2026 Tax Deadlines
Stay on top of tax deadlines: A quick guide to the most important dates to keep in mind this year.
While we update this list throughout the years as tax laws change, it’s not an exhaustive list, so please go to the IRS website for more info.
January
January 15, 2026
• Last estimated tax payment for 2025 (4th quarter) due.
January 31 → Due Monday, February 2, 2026
• Deadline to furnish W-2s to employees and 1099-NECs to contractors
• File W-2/W-3 and 1099-NEC with the SSA/IRS.
February
February 2, 2026
• Deadline to file W-2s and 1099-NECs with the IRS/SSA and to furnish statements to recipients.
February 28, 2026
• Deadline to paper file 1099s/1096 and other information returns.
March
March 16, 2026
• Due date for S-Corp (1120-S) and Partnership (1065) tax returns.
• Deadline to issue Schedule K-1s to owners.
• Deadline to file Form 2553 to elect S-Corp status for the year.
• Deadline to request extension for those returns.
April
April 15, 2026
• Deadline to file individual (1040) returns for 2025 and pay any tax due.
• Deadline to file C-Corp (1120) returns for calendar year corporations and pay taxes.
• First quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due.
• Last day to file extension requests (Form 4868/7004).
June
June 15, 2026
• Second quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due.
September
September 15, 2026
• Third quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due.
• Extended due date for S-Corp/Partnership returns (if originally extended).
October
October 15, 2026
• Final extended filing deadline for individual and C-Corp returns — if an extension was filed.
December 31, 2026
• Deadline to take Required Minimum Distributions for the year if age 73 or older.
January 15, 2027
• Final estimated tax payment for 2026 (fourth quarter) due.
Important Notes
April 15 is a payment deadline, not just filing. If you file an extension, taxes owed are still due by April 15 or they may incur penalties.
If an IRS deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, it typically shifts to the next business day.
State tax deadlines and sales tax or payroll tax dates may differ and should be checked with the relevant state agency. (IRS updates do not automatically apply to state requirements.)
What’s Not Always Included but Worth Mentioning
Form 940 (FUTA) — generally due January 31 (or Feb 1/2 shift if weekend) for employers.
Quarterly payroll tax deposits — due monthly or semiweekly depending on deposit schedule.
Forms like 1099-MISC, 1098, etc. have their own deadlines if not e-filed; the February 28 vs. March 31 distinction matters.
If you don’t have a good CPA (tax accountant) or you haven’t utilized them to help grow your business, here are some important questions you can ask to help you get started. If you’re still unsure why you need both a tax accountant and a bookkeeper, check out our blog, why you need a bookkeeper and a tax accountant to learn more.