Why is April 18th the federal tax deadline this year?

Tax Day falls on April 18th this year, thanks to President Abraham Lincoln.

April 15th is the day taxes are normally due, but in 2017, that falls on a Saturday. So you would think the tax deadline would be Monday.

But wait.

The District of Columbia recognizes Emancipation Day on the weekday closest to April 16th (the day Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation), as a holiday.

Here is how the timing of Emancipation Day affects the timing of Tax Day:

• When April 15th falls on a Friday, tax returns are due the following Monday
• When April 15th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, tax returns are due the following Tuesday.
• Last year Tax Day was on Monday, April 18th
• In 2017, Tax Day will be Tuesday, April 18
• In 2018, Tax Day will be Tuesday, April 17
• In 2019, Tax Day will be Monday, April 15

Make good use of the extra days.

By the way, in 1913, when the current income tax scheme was started, the deadline was March 1st. That's when Congress passed the 16th Amendment, creating the income tax on February 3, 1913.

Only income above $4,000 was taxed then. How times have changed.

Use this link to learn more about the federal income tax.