There are certain deadlines that everyone needs to be aware of. These can be important for taxes,
benefit applications, and just to stay on top of things. Here are some dates that you will want to
know.
January 15: Estimated quarterly taxes for the last quarter of 2020 are due by this date.
Late January: In prior years the date that you can start filing tax returns was Jan 27 for 2020
and January 27 in 2019. These are the earliest dates that you can file your tax return. If you have
all your documents in order you can start filing around this time in 2021.
If you have not received the last installment of the stimulus check it will be tied to 2020 tax
returns so you will want to get those filed.
February 1: Deadline for employers to provide 2020 W-2s and it is the same deadline for the
issuance of 1009s.
February 16: Deadline for other documents needed to file tax returns such as 1099-B, 1099-S,
and some 1009-MISC. These cover things like dividends and stock sales.
March 15: The end of the grace period for some holders of Flexible Spending Accounts
(FSA’s). This is the deadline for using that money to pay for medical expenses incurred in 2020.
The CARES Act did expand the number of things that you can use this money for. See here for
more details. Some employers offer a 2.5 month grace period for these plans. Others offer a
carry-over for use during the next year. If you do not know what your employer’s policy is check
with your HR department.
April 15: Deadline for filing your 2020 tax returns. If you owe taxes for 2020, even if you get an
extension on filing the return the tax is due on this date.
This is also the last day to make contributions to IRAs for those contributions to be counted as
made in 2020.
This day is the date that you need to make the second quarter estimated tax payment for 2021.
August 6-8: Annual Ohio Sales tax holiday for purchases of clothing $75 or under per item and
school supplies of $25 or less per item. This holiday runs from the first Friday in each August
and the next 2 days annually.
September 11: Last day to make updates/corrections to FAFSA forms used to apply for financial
aid for higher education.
October: The IRS releases inflation updates for tax tables and standard deductions. This
information is helpful in planning tax decisions for 2022.
October 1: The first day to file FAFSA for the 2022-2023 school year. If you or your child is
starting a higher education program in the 2022-2023 school year, you can apply now for aid.
October 15: Deadline for filing your 2020 tax return if you filed for an extension to do so. The
taxes owed should have been paid on April 15, 2021.
The third-quarter estimated taxes are due October 15 as well.
October 15 – December 7: This is the open enrollment period for Medicare health and drug
plans. Enrollees can drop or switch plans during this time frame.
October 21: This is the deadline to have completed the FAFSA application for the 2021-2022
school year. Deadlines can also vary from school to school so be sure to check with the
institution for their specific deadline.
November 1 – December 15: This is the time frame for open enrollment in healthcare insurance
plans offered through the Affordable Care Act. This is the time frame when anyone can sign up.
IF you do not sign up during this period there has to be a change in circumstances for you to be
able to enroll.
Mark your calendars now to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines in 2021. If you need business advice, contact Attorney Heather Moseman at Moseman Law Office, LLC in Mentor, Ohio. She understands no problem is too small to tackle!