Each year on April 15th millions of Americans flock to the post office to file their income tax returns at the last minute. Many post offices extend their hours until midnight to offer their patrons the required date as long as the day lasts. Some even provide refreshments as taxpayers line up outside their doors.
In 2009, anti-tax demonstrators organized "tea parties" across the U.S. in protest against high taxes and excessive government spending with tax payers' money.FOXNews.com: Anti-Tax Tea Party Protests Expected Across U.S. (April 15, 2009)
History of Tax Day
The original filing date for taxes was March 1st in 1913, when the 16th Amendment was passed. It was changed in 1918 to March 15, and then once more in 1955 to its current date, April 15th. According to the "Tax History Project the last change in deadline was made to alleviate deadline tension experienced by IRS employees because most tax returns seemed to get filed at the last minute.
In the event that April 15th falls on a weekend, the deadline is automatically moved to the next business day. The last time this occurred was 2007, and the tax deadline was moved to April 17th.
References
Fast Facts
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Date
April 15th unless it falls on a weekend
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Fact:
Began with the passing of the 16th Amendment
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Fact:
First proposal for American Income tax denied in 1812
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Fact:
A 3% income tax on all income over $600 passed 1861
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Fact:
The 3% tax was later declared unconstitutional
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Original due date
March 1st
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Fact:
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Fact:
Sometimes falls on Patriot's Day]
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Fact:
Tax extension does not exempt you from paying any due taxes by April 15th
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Fact:
If unable to pay due taxes by April 15th, a payment plan may be available
