If there's one thing you can depend on when it comes to taxes, it's that at least some of the rules, exemptions and deductions are sure to change every year. This year was no exception, as many things have changed for 2023 taxes being filed by April 2024. So before you start pulling together the return you'll be filing in 2024, make sure you're up-to-date on current tax laws.
Do you have questions about tax planning? Speak with a financial advisor who serves your area today.
Deadlines for Filing Returns and Extensions
Tax filing day in 2024 falls on Monday, April 15.
For residents of Maine and Massachusetts, there’s some extra time available to file. If you live in either of these states, you’ll have until April 17 to file, as April 15 and April 16 are both state holidays.
If you file for a tax extension, the deadline for both individual and self-employed filers is October 15. However, an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. You'll still need to make at least an estimated tax payment by April 15 or face significant penalties.
‘Tax Season' vs. ‘Tax Year': What’s the Difference?
What's called "tax season" is the time of year for preparing and filing your return for the previous calendar year. This typically runs from early January to April 15. Now is when you'll also receive W2s, 1099s and other income statements needed for filing your return.
On the other hand, the "tax year" is the calendar year in which you earn your taxable income, despite the fact that you file it the following year. In turn, tax year 2023 would be paid by April 15, 2024. This will involve any income earned and other financial transactions during the tax year covered in the return you file during the "tax season."
Inflation-Adjusted Tax Brackets
The IRS automatically adjusts tax brackets each year to account for inflation. Otherwise, you'd be paying an increasingly higher marginal tax rate every year. In 1978, for example, a married couple making $11,200 found themselves in the 22% bracket, while they'd need to earn $89,450 to hit that rate for 2023.
Here’s a breakdown of the new brackets for the 2023 tax year for both single and joint filers:
-
Single filers
-
10% bracket: income of $11,000 or less
-
12% bracket: income over $11,000
-
22% bracket: income over $44,725
-
24% bracket: income over $95,375
-
32% bracket: income over $182,100
-
35% bracket: income over $231,250
-
37% bracket: income over $578,125
-
-
Joint filers
-
10% bracket: income of $22,000 or less
-
12% bracket: income over $22,000
-
22% bracket: income over $89,450
-
24% bracket: income over $190,750
-
32% bracket: income over $364,200
-
35% bracket: income over $462,500
-
37% bracket: income over $693,750
-