Year 2004

October 1

Deadline for establishing a SIMPLE IRA.

October 15

If your application for an additional two-month extension was approved, file your 2003 tax return by today and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due.

Last day for recharacterizing an IRA contribution for 2003 if you filed your 2003 return on time.

Last day for making many elections that ordinarily were required to be made by the due date of the 2003 return if you filed your 2003 return on time.

December 31

Deadline for establishing many self-employed retirement plans.

Last day to contribute to a charity.

Year 2005

January 1

Start of tax season.

January 15

Individuals - Make the fourth payment of your 2004 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. You won't need to make this payment if you file your 2004 return and pay any tax due by February 2, 2005.

February 2

W-2s are due from your employer. Forms 1099 are due from payers of interest, dividends and other specified types of income.

You should file your 2004 income tax return if you did not pay your last installment of estimated tax by January 15, 2005. Filing your return and paying any tax due by February 2 prevents any penalty for late payment of the last installment.

February 16

If you were exempt from income tax withholding for 2004, you must file a new Form W-4 by today to continue your exemption for 2005.

April 1

Tax filing deadline in two weeks. File today using H&R Block.

April 15

Tax Returns Due

Get an automatic four-month extension to file your return. Let H&R Block file your extension or file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File. This form must be postmarked on or before today. With the extension, your new deadline for filing your return will be August 15, 2005.

Last day to set up an IRA or make 2004 IRA contributions even if you get an extension.

Individuals - Make the first payment of your 2005 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES.

June 15

Individuals - If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien living and working (or on military duty) outside the United States and Puerto Rico, file Form 1040 and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due.

If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain two additional months to file. Then file Form 1040 by August 16. If you still need additional time, file Form 2688 to request an additional two months as soon as possible so that your application can be acted on before August 16. However, if you are a participant in a combat zone you may be able to further extend the filing deadline.

Individuals - Make the second payment of your 2004 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES.

August 16

If you filed for an extension, file your return by today and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due.

Additional two-month extension: File Form 2688, Application for Additional Extension of Time To File. It must be postmarked today. Caution:This extension is not automatic. You must have a valid reason for needing this extension. If your second extension is approved, your new tax filing deadline is October 15.

September 15

Individuals - Make the third payment of your 2004 estimated tax if you are not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or will not pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES.