Resources
Below are quick-reference guides for common tax questions. This information is general in nature; links go to the official IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue websites. Deadlines and rules can change, so please contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
Tax Due Dates
Key federal deadlines for calendar-year taxpayers. When a date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it moves to the next business day.
| January 15 | 4th quarter estimated tax payment (prior year) |
| January 31 | W-2s and 1099-NECs due to recipients and the IRS; Form 941 for the 4th quarter; Form 940 (annual FUTA) |
| March 15 | Partnership (Form 1065) and S corporation (Form 1120-S) returns, or extension |
| April 15 | Individual returns (Form 1040) and C corporation returns (Form 1120), or extension; 1st quarter estimated tax payment |
| April 30 | Form 941 for the 1st quarter |
| May 15 | Louisiana individual income tax return (Form IT-540) |
| June 15 | 2nd quarter estimated tax payment |
| July 31 | Form 941 for the 2nd quarter |
| September 15 | 3rd quarter estimated tax payment; extended partnership and S corporation returns |
| October 15 | Extended individual and C corporation returns |
| October 31 | Form 941 for the 3rd quarter |
Official source: IRS Tax Calendar
Official source: Louisiana Department of Revenue
Record Retention Guide
How long to keep your tax records, based on general IRS guidelines:
- 3 years – Most returns and supporting documents (receipts, statements, canceled checks), counted from the date you filed.
- 4 years – Employment tax records, from the date the tax was due or paid, whichever is later.
- 6 years – If you did not report income that is more than 25% of the gross income shown on your return.
- 7 years – If you claim a loss from worthless securities or a bad debt deduction.
- Until the property is sold, plus 3 years – Records for homes, investments, and business assets (purchase price, improvements, depreciation).
- Permanently – Copies of filed tax returns, year-end financial statements, and business formation documents. Keep records indefinitely if a return was never filed.
Official source: IRS – How long should I keep records?
Tax Forms
Commonly used forms. If you need a form or help completing one, just ask. We are happy to provide it.
| Form 1040 | U.S. Individual Income Tax Return |
| Form 4868 | Extension of time to file an individual return |
| Form 1040-ES | Estimated tax payments for individuals |
| Form W-4 | Employee’s withholding certificate |
| Form W-9 | Request for taxpayer identification number |
| Form 1099-NEC | Nonemployee compensation (contractors) |
| Form 941 | Employer’s quarterly federal tax return |
| Form 940 | Employer’s annual federal unemployment (FUTA) tax return |
| Form 1065 | U.S. Return of Partnership Income |
| Form 1120 | U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return |
| Form 1120-S | U.S. Income Tax Return for an S Corporation |
| Form 2553 | Election to be taxed as an S corporation |
| Form IT-540 | Louisiana resident individual income tax return |
Official source: IRS Forms & Instructions
IRS Publications
Helpful IRS guides on common topics:
- Publication 17 – Your Federal Income Tax (for individuals)
- Publication 501 – Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information
- Publication 505 – Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax
- Publication 334 – Tax Guide for Small Business
- Publication 583 – Starting a Business and Keeping Records
- Publication 15 (Circular E) – Employer’s Tax Guide
- Publication 463 – Travel, Gift, and Car Expenses
- Publication 587 – Business Use of Your Home
- Publication 946 – How to Depreciate Property
- Publication 970 – Tax Benefits for Education
Official source: IRS Publications
Where Is My Refund?
You can check the status of your refund online:
- Federal: Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool at IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. Most e-filed refunds are issued within 21 days.
- Louisiana: Check your state refund status on the Louisiana Department of Revenue’s Where’s My Refund? page.
To check, you will need your Social Security number, your filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return. If you have questions about your refund, contact us.