Atkinson, Asberry & Sandlin, PLLC
Resources

Tools and insights to help you stay ahead.

Knowledge is part of the service. These resources are here to keep you informed, prepared, and never caught off guard by a deadline or an opportunity.

Tax Deadlines & Key Dates

Know what's coming. Plan accordingly.

Tax planning isn't a once-a-year event — and neither are tax deadlines. Below are the key federal tax dates every individual, family, and business owner should have on their calendar.

When in doubt, contact us before the deadline, not after.

Q1
January – March
  • January 15
    Fourth quarter estimated tax payment due (Q4 of prior year)
    Applies to: Individuals, self-employed, business owners making quarterly payments
  • January 31
    W-2s and 1099s must be issued to employees and contractors
    Applies to: Employers and businesses
  • January 31
    Form 940 (Federal Unemployment Tax) annual return due
    Applies to: Employers
  • February 28 / March 31
    1099 forms due to IRS (paper by Feb 28, electronic by March 31)
    Applies to: Businesses that issued 1099s
  • March 15
    S-Corporation and Partnership returns due (Form 1120-S and 1065)
    Applies to: S-Corps and partnerships — extension available
Q2
April – June
  • April 15
    Individual income tax returns due (Form 1040)
    Applies to: All individual filers — extension available (extends filing, not payment)
  • April 15
    First quarter estimated tax payment due (Q1)
    Applies to: Individuals, self-employed, business owners
  • April 15
    C-Corporation tax returns due (Form 1120)
    Applies to: C-Corps — extension available
  • April 15
    IRA contribution deadline for prior tax year
    Applies to: Individuals contributing to Traditional or Roth IRAs
  • June 16
    Second quarter estimated tax payment due (Q2)
    Applies to: Individuals, self-employed, business owners
Q3
July – September
  • September 15
    Extended S-Corporation and Partnership returns due
    Applies to: S-Corps and partnerships that filed for extension in March
  • September 15
    Third quarter estimated tax payment due (Q3)
    Applies to: Individuals, self-employed, business owners
Q4
October – December
  • October 15
    Extended individual tax returns due (Form 1040)
    Applies to: Individuals who filed for extension in April
  • October 15
    Extended C-Corporation returns due
    Applies to: C-Corps that filed for extension in April
  • December 31
    Year-end tax planning deadline — last day for most tax strategies to count for the current year
    Applies to: All taxpayers — charitable contributions, retirement contributions, business purchases, tax-loss harvesting
  • December 31
    Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) deadline
    Applies to: Individuals age 73+ with traditional IRAs or employer retirement plans

Dates above reflect standard federal tax deadlines. Deadlines that fall on a weekend or federal holiday are typically moved to the next business day. State tax deadlines may differ. This calendar is for general informational purposes only — contact Atkinson, Asberry & Sandlin, PLLC for guidance specific to your situation.

Not sure where you stand heading into a deadline?

Let's talk before the clock runs out.

Section 02 — Financial Calculators & Tools

Run the numbers. Make better decisions.

These calculators are here to help you think through your financial picture — quickly and on your own terms. For a deeper analysis tailored to your specific situation, our team is always a call away.

01

Are You Withholding the Right Amount?

Too little withheld and you'll owe at filing — potentially with penalties. Too much and you've given the government an interest-free loan all year. Use the IRS estimator to find the right balance.

Best for: W-2 employees, dual-income households, anyone who had a large refund or surprise bill last year.

The official IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is free, secure, and updated each year. We recommend it over third-party tools.

Open Tax Withholding Estimator →
02

Know Your Self-Employment Tax Before It Knows You.

Self-employed individuals pay both the employee and employer share of Social Security and Medicare taxes — a combined 15.3% on net earnings. This estimator helps you plan your quarterly payments.

Best for: Freelancers, sole proprietors, independent contractors, business owners taking distributions.

Want a deeper analysis?

03

Know Exactly What You're Required to Withdraw.

Once you reach age 73, the IRS requires you to withdraw a minimum amount from your traditional retirement accounts each year. Missing or under-taking your RMD results in a significant penalty.

Best for: Retirees and pre-retirees with traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, or other tax-deferred accounts — and beneficiaries of inherited IRAs.

Want a deeper analysis?

04

Is Your Estate Above the Federal Exemption Threshold?

The federal estate tax exemption — currently $13.61M per individual (2024) — is scheduled to sunset at the end of 2025, potentially dropping to approximately $7M. For high-net-worth families, this window is a meaningful planning opportunity.

Best for: High-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, anyone with significant real estate, investment, or business holdings.

Want a deeper analysis?

05

Sole Proprietor, LLC, or S-Corp? The Answer Affects Your Tax Bill.

The entity structure you choose has a direct impact on how much you pay in taxes, how you're protected legally, and how your business is perceived. Use this side-by-side to have a more informed conversation with our team.

Best for: New business owners, self-employed individuals considering incorporation, and existing owners who haven't revisited their structure recently.

 Sole ProprietorLLCS-Corporation
TaxationPass-through on personal return (Schedule C)Pass-through by default; can elect S- or C-CorpPass-through with salary + distributions
Self-employment taxFull SE tax on all profitsFull SE tax on all profits (unless S-Corp elected)SE-style tax only on reasonable salary — potential savings
Liability protectionNone — personal assets exposedPersonal asset protectionPersonal asset protection
ComplexityLow — minimal filingsModerate — state filings, operating agreementHigher — payroll, separate return, formalities
Best forSimple side businesses, early-stage freelancersMost small businesses seeking protection with flexibilityProfitable owner-operators with consistent income

Calculators and tools on this page are provided for general informational and planning purposes only. Results are estimates based on the inputs provided and do not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Individual circumstances vary. Contact Atkinson, Asberry & Sandlin, PLLC for guidance specific to your situation.

Section 03 — Let's build the plan

The numbers are a starting point. The strategy is where we come in.

These tools can help you think. Our team helps you act — with a plan built around your specific situation, your goals, and your timeline.

Or call us at (931) 528-5485 or email info@atkinsonasberry.com