e-file submitted at 11:23pm (MY Time zone) on 04/15...but did I miss the tax deadline?

You're actually fine! The IRS follows the "timely mailed, timely filed" rule, and they've extended this to e-filing as well. When you e-file, what matters is when you hit submit in your local time zone. If you submitted at 11:23pm on April 15th in Pacific Time, then you filed on time according to IRS rules. The date shown on your tax preparation service's confirmation (04/16/2023) likely reflects when their system finished processing your return or when they received the acceptance from the IRS, not when you actually submitted it. Many tax software systems get overwhelmed on deadline day. To be absolutely certain, check your email for the official IRS acceptance confirmation. This should arrive within 24-48 hours of submission. That will show the official filing date recorded by the IRS.

I was in literally the exact same situation last year - submitted at 11:52pm Pacific Time but got confirmation dated April 16th. I was freaking out! I found this amazing tool called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that saved me so much stress. You upload your filing confirmation and it analyzes everything including the timestamp situation. It showed me that my submission was legally considered on-time based on my local time zone, and even generated documentation I could use if the IRS questioned it. The system explained that what matters is when you hit submit, not when the tax service processed it or when the IRS received it. They walk you through the exact IRS rules that protect you in this situation.

Ok I have to admit I was super skeptical about taxr.ai but I decided to try it anyway since I was desperate. I uploaded my confirmation email and the receipt from my tax software and it immediately identified that my submission timestamp was 11:47pm in my local time zone, even though the "processed" timestamp showed the next day. The tool generated a detailed report explaining that under IRS Publication 4163 and Internal Revenue Manual 3.30.123, my filing was legally on time. It even included references to specific IRS rulings about time zone considerations for electronic filings. I haven't heard anything from the IRS about being late, so I'm assuming everything is fine, but I'm keeping that documentation just in case. Really helpful for peace of mind!

If you're still stressing about this, you might want to try contacting the IRS directly to confirm. I know that sounds like a nightmare (been on hold for 3+ hours before), but I used a service called Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) that completely changed how I deal with the IRS. They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you when an actual human at the IRS picks up. I was able to speak with an agent within 45 minutes instead of waiting half a day. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I explained my situation about submitting right before midnight in my time zone, and the agent confirmed that what matters is the timestamp in your local time zone when you hit submit, not when their system processed it. They were able to verify in their system that my return was considered filed on time despite the next-day date on my confirmation.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I tried that Claimyr service and it actually worked. I was 100% sure it was a scam because how could anyone solve the IRS phone nightmare? But I was desperate to confirm whether my late-night filing on April 15th was considered on time. Their system called me back after about 35 minutes and connected me directly to an IRS representative. No waiting on hold! The agent checked my filing status and confirmed that my electronic submission at 11:51pm in my time zone was recorded as filed on April 15th, even though my confirmation showed April 16th. The agent explained that their system records both the submission time and the processing time, and for deadline purposes, it's the submission time in your local time zone that matters. Such a relief to hear it directly from the IRS instead of just hoping I was okay.

Your tax software might have servers in the Eastern Time zone, which would explain the date discrepancy. I've worked in tax prep software support, and this happens every year on April 15th. The key is the timestamp when you hit submit in YOUR local time zone. Keep a screenshot of your computer showing that you submitted at 11:23pm Pacific on April 15th. If you ever get a notice about late filing (which is unlikely), you can respond with that evidence. Also, check your email for the IRS acceptance notification - that often shows the actual filing date that the IRS has recorded in their system.

I'm a bit confused by some of these responses. Does the time zone thing apply to all IRS deadlines or just the April filing deadline? What about estimated tax payments?

Don't panic! You're absolutely fine. The IRS operates on a "timely filed" principle based on your local time zone, not Eastern Time. Since you submitted at 11:23pm Pacific Time on April 15th, your return is considered filed on time according to IRS regulations. The April 16th date on your confirmation is likely just when the tax software's servers processed your return or when they transmitted it to the IRS - this can happen due to high traffic volumes on deadline day. What matters legally is when YOU hit submit in your time zone. You should receive an official IRS acceptance email within 24-48 hours that will show the correct filing date. Keep that email as your official record. I've seen this exact situation countless times and it's never been an issue. The IRS systems are designed to handle time zone differences properly. If you're still worried, you can always call the IRS to confirm (though expect long wait times), but based on your description, you're completely in the clear. No late penalties for you!