When are my taxes due? Remember these key deadlines for California and federal returns
Tax season has officially arrived.
The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing tax returns on Monday, Jan. 27, the agency reported in a news release.
The IRS said it expects to receive 140 million individual tax filings for 2024 by the federal tax deadline.
California taxpayers impacted by recent Los Angeles County wildfires may be eligible for delayed tax filing and payment.
Here’s what to know about deadlines for filing tax returns, including extensions.
When do I have to file my 2024 tax return?
In California, the deadline to file a state or federal income tax return for 2024 is Tuesday, April 15.
You can request a six-month extension to file the return if you need extra time.
However, you must pay any tax money owed by the April deadline.
Do California residents get tax relief due to wildfires?
Taxpayers who were impacted by the Palisades Fire, Eaton Fire and other recent wildfires in the Los Angeles area have until Wednesday, Oct. 15, to file their 2024 tax returns and make payments, the IRS said.
The IRS will automatically grant extensions to residents of the disaster area, as determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Taxpayers who live outside of Los Angeles County but were directly impacted by the wildfires can also request tax relief.
This includes workers assisting with relief efforts who work with a recognized government agency or philanthropic organization, The Sacramento Bee previously reported.
California residents who live outside of the disaster zone but qualify for tax relief must contact the IRS at 866-562-5227.
Can I file my taxes in California for free?
Taxpayers in California may be able to file federal taxes for free using the IRS’s online Direct File service.
You may choose to file with this service if you:
- Lived in California for all of 2024
- Earned all of your income in California in 2024
- Plan to use the same filing status for both your federal and state tax returns
- Filed in California within the past five years
- Are not filing with the status “married filing separately”
State taxes can be filed for free using California’s free filing tool, CalFile.
The IRS provides information about other free filing options on its website.
This story was originally published February 5, 2025 at 5:00 AM with the headline "When are my taxes due? Remember these key deadlines for California and federal returns."
