Most people think about taxes for a few weeks in the spring. But if you work with a CPA in Lafayette, you may find that the most useful conversations happen at other times of the year. Many planning opportunities have deadlines, and some cannot be revisited once the calendar turns.
A simple tax calendar can help you know when to gather documents, when payments may be due, and when to schedule a planning conversation. This article walks through key dates and planning moments across the year.
One note before we start: tax deadlines can shift when a date falls on a weekend or holiday, and rules can change. Always check current IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue guidance for the exact dates that apply to you.
Why a Tax Calendar Matters
Tax preparation looks backward. It reports what already happened. Tax planning looks forward. Our firm describes tax strategy and planning as "Ongoing coordination of tax strategy across income, investments, business decisions, and life events."
When you know the calendar, you can plan around it instead of reacting to it. A CPA in Lafayette, LA can help you think about decisions before the deadline that affects them.
January to March: Gathering and Early Filings
January: Year-End Forms Begin to Arrive
Early in the year, employers and financial institutions send forms such as W-2s and many 1099s. This is a good time to start a folder for tax documents and note which forms you are still waiting on.
The fourth quarterly estimated tax payment for the prior year is also generally due in mid-January for people who make estimated payments.
February: Watch for Late or Corrected Forms
Some forms, especially from brokerage accounts, may arrive later or be corrected. If you invest in partnerships, Schedule K-1s may not arrive until later in the season.
March: Business Returns for Some Entities
For calendar-year partnerships and S corporations, federal returns are generally due in mid-March. If you own a business, this can be an early checkpoint with your CPA. Our firm offers "Coordinated business tax strategy that supports growth, structure, and long-term vision."
April to June: Filing Season and Mid-Year Planning
April: Individual Returns and First Estimated Payment
For most individuals, the federal return deadline is generally in mid-April. This is often also the deadline for:
Filing an extension: An extension gives more time to file, not more time to pay.
First quarter estimated payment: If you have income without withholding, a payment may be due.
Prior-year IRA contributions: Contributions for the prior year are generally allowed up to the original filing deadline. Check current IRS rules.
Louisiana has its own state individual filing deadline. Check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for the current date.
June: Second Estimated Payment and a Mid-Year Check-In
The second estimated payment is generally due in mid-June. Mid-year is also a useful time to compare your income so far with last year. Did you get a raise, sell property, or start a business? A quick review with your CPA may help you adjust withholding or estimated payments.
July to September: Planning Ahead
Summer: Life Events and Business Decisions
Summer is a common time for big decisions. You may be starting a business, buying property, or thinking about a business sale. Our firm offers "Entity selection guidance designed to align structure, tax strategy, and future growth" and planning for business sales and acquisitions "to coordinate timing, structure, and long-term implications."
Talking with a CPA before a transaction, not after, can give you more options to consider.
September: Third Estimated Payment and Extended Business Returns
The third estimated payment is generally due in mid-September. Extended partnership and S corporation returns are also generally due around this time.
October to December: Year-End Planning Season
October: Extended Individual Returns
If you filed an extension, the extended federal individual return is generally due in mid-October. Once that is filed, many people turn their attention to the current year.
November: The Planning Window
November is often a good time for a year-end planning meeting with your CPA in Lafayette. Topics to consider may include:
Projected income: Is this a high-income or low-income year compared to normal?
Investment gains and losses: Tax efficient investing is described as "Investment strategy shaped with tax awareness to support balance across your full plan."
Retirement contributions: Some deadlines fall at year-end, while others extend into the next year.
Charitable giving: Gifts generally need to be completed by December 31 to count for that year.
Business expenses and equipment: Timing purchases may affect which year a deduction falls in.
December: Deadlines That Do Not Wait
Many planning moves need to be completed by December 31. For people who are required to take minimum distributions from retirement accounts, those distributions are generally due by year-end, with some exceptions for the first year. Our firm offers tax planning for retirement distributions, described as "Thoughtful distribution planning designed to align income, taxes, and lasting wealth."
A Simple Planning Rhythm
You do not need to meet with a CPA every month. Many people find a rhythm like this helpful:
Early year: Organize documents and file.
Mid-year: Review income and estimated payments.
Before major decisions: Check in before buying, selling, or starting something.
Fall: Hold a year-end planning conversation.
Our firm's accounting services are described as "Structured accounting that brings clarity, order, and rhythm to your financial foundation." A predictable rhythm may make each season feel less rushed.
Who We Work With in Lafayette
Morella & Morella serves "individuals and families whose financial lives have grown in complexity alongside their success." This includes:
Precision-Driven Professionals: Physicians, attorneys, and highly trained professionals.
Builders of Enterprise and Opportunity: Founders, partners, and business owners.
Families Seeking Integration: Those wanting unified financial design across disciplines.
Our office is located at 2901 Johnston Street, Suite 401, Lafayette, LA 70503. Learn more about our firm on our home page or see our full list of services.
Plan Your Year With a CPA in Lafayette
If you would like to talk through your tax calendar and upcoming decisions, Contact Us to get started, or learn about our unique service models.
For more articles on tax and planning topics, visit our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are quarterly estimated tax payments due?
Federal estimated payments are generally due in mid-April, mid-June, mid-September, and mid-January of the following year. Dates can shift for weekends and holidays, so check current IRS guidance.
When is the best time to meet with a CPA for tax planning?
Many people find the fall helpful because there is still time to act before December 31. It can also help to meet before any major decision, such as a business sale or a large purchase.
Does filing a tax extension give me more time to pay?
No. An extension generally gives more time to file the return, not to pay any tax owed. Interest and penalties may apply to late payments.
When is the Louisiana state tax deadline?
Louisiana sets its own filing deadline for individual returns, which may differ from the federal date. Check the Louisiana Department of Revenue for current deadlines.
What tax moves need to happen before December 31?
Common examples include many charitable gifts, some retirement contributions, realizing investment gains or losses, and required minimum distributions for those who must take them.
How do I find a CPA in Lafayette for year-round tax planning?
Look for a firm that offers both tax preparation and ongoing tax planning, and ask how often they meet with clients during the year.
Disclosure: This material is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or investment advice. Please consult appropriate professionals before making decisions. Tax laws are complex and subject to change, and the information provided may not apply to your specific situation. There is no guarantee that any strategy will achieve its objectives. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Morella & Morella, LLC ("M&M") is a certified public accounting firm registered with the Louisiana State Board of Certified Public Accountants. Apex Capital Management, LLC ("Apex") with offices in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Youngsville, Louisiana, is a registered investment advisor registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC File No. 117059) and notice-filed in Louisiana and Texas. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. M&M and Apex are affiliated through common ownership but are separate and distinct legal entities. Accounting, tax, attest, and related professional services are provided solely by Morella & Morella, LLC. Investment advisory services are provided solely by Apex Capital Management, LLC. The affiliation between the firms does not make one entity responsible for the services, advice, or obligations of the other.
