How to use the administrative appeal deadline calculator
There is no single deadline for challenging a federal agency decision. Each program sets its own window, and missing it usually ends the claim before anyone looks at the merits. Pick the type of appeal and the date on your notice to see when the window closes.
Legal basis — Social Security gives 60 days from receipt of the notice to ask for reconsideration or a hearing, with receipt presumed five days after the date on the notice (20 C.F.R. 404.909, 404.933). FOIA requires agencies to allow at least 90 days for an administrative appeal of an adverse determination (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)(i)). A petition to the U.S. Tax Court must be filed within 90 days after the notice of deficiency is mailed (26 U.S.C. 6213(a)). A charge with the EEOC must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act, extended to 300 days where a state or local fair employment agency exists (42 U.S.C. 2000e-5(e)(1)). Most agencies count calendar days and roll a weekend deadline to the next business day. Figures current as of September 2026.
State and local agencies set their own windows, often 15 to 60 days, so the period field stays editable for whatever your notice states.
This calculator is for reference only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney about your specific appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the statute. Social Security runs from receipt and presumes receipt five days after the notice date, while a Tax Court petition runs from the day the notice of deficiency was mailed. Set the mailing field to zero for mailing-date rules and leave it at five for receipt-based ones.
Sometimes. Agencies may extend a deadline for good cause, and courts occasionally apply equitable tolling where the claimant was misled or prevented from filing. These exceptions are narrow and fact specific, so treat the deadline as firm and raise any excuse in writing as early as possible.