Each year, everyone’s favorite annual obligation rolls around: getting those taxes filed. And whether you’re an early bird or enjoy the adrenaline rush of a last-minute race to the finish line, there’s a question that unites us all: “When are taxes due this year?”

Here’s a cheat sheet for all the important tax deadlines in 2022 — from your federal income tax return due date to estimated tax payments.

When are taxes due in 2022?

The deadline for filing a 2021 federal tax return is April 18, 2022. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts get until April 19, 2022.

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Nerdy Tip

You may be wondering why this year’s tax day is not the standard April 15 date you know and love. That’s because the IRS rolls over the federal tax due date to the next business day following a holiday or weekend. This year, Emancipation Day, a legal holiday in Washington D.C., falls on Friday, April 15, which pushes the federal deadline out to April 18. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts get an extra day because of another holiday celebrated in their states, Patriot’s Day.

Do you have to file taxes by April 18?

No, but there’s a catch. If you request a tax extension by April 18, 2022, your tax return will be due on October 17, 2022. However, your tax bill will still be due on April 18, 2022. Getting a tax extension provides more time to file your tax return, but it does not provide more time to pay your taxes.

When are state income taxes due?

State income tax due dates typically follow the federal deadline — but there are some exceptions. For example, residents of Virginia get until May 1 to file their state returns. Check with your state’s taxes and revenue authority for further information.

» MORE: Curious about your state income taxes? Check your state’s tax rate here 

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• Federal: $24.95 to $64.95. Free version available for simple returns only.

• State: $29.95 to $44.95.

• All filers get access to Xpert Assist for free until April 7.

Promotion: NerdWallet users get 25% off federal and state filing costs.

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• Federal: $39 to $119. Free version available for simple returns only.

• State: $49 per state.

• TurboTax Live packages offer review with a tax expert.

Promotion: NerdWallet users can save up to $15 on TurboTax.

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• Federal: $29.99 to $84.99. Free version available for simple returns only.

• State: $36.99 per state.

• Online Assist add-on gets you on-demand tax help.

Tax deadline for quarterly estimated payments

If you’re self-employed, an independent contractor or have investment earnings, you might be curious about another set of deadlines: quarterly estimated payments. The IRS requires these quarterly estimated tax payments from many people whose income isn’t subject to payroll withholding tax.

For estimated taxes, the answer to “When are taxes due?” varies. The year is divided into four payment periods, and each period has its own payment due date. Check below to see the dates for 2022.

If you earned income during this period

Estimated tax payment deadline

Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2022.

April 18, 2022.

April 1 – May 31, 2022.

June 15, 2022.

June 1 – Aug. 31, 2022.

Sept. 15, 2022.

Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2022.

Jan. 17, 2023.

6 tax moves to consider before the tax deadline

1. File your 2018 tax return (yes, 2018)

The IRS estimates that unclaimed refunds from 2018 may total up to $1.5 billion. If you were due a refund for the 2018 tax year but didn’t file a tax return, you only have until April 18 (tax day) to submit that old Form 1040 and claim your money. So if you haven’t filed, get to work! Miss the tax deadline, and the U.S. Treasury gets to keep your money.

2. Max out your 401(k) by Dec. 31

Contributions to a traditional 401(k) reduce your total taxable income for the year.

For example, let’s say you make $65,000 a year and put $19,500 (the limit in 2021) into your 401(k). Instead of paying income taxes on the entire $65,000 you earned, you’ll only owe taxes on $45,500 of your salary. In other words, saving for the future lets you shield $19,500 from taxes (and even more if you’re 50 or older; read more here). Many employers offer to match a portion of what you save, meaning that if you contribute enough to your account, you’ll also nab some free money.

3. Contribute to or open an IRA by Tax Day

Contributions to a traditional IRA can be tax-deductible. You have until the April 18, 2022, tax deadline to contribute to an IRA, either Roth or traditional, for the 2021 tax year. The maximum contribution amount for either type of IRA is $6,000 — or $7,000 if you’re age 50 or older. See all the rules here.

4. Contribute to your health savings account

This medical account, available to individuals who have a high-deductible health plan, provides a tax-saving way to pay for out-of-pocket costs. You have until the April 18, 2022, tax deadline to contribute to an HSA for the 2021 tax year. The 2021 limits were $3,650 for an individual HSA owner and $7,200 for a family. For 2022, the individual coverage contribution limit is $3,650 and the family coverage limit is $7,300. If you’re 55 or older, you can put an extra $1,000 in your HSA.

5. File for an extension by Tax Day (but still pay)

If you can’t finish your return by the April 18 tax deadline, file IRS Form 4868. This will buy most taxpayers until Oct. 17 to file their tax returns. See more about how extensions work.

Note: A tax extension gets you more time to file your return, not more time to pay your taxes. You still must pay any tax you owe, or a good estimate of that amount, by the tax deadline. Include that payment with your extension request or you could face a late-payment penalty on the taxes due.

6. When are taxes due in your state?

Be sure to find out when your local tax day is. Most taxpayers face state income taxes, and most of the states that have an income tax follow the federal tax deadline. Ask your state’s tax department: When are taxes due? (And if necessary, ask: How do I get an extension?)

Frequently asked questions

What if I can’t get my taxes done by the filing deadline?

If you request a tax extension by April 18, you can have until October 17 to file your taxes.

• However, getting a tax extension only gives you more time to file the paperwork; it does not give you more time to pay.

• If you can’t pay your tax bill when it’s due, the IRS offers installment plans that will let you pay over time. You can apply for one on the IRS website. (Here’s how it works.)

What if I can’t get my taxes done by the filing deadline?

If you request a tax extension by April 18, you can have until October 17 to file your taxes.

• However,

  getting a tax extension

  only gives you more time to file the paperwork; it does not give you more time to pay.

• If you can’t pay your tax bill when it’s due, the IRS offers installment plans that will let you pay over time. You can apply for one on the IRS website. (

  Here’s how it works.

  )

Tax-filing resources

Take a look at the 2021-2022 federal tax rates and brackets. Learn more.

You might have a state tax return to file this year, too. Learn more.

IRS Free File, MilTax, and VITA are just a few options for free tax prep. Learn more.

See our picks for this year and how much they cost. Learn more.

See what forms you have to fill out and what an extension really gets you. Learn more.

Paying this way can help avoid penalties and interest. Learn more.

See how these retirement plans can cut your tax bill. Learn more.