What is generally the time period covered by a tax return?

The time period generally covered by a tax return is January 1 to December 31. This aligns with the calendar year, which is the standard reporting period for individual income tax returns in the United States. Most individuals in the U.S. report their income and expenses based on this twelve-month period, ensuring consistency and conformity with the fiscal year that many organizations and businesses also adhere to.

Choosing a different period, such as July 1 to June 30 or any twelve consecutive months, is not typical for reporting individual income taxes. Additionally, the option of April 15 to April 14 of the next year does not reflect a common tax year structure; April 15 is merely the standard due date for filing the annual tax return, and it does not establish the period of income covered by the return.