Tax deadline is approaching: Don’t forget – there’s a change in this year’s deadline

Tax deadline day is approaching but, unlike most years, the final day to submit returns isn’t April 15th.

The filing deadline to submit 2022 tax returns or an extension to file and pay any taxes owed is Tuesday, April 18 for most taxpayers. There are exceptions pushing that back to October for some storm victims.

The change from the traditional April 15 deadline has to do with Emancipation Day, a holiday that celebrates the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. By federal law, Washington D.C. holidays impact tax deadlines for everyone in the same way as federal holidays. April 15 is a Saturday and Emancipation Day falls on Monday, April 17th, moving the tax deadline to Tuesday, April 18.

The recommendation for receiving the fastest refund remains the same – file electronically and choose direct deposit. Avoid paper returns whenever possible, the IRS recommends.

Most taxpayers will receive their refunds within 21 days of when they file electronically, assuming they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their returns.

For the fastest return, the agency recommends filing electronically and choosing direct deposit for any refunds. Paper returns should be avoided whenever possible, the IRS said.