National Tax Day
National Tax Day is the annual deadline for filing individual income tax returns with the federal government in the United States. It marks the day when Americans must submit their tax forms and payments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Quick Facts
- When is it: April 15 (unless it falls on a weekend or holiday)
- Tagged as: Federal Tax Filing Deadline
- What’s the hashtag: #NationalTaxDay
- When was founded: 1913
- Who founded it: U.S. Congress through the Revenue Act of 1913
History
The concept of federal income tax began during the Civil War but was later deemed unconstitutional. The modern income tax system emerged with the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913. Initially, Tax Day was set for March 1, then moved to March 15 in 1918, and finally to April 15 in 1955, where it remains today.
Timeline
• 1861: First income tax implemented to fund Civil War
• 1913: 16th Amendment ratified, establishing federal income tax
• 1918: Filing deadline moved to March 15
• 1955: Deadline changed to April 15
• 2020: Deadline extended to July 15 due to COVID-19
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April | 15 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April | 15 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April | 15 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April | 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | April | 16 | Monday |
| 2030 | April | 15 | Monday |
Observed
The day is observed nationwide with special considerations for holidays like Emancipation Day and natural disasters that may affect filing deadlines. If Tax Day falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Fun Facts About Tax Day
• The first tax form was only 4 pages long, including instructions
• Albert Einstein reportedly found income taxes the “hardest thing in the world to understand”
• During WWII, the highest tax bracket was 91%
• The modern tax code has grown from 400 pages in 1913 to over 70,000 pages
Quiz
- What was the original Tax Day date?
- In which year was the modern income tax established?
- What can delay Tax Day?
-(Answers: 1. March 1, 2. 1913, 3. Weekends, holidays, or natural disasters)
FAQs
Q: Can I get an extension?
A: Yes, you can request a six-month extension, but you must still pay estimated taxes by the original deadline.
Q: What if Tax Day falls on a holiday?
A: The deadline moves to the next business day.
Related
• Internal Revenue Service
• Federal Income Tax
• Tax Reform Acts
• Emancipation Day
• Electronic Filing
• Tax Extensions
• State Tax Deadlines
• Tax Preparation