2026 Important Dates to Remember
Since we are in 2026, many of these deadlines are fast approaching. Whether you are filing for your small business, handling self-employed income, or just managing your personal returns, these are the key dates to keep on your radar.
📅 Q1: The Kickoff (January – March)
This is the busiest time for document collection and business filings.
January 15: Final 2025 Estimated Tax Payment. If you are self-employed or have other non-withheld income, this is the deadline for your 4th-quarter payment for the 2025 tax year.
January 26: Tax Season Begins. The IRS typically starts accepting and processing individual returns around this time.
February 2: Employee & Contractor Deadline. You must send out W-2s to employees and 1099s (like 1099-NEC) to contractors by this date.
March 16: S-Corp & Partnership Deadline. Returns for S-Corporations (Form 1120-S) and Partnerships (Form 1065) are due. If you can't file, you must submit an extension request today to move your deadline to September.
🏛️ Q2: Tax Day & Beyond (April – June)
The major milestone for most taxpayers and the start of the new tax cycle.
April 15: The Big Deadline (Tax Day).
Individual Returns: Final day to file Form 1040 or request an extension.
C-Corp Returns: Final day for C-Corporations to file.
IRA/HSA Contributions: Last day to contribute to your 2025 IRA or HSA to count toward last year’s tax savings.
Q1 Estimated Payment: Your first quarterly payment for the 2026 tax year is due.
May 15: Non-Profit Deadline. Form 990 is due for tax-exempt organizations.
June 15: Q2 Estimated Payment. Second quarterly payment for the 2026 tax year is due.
🍂 Q3 & Q4: Extensions & Closeout
The home stretch for those who needed more time.
September 15:
Q3 Estimated Payment: Third quarterly payment for 2026.
Business Extension Deadline: Final day to file S-Corp and Partnership returns if an extension was filed in March.
October 15: Individual Extension Deadline. Final day to file your individual Form 1040 if you requested an extension in April.
December 15: C-Corp Q4 Payment. Corporations must make their final 2026 estimated payment.
January 15, 2027: Individual Q4 Payment. The final estimated payment for self-employed individuals for the 2026 tax year.
2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Summary
If you are self-employed, mark these four dates clearly:
Q1Jan 1 – Mar 31April 15, 2026
Q2Apr 1 – May 31June 15, 2026
Q3Jun 1 – Aug 31Sept 15, 2026
Q4Sept 1 – Dec 31Jan 15, 2027
Pro-Tip: If you file for an extension, remember it is an extension to file paperwork, not an extension to pay. You should still estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
