The 8 PM ET Cutoff Rule
Official Source Verified
AuthorityUS Treasury (EFTPS)
Operational RequirementScheduling Lead Time
Last Retrieved2026-02-12
ConfidenceHIGH
Source: EFTPS.gov FAQ & Instructions.
Visit EFTPS.govThe Rule
8:00 PM Eastern Time
Payments must be scheduled by 8 PM ET the calendar day before the tax due date to be received timely.
Common Pitfall
If your due date is Monday, you must schedule by 8 PM ET Sunday? No. Weekend days are not business days for settlement. You often need to schedule by Friday 8 PM ET if Monday is the due date, depending on bank processing windows.
How Veridue Helps
Our reminder ladders are timezone-aware. If you are in Pacific Time, we remind you that the deadline is actually 5 PM PT the day before.
Don't risk a penalty
Install the Federal Employer Tax Pack to get reminders adjusted for the 8 PM ET cutoff.
Get Reminders