Comprehensive 2018 Tax Calendar For Self-Directed Investors

A comprehensive 2018 Tax Filing Calendar for self-directed retirement plans, businesses, exempt organizations, trusts and estates, and individuals.

Checkbook Control IRA & 401(k): Contribution and Filing Deadlines

Checkbook IRA Contribution Deadline. The deadline for contributions to Self-Directed IRAs – Traditional and Roth – is the original due date of your individual tax return, April 17, 2018. Obtaining a tax filing extension does not extend the contribution deadline for Traditional IRAs or Roth IRAs.

Checkbook Solo 401K and Checkbook SEP-IRA Contribution Deadline. The deadline for contributions to Self-Directed Solo 401(k) Plans and Self-Directed SEP-IRAs is the tax return due date of the business sponsoring the plan, including extensions. Therefore, the contribution deadlines depend on the type of business that sponsored the plan – sole proprietorship, partnership, S-corporation, C-corporation, or LLC taxed as any of the foregoing – and whether you timely file for at tax return extension.

Forms 1099-R for Solo 401k Distributions and 401k In-Plan Roth Conversions. Forms 1099-R for Solo K distributions must be provided to plan participants by January 31, 2018. Forms 1099-R must be filed with the IRS by February 28, 2018 if paper filed or by April 2, 2018 if electronically filed.

Form 5500-EZ for certain Solo 401k Plans. If Solo 401k plan assets exceeded $250,000 as of December 31, 2017, a Form 5500-EZ is due to the IRS by July 31, 2018. Form 5558 (Application for Extension of Time to File Certain Employee Plan Returns) can be filed with the IRS on or before the normal due date to receive an automatic two-and-a-half-month extension to October 15. Regardless of plan asset value, Form 5500-EZ must be filed for the year in which a Solo 401k Plan is terminated. Checkbook IRAs, for which annual IRS reporting is handled by your custodian, are not required to file Forms 5500.

Forms 990-T (UBIT, UBTI, UDFI) For SDIRAs, SD401(k)s, SD-DB Plans. Retirement accounts that are liable for more than $1,000 in Unrelated Business Income Tax should file Form 990-T by April 17, 2018. To request an automatic extension of time to file Form 990-T use Form 8868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return.

Form 990-W (Estimated Tax on Unrelated Business Taxable Income for Tax-Exempt Organizations). If UBIT tax liability is expected to exceed $500, estimated tax payments should be made. Payments are due by the 15th day of the 4th, 6th, 9th, and 12th months of the tax year.

Tax Due Date Rules

Whenever a regular tax filing date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal observed holiday in the District of Columbia, the due date for returns is pushed to the next business day. In 2018, several due dates will be adjusted because of this rule: the Individual and FBAR due date; the C Corporation due date; the Form 1041 due date and extended due date; and the Partnership extended due date.

Generally, if a due date for performing any act for tax purposes falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the act is considered to be performed timely if it is performed no later than the next day that isn’t a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. The term “legal holiday” means any legal holiday in the District of Columbia.

A statewide legal holiday delays a due date for filing a return only if the IRS office where you’re required to file is located in that state. A statewide legal holiday doesn’t delay a due date for making a federal tax deposit.

If you’re planning to extend your tax return deadline, be sure to consult with a tax professional and pay your tax liability on time. The extension of a time to file IS NOT an extension for paying any tax liability due.

January 16, 2018

Form 1040-ES (Individuals). Make a payment of your estimated tax for 2017 if you didn’t pay your income tax for the year through withholding (or didn’t pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the final installment date for 2017 estimated tax payments. However, you don’t have to make this payment if you file your 2017 return (Form 1040) and pay any tax due by January 31, 2018.

January 31, 2018

Individuals who must make estimated tax payments. If you didn’t pay your last installment of estimated tax by January 16, you may choose (but aren’t required) to file your income tax return (Form 1040) for 2017 by January 31. Filing your return and paying any tax due by January 31 prevents any penalty for late payment of the last installment. If you can’t file and pay your tax by January 31, file and pay your tax by April 17.

Forms 1099, other than Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and certain reporting on Form 1099-MISC (All businesses). Provide annual information statements to recipients of certain payments you made during 2017. Use the appropriate version of Form 1099 or other information return. Form 1099 can be issued electronically with the consent of the recipient. Payments that may be covered include the following: Compensation for workers who aren’t considered employees (including fishing boat proceeds to crew members); Dividends and other corporate distributions; Interest; Rent; Royalties; Payments of Indian gaming profits to tribal members; Profit-sharing distributions; Retirement plan distributions (Form 1099-R); Original issue discount; Prizes and awards; Medical and health care payments; Debt cancellation (treated as payment to debtor); Cash payments for fish (or other aquatic life) purchased from anyone engaged in the trade or business of catching fish; Cash payments over $10,000.

(Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and certain reporting on Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, are due to recipients by February 15.)

Form 1099-MISC reporting non-employee compensation. Provide to independent contractors and file with the IRS all 2017 paper and electronic Forms 1099-MISC that report nonemployee (independent contractor) compensation.

Forms W-2. Furnish each employee a completed Form W-2 and file with the SSA Copy A of all 2017 paper and electronic Forms W-2 with Form W-3, Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements.

Form 941: File Form 941 for the fourth quarter of 2017. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return. If you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full, you have until February 12 to file the return.

Form 940. File Form 940 for 2017. If your undeposited tax is $500 or less, you can either pay it with your return or deposit it. If it is more than $500, you must deposit it. However, if you deposited the tax for the year timely, properly, and in full, you have until February 12 to file the return.

Form 945. File Form 945 to report income tax withheld for 2017 on all nonpayroll items, including backup withholding and withholding on pensions, annuities, IRAs, gambling winnings, and payments of Indian gaming profits to tribal members.

Form 944 (Certain small employers). File Form 944 to report social security and Medicare taxes and withheld income tax for 2017. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is $2,500 or more for 2017 but less than $2,500 for the fourth quarter, deposit any undeposited tax or pay it in full with a timely filed return. If you deposited the tax for the year timely, properly, and in full, you have until February 12 to file the return.

Forms 1095-C and 1095-B (Health coverage reporting). If you’re an Applicable Large Employer, provide Form 1095-C, Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage, to full-time employees. For all other providers of minimum essential coverage, provide Form 1095-B, Health Coverage, to responsible individuals.

February 12, 2018

Form 945. File Form 945 to report income tax withheld for 2017 on all nonpayroll items. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year timely, properly, and in full.

Form 941. File Form 941 for the fourth quarter of 2017. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full. File Form 940 for 2017. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year timely, properly, and in full.

Form 944 (Certain small employers). File Form 944 to report social security and Medicare taxes and withheld income tax for 2017. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the year timely, properly, and in full.

February 15, 2018

Form W-4 (Individuals). If you claimed exemption from income tax withholding last year on the Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, you gave your employer, you must file a new Form W-4 by this date to continue your exemption for another year.

Form W-4 (Employers). Request a new Form W4 from exempt employees. Ask for a new Form W-4 from each employee who claimed exemption from income tax withholding last year.

Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, 1099-MISC (All Businesses). Furnish annual information statements to recipients of certain payments you made during 2017. Use the appropriate version of Form 1099 or other information return. Form 1099 can be issued electronically with the consent of the recipient. This due date applies only to the following types of payments: All payments reported on Form 1099-B, Proceeds From Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions; All payments reported on Form 1099-S, Proceeds From Real Estate Transactions; Substitute payments reported in box 8 or gross proceeds paid to an attorney reported in box 14 of Form 1099-MISC.

February 16, 2018

Form W-4 (Payroll Withholding – Employers). Begin withholding income tax from the pay of any employee who claimed exemption from withholding in 2017, but didn’t give you Form W-4 (or Form W-4(SP), its Spanish version) to continue the exemption this year.

February 28, 2018

Certain Information Returns (Paper filing). File information returns (for example, certain Forms 1099) for certain payments you made during 2017. These payments are described under January 31, earlier. However, Form 1099-MISC reporting nonemployee compensation must be filed by January 31. There are different forms for different types of payments. Use a separate Form 1096 to summarize and transmit the forms for each type of payment. If you file Forms 1097, 1098, 1099 (except a Form 1099-MISC reporting nonemployee compensation), 3921, 3922, or W-2G electronically, your due date for filing them with the IRS will be extended to April 2. The due date for giving the recipient these forms remains January 31.

Form 8027 (Paper filing). File Form 8027, Employer’s Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips. Use Form 8027-T, Transmittal of Employer’s Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips, to summarize and transmit paper Forms 8027 if you have more than one establishment. If you file Forms 8027 electronically, your due date for filing them with the IRS will be extended to April 2.

Forms 1094-C, 1095-C, 1094-B and 1095-B (Paper filing). If you’re an Applicable Large Employer, file paper Forms 1094-C, Transmittal of Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage Information Returns, and 1095-C with the IRS. For all other providers of minimum essential coverage, file paper Forms 1094-B, Transmittal of Health Coverage Information Returns, and 1095-B with the IRS. If you’re filing any of these forms with the IRS electronically, your due date for filing them will be extended to April 2.

March 15, 2018

Form 1065 (Partnerships). File a 2017 calendar year return (Form 1065). Provide each partner with a copy of their Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), Partner’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc., or substitute Schedule K-1 (Form 1065). To request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004. Then file the return and provide each partner with a copy of their final or amended (if required) Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) by September 17.

Form 1120S (S corporations). File a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) and pay any tax due. Provide each shareholder with a copy of their Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S), Shareholder’s Share of Income, Deductions, Credits, etc., or substitute Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S). To request an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004 and deposit what you estimate you owe in tax. Then file the return; pay any tax, interest, and penalties due; and provide each shareholder with a copy of their Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) by September 17.

Form 2553 (S corporation election). File Form 2553 to elect to be treated as an S corporation beginning with calendar year 2018. If Form 2553 is filed late, S corporation treatment will begin with calendar year 2019.

April 2, 2018

Forms 1097, 1098, 1099 (other than for non-employee independent contractor compensation), 3921, 3922, and W-2G (Electronic filing). File Forms 1097, 1098, 1099 (except a Form 1099-MISC reporting nonemployee compensation), 3921, 3922, and W-2G with the IRS. This due date applies only if you file electronically. Otherwise, see February 28, earlier. The due date for giving the recipient these forms remains January 31.

Forms 8027 (Electronic filing). File Forms 8027 Employer’s Annual Information Return of Tip Income and Allocated Tips for 2017. This due date applies only if you electronically file. Otherwise, see February 28, earlier.

Forms 1094-C and 1095-C and Forms 1094-B and 1095-B (Electronic filing). If you’re an Applicable Large Employer, file electronic Forms 1094-C and 1095-C with the IRS. For all other providers of minimum essential coverage, file electronic Forms 1094-B and 1095-B with the IRS. Otherwise, see February 28, earlier.

April 17, 2018

Forms 1040 (Individuals). File a 2017 income tax return (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) and pay any tax due. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 4868 and pay what you estimate you owe in tax to avoid penalties and interest. Submit your payment with Form 4868. Then, file Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ by October 15

Form 1120 (Corporations). File a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120) and pay any tax due. If you want an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return, file Form 7004 and deposit what you estimate you owe in taxes.

The filing deadline to submit 2017 tax returns is Tuesday, April 17, 2018, rather than the traditional April 15 date. In 2018, April 15 falls on a Sunday, and this would usually move the filing deadline to the following Monday – April 16. However, Emancipation Day – a legal holiday in the District of Columbia – will be observed on that Monday, which pushes the nation’s filing deadline to Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Under the tax law, legal holidays in the District of Columbia affect the filing deadline across the nation.

FinCEN 114 – FBAR (Reports of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts). If you have a financial interest in or signature authority over a foreign financial account, including a bank account, brokerage account, mutual fund, trust, or other type of foreign financial account, exceeding certain thresholds, the Bank Secrecy Act may require you to report the account yearly to the Department of Treasury by electronically filing a Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) 114, Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). The FBAR is not filed with a federal tax return. When the IRS grants a filing extension for a taxpayer’s income tax return, it does not extend the time to file an FBAR. However, an automatic six-month extension to October 15 is available.

Forms 990-T for employees’ trust defined in section 401(a), IRAs (including SEPs and SIMPLEs), Roth IRAs, Coverdell ESAs, and Archer MSAs (not for other exempt organizations). An employees’ trust defined in section 401(a), an IRA (including SEPs and SIMPLEs), a Roth IRA, a Coverdell ESA, or an Archer MSA that is liable for UBIT must file Form 990-T by the 15th day of the 4th month after the end of its tax year. All other organizations must file Form 990-T by the 15th day of the 5th month after the end of their tax years. To request an automatic extension of time to file Form 990-T use Form 8868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File an Exempt Organization Return.

Forms 1041 – Trusts and Estates. For calendar year estates and trusts, file Form 1041 and Schedule(s) K-1 by April 17, 2018. If more time is needed to file the estate or trust return, use Form 7004, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File Certain Business Income Tax, Information, and Other Returns, to apply for an automatic 5 1/2-month extension of time to file.

Form 1040-ES (Individuals). If you’re not paying your 2018 income tax through withholding (or won’t pay in enough tax during the year that way), pay the first installment of your 2018 estimated tax. Use Form 1040-ES.

Form 1120-W (Corporations). Deposit the first installment of estimated income tax for 2018. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year.

Form 1040 Schedule H (Household employers). If you paid cash wages of $2,000 or more in 2017 to a household employee, you must file Schedule H (Form 1040), Household Employment Taxes. If you’re required to file a federal income tax return (Form 1040), file Schedule H (Form 1040) with the return and report any household employment taxes. Report any federal unemployment (FUTA) tax on Schedule H (Form 1040) if you paid total cash wages of $1,000 or more in any calendar quarter of 2016 or 2017 to household employees. Also, report any income tax you withheld for your household employees.

Form 990-W (Estimated Tax on Unrelated Business Taxable Income for Tax-Exempt Organizations). For a calendar or fiscal year organization, the payments are due by the 15th day of the 4th (the 5th month for private foundations), 6th, 9th, and 12th months of the tax year.

Traditional IRA and Roth IRA Contribution Final Deadline: If you haven’t already funded your retirement account for 2017, do so by April 17, 2018. That’s the deadline for a contribution to a traditional IRA, deductible or not, and a Roth IRA – whether-or-not you obtain a filing extension. For Keogh, Profit Sharing, 401k, and SEP-IRAs, the contribution deadline is extended to October 15, 2018 if you timely file for and obtain a filing extension.

April 30, 2018

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the first quarter of 2018. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return. If you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full, you have until May 10 to file the return.

May 10, 2018

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the first quarter of 2018. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full.

May 15, 2018

Forms 990, 990-EZ, 990-T Exempt organizations (other than an employees’ trust defined in section 401(a), an IRA, a Roth IRA, a Coverdell ESA, or an Archer MSA). File Forms 990 by the 15th day of the 5th month after the organization’s accounting period ends (May 15th for a calendar-year filer).

June 15, 2018

Form 1040-ES (Individuals). If you’re not paying your 2018 income tax through withholding (or won’t pay in enough tax during the year that way), pay the second installment of your 2018 estimated tax. Use Form 1040-ES.

Form 1120-W (Corporations). Deposit the second installment of estimated income tax for 2018. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year.

Form 1040 (Individuals living and working or on military duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico. If you’re 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. Otherwise, see April 17, earlier. If you want additional time to file your return, file Form 4868 to obtain 4 additional months to file and pay what you estimate you owe in tax to avoid penalties and interest. Then, file Form 1040 by October 15. However, if you’re a participant in a combat zone, you may be able to further extend the filing deadline.

July 31, 2018

Form 5500 Series – Employee Benefit Plan. If you maintain an employee benefit plan, such as a pension, profit-sharing, or stock bonus plan, file Form 5500 or 5500-EZ for calendar year 2017. If you use a fiscal year as your plan year, file the form by the last day of the seventh month after the plan year ends. Use Form 5558 to apply for a one-time extension of time to file the Form 5500 series (not automatic).

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2018. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return. If you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full, you have until August 10 to file the return.

August 10, 2018

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the second quarter of 2018. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full.

September 17, 2018

Form 1065 (Partnerships). File a 2017 calendar year return (Form 1065). This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see March 15, earlier. Provide each partner with a copy of their final or amended Schedule K-1 (Form 1065) or substitute Schedule K-1 (Form 1065).

Form 1120S (S corporations). File a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120S) and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension of time to file the return. Otherwise, see March 15, earlier. Provide each shareholder with a copy of their final or amended Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S) or substitute Schedule K-1 (Form 1120S).

Form 1040-ES (Individuals). Make a payment of your 2018 estimated tax if you’re not paying your income tax for the year through withholding (or won’t pay in enough tax that way). Use Form 1040-ES. This is the third installment date for estimated tax in 2018. For more information, see Pub. 505.

Form 1120-W (Corporations). Deposit the third installment of estimated income tax for 2018. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year.

October 1, 2018

Form 1041 (Extended Return). The extension of time to file an estate (other than a bankruptcy estate) or trust return is 5 1/2 months.

SIMPLE-IRA. The deadline for establishing a SIMPLE-IRA for 2018 is October 1.

October 15, 2018

Forms 1040 (Individuals). If you have an automatic 6-month extension to file your income tax return for 2017, file Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due.

Form 1120 (Corporations). File a 2017 calendar year income tax return (Form 1120) and pay any tax, interest, and penalties due. This due date applies only if you timely requested an automatic 6-month extension. Otherwise, see April 17, earlier.

FinCEN 114 – FBAR (Extended). Extended FBAR filings are due on October 15.

Form 5500 Series – Employee Benefit Plan (Extended return). Extended Employee benefit Plan returns are due on October 15.

October 31, 2018

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the third quarter of 2018. Deposit or pay any undeposited tax under the accuracy of deposit rules. If your tax liability is less than $2,500, you can pay it in full with a timely filed return. If you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full, you have until November 13 to file the return.

November 13, 2018

Form 941 (Social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax). File Form 941 for the third quarter of 2018. This due date applies only if you deposited the tax for the quarter timely, properly, and in full.

November 15, 2018

Form 990 Series Extended Return (other than Forms 990-T for an employees’ trust defined in section 401(a), an IRA (including SEPs and SIMPLEs), a Roth IRA, a Coverdell ESA, or an Archer MSA). Exempt organization extended returns are due by November 15, 2018.

December 17, 2018

Form 1120-W (Corporations). Deposit the fourth installment of estimated income tax for 2018. A worksheet, Form 1120-W, is available to help you estimate your tax for the year.

January 15, 2019

Form 1040-ES (Individuals). If you’re not paying your 2018 income tax through withholding (or won’t pay in enough tax during the year that way), pay the fourth installment of your 2018 estimated tax. Use Form 1040-ES.

Do Checkbook Control Retirement Accounts have too many IRS and DOL reporting requirements?

Checkbook IRAs and 401(k)s sometimes require additional compliance reporting, as outlined at the beginning of this post and on our self-directed compliance filing page. Those reporting requirements arise out of the control and flexibility that these plans provide. Self-Directed Retirement Accounts are ideal for those that take responsibility for their investment performance and compliance. At ReSure LLC we look forward to assisting with your Checkbook-Control compliance needs.

Self-Directed IRA & 401K Investor 2018 Tax Filing Calendar