our FAQs for the fastest answers.
• If you can't find your answer, contact TaxAct Service and Support.

Note that any link in the information above is updated each year automatically and will take you to the most recent version of the document at the time it is accessed.