Today is Not Tax Day (But It Usually Is!) April 15, 2011 Joseph Bishop-Henchman Joseph Bishop-Henchman Betsy Ross made the first U.S. flag, Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves, and Tax Day is April 15. These American immutable truths are being thrown a curveball this year, because the day that Americans must timely file their federal income tax returns for 2010 is April 18, 2011, three days later than usual. The reason? Emancipation Day, which celebrates Lincoln’s freeing of 3,100 slaves in the District of Columbia on April 16, 1862, nine months before he signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Since the holiday falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on Friday, April 15. The extra time will also apply to taxpayers requesting an extension, who will have until October 17 to file. More on this from the IRS. Stay informed on the tax policies impacting you. Subscribe to get insights from our trusted experts delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe Share Tweet Share Email Topics Individual Income and Payroll Taxes