You can’t plan if you don’t look ahead, which means now is an excellent time to add some important personal finance deadlines into your calendar. Here is a list of important dates potentially impacting your finances throughout the rest of 2021— including the expiration dates for COVID relief programs.
March 14
Technically this is last day to claim benefits for the following unemployment COVID-relief programs, which are set to expire:
However, President Biden’s proposed relief legislation includes extensions of these programs, and Democrats are hoping to pass the bill into law by no later than mid-March.
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March 14 is also the last day to spend 2020 funds from your Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA)—that is, if your employers offers an FSA with a grace period. If you’re not sure if you have a grace period, check with your employer.
March 31
The rental eviction moratorium expires on this day (some states have further restrictions, which you can find here). There’s no word yet on another extension, although President Biden last extended the moratorium just ten days before it was to expire.
Both the Paycheck Protection Program and the Airline Payroll Support Program also expire on this day. If you’re a business owner or contractor looking for COVID relief, you should apply before this date.
April 15
Make sure you file your income tax return by April 15. If you’re requesting an extension, you must do it on or before this date—and remember that you’ll still need to pay any taxes due by April 15. If you are self-employed tax filer, your first-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by April 15 as well.
This is also the last day to make 2020 contributions to your retirement accounts for the prior year.
June 15
The special enrollment period for Obamacare, which is now open, ends on this day.
Self-employed taxpayers’ second-quarter estimated income tax payments are due by June 15.
June 30
FAFSA deadline: This is the last day you can apply for federal student aid for the 2020–21 school year.
Mortgage forbearance deadline: You can qualify for at least 15 months of forbearance on federally-backed loans, but this is your last day to do so.
Sept. 11
The last day to make updates or corrections on your FAFSA form used for the 2020-21 college school year.
Sept. 15
Self-employed taxpayers’ third-quarter estimated income tax payments are due.
Oct. 1
This is the first day to file a FAFSA for the 2022-23 school year. You’ll want to complete the FAFSA as early as possible, as it’s used by states and colleges to award scholarships and loans out of a limited pool of funds.
If you want to establish a SIMPLE IRA this year for your small business, the account must be opened by October 1.
Also, file your income tax return by October 15 if you requested a six-month extension back in April.
Oct. 15
On this day, open enrollment period for Medicare health and drug plans begins.
Nov. 1
The first day of open enrollment Period for Obamacare to apply for 2022 healthcare coverage.
Nov. 26
Black Friday, a major discount shopping day (followed by Cyber Monday on Nov. 29).
Dec. 7
The Medicare open enrollment period closes on this date. This will be your last chance to sign up for the national health insurance program.
Dec. 15
Last day of the enrollment period for 2022 Obamacare healthcare insurance.
Dec. 31
This is the last day to:
