What is a Calendar Quarter? A Comprehensive Legal Overview

Definition & Meaning

A calendar quarter refers to a three-month period that starts on January 1, April 1, July 1, or October 1. These quarters are commonly used in financial reporting and accounting to divide the year into manageable segments for analysis and planning.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

For instance, a company may report its financial performance for the first quarter of the year, covering January through March. This reporting helps stakeholders understand the company's financial health during that period.

(hypothetical example) A small business may prepare its quarterly tax return based on income earned from January to March, using the calendar quarter to determine tax obligations.

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Difference
Fiscal Quarter A three-month period used for financial reporting, which may not align with calendar quarters. Fiscal quarters can start on any date, depending on a company's financial year.
Tax Year The twelve-month period used for tax purposes, which may be a calendar year or a fiscal year. A tax year may differ from calendar quarters, affecting reporting and filing dates.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you need to report financial information or file taxes based on calendar quarters, ensure you understand the relevant periods. You can explore US Legal Forms for templates that can assist you in preparing the necessary documents. If your situation is complex, consider seeking professional legal advice.

Quick facts

Attribute Details
Typical Duration Three months
Start Dates January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1
Common Uses Financial reporting, tax filings

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

The four calendar quarters are January to March, April to June, July to September, and October to December.