Financial Options

Here are a few highlights of the coming year's financial calendar. At the end you'll find a download link for the IRS tax calendar for small businesses which also includes some tax planning and other tips from the IRS. A few of the high points:

• You may still be able to fund an IRA and have the deduction apply to your 2008 tax bill. From IRS publication 590, «Contributions can be made to your traditional IRA for a year at any time during the year or by the due date for filing your return for that year, not including extensions. For most people, this means that contributions...for 2008 must be made by April 15, 2009.»
• Even better news – you can file before making the contribution and use your tax refund to fund the IRA. From publication 590, «Filing before a contribution is made.    You can file your return claiming a traditional IRA contribution before the contribution is actually made.»
• This year's St. Leger's Stakes are being run September 9th-12th;. This is traditionally the time to jump back in the stock market after sitting out the summer doldrums.
• Don't miss watching the action on Triple Witching Fridays – the third Friday's in March, June, September and December when stock index futures, stock index options and stock options all expire on the same day.

January

15th – Final installment of estimated tax for 2008 due
27th & 28th – First meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) of the Federal Reserve. This is the Committee that sets the interest rate targets and monetary policy targets for the Federal Reserve.
30th – GDP 4th Quarter Advance Estimate

February

March

15th - 152nd (Ordinary) Meeting of the OPEC Conference
17th – Meeting of the FOMC
20th – Triple Witching Friday

April

15th – Last day to file personal income taxes or extension for 2008, last day to pay personal taxes without penalty. First installment of 2009 estimate tax due. Final day to fund certain retirement accounts to apply to 2008 taxes.
28th & 29th – Meeting of the FOMC
29th – GDP First Quarter Advance Estimate

May

Sell in May and go away. Stay away until St. Leger's Day.

June

15th – 2009 Estimated tax 2nd installment.
19th – Triple Witching Friday
23rd and 24th – Meeting of the FOMC

July

Maddalena, Italy will host the 35th G8 Summit in July
31st – GDP 2nd Quarter Advance Estimate

August

11th – Meeting of the FOMC

September

9th - 12th – St. Leger's Stakes
15th – 2009 estimate tax 3rd installment.
18th – Triple Witching Friday
22nd – Meeting of the FOMC

October

15th – Final day to file 2008 individual income taxes after filing a 6-month extension.
29th – GDP 3rd Quarter Advance Estimate

November

3rd and 4th – Meeting of the FOMC

December

15th – Meeting of the FOMC
18th – Triple Witching Friday

IRS Tax Calendar for Small Business and Individuals [PDF]