Tax season 2025 is upon us, and knowing the important tax dates and deadlines for 2026 will help you avoid penalties, reduce stress, and stay on track while filing your federal taxes.
Maybe you’re filing individual income taxes or you’re managing business tax returns, either way, tracking important tax dates in 2026 is essential for staying both compliant and for planning ahead. Below we have broken down the most common federal tax deadlines for regular, calendar-year filers.
Looking for guidance? Learn more about working with our CPAs through our professional tax preparation services in Denver, Columbus, and Wichita.
Important Note: The deadlines below apply to calendar-year taxpayers. Fiscal-year filers may have different due dates.
Key Tax Deadlines for Individual Filers in 2026
If you’re an individual filing a Form 1040 or making estimated tax payments, these are the most important dates to know during tax season 2025.
January 2026 Tax Deadlines for Individuals
January 15, 2026
January 26, 2026
- IRS begins accepting and processing 2025 federal income tax returns
Spring 2026 Tax Deadlines for Individuals
February 2, 2026
- Employers must send most W-2 and 1099 forms to employees and contractors
April 15, 2026 — Tax Day
- Deadline to file Form 1040 individual income tax returns
- Deadline to request an extension (Form 4868)
- First 2026 estimated tax payment due
Note: Filing an extension gives you more time to file but not more time to pay.
Estimated Tax Payment Schedule for Individuals
If you’re self-employed or earn income without withholding, estimated tax due dates include:
- Apr 15, 2026– First quarter estimated payment
- June 15, 2026 — Second quarter estimated payment
- September 15, 2026 — Third quarter estimated payment
- January 15, 2027 — Fourth quarter estimated payment
Missing estimated payments can result in penalties even if you file your return on time.
Key Deadlines for Business Tax Returns in 2026
Business owners should pay close attention to these important tax deadlines in 2026 to avoid late-filing penalties.
Business Filing Deadlines
March 16, 2026
- S Corporations (Form 1120-S)
- Partnerships (Form 1065)
April 15, 2026
- C Corporations (Form 1120)
Extension Deadlines for Business Returns
If you file an extension:
- September 15, 2026 — S Corporations and Partnerships
- October 15, 2026 — C Corporations
Remember: extensions delay filing, not tax payment obligations.
If you operate a business, explore our business tax services and compliance support.
Payroll Tax Deadlines for Employers
If you are an employer, payroll reporting is also part of your federal tax responsibilities.
Quarterly Payroll Tax Filing (Form 941)
- April 30, 2026 — Q1 payroll reports due
- July 31, 2026 — Q2 payroll reports due
- October 31, 2026 — Q3 payroll reports due
- January 31, 2027 — Q4 payroll reports due
Important note: Filing payrolls late can trigger both IRS penalties and interest charges.
What Happens If You Miss a Tax Deadline?
Don’t fret, missing a tax deadline doesn’t mean you’re out of options, but it’s important to act quickly.
Here’s what to know:
- Failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties are separate
- Interest begins accruing immediately after the deadline
- Filing sooner can significantly reduce total penalties
Remember: even if you can’t pay right away, filing your return promptly can help limit damage and protect refund eligibility.
Our team regularly helps taxpayers resolve late filings and payment issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Season 2025 and 2026 Tax Deadlines
What are the most important tax dates and deadlines for 2026?
The most important tax dates and deadlines for 2026 include:
- January 26, 2026 — IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns
- March 16, 2026 — S corporation and partnership business returns due
- April 15, 2026 — Individual and C corporation tax returns due
- September 15 and October 15, 2026 — Extended filing deadlines
Be careful: Missing these federal tax deadlines can result in penalties and interest, even if you plan on filing your return eventually.
Are there tax law changes in 2026 that could affect my return?
Yes. Several tax provisions from the 2017 tax law are changing or becoming permanent, which may affect:
- Available deductions
- Business tax credits
- Itemized deductions like the SALT deduction
- Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductions
To understand how these updates could affect your filing, see our full breakdown of tax changes for 2026.
What is the “One Big Beautiful Bill” and how does it impact my taxes?
The “One Big Beautiful Bill” is a federal tax law that finalized several provisions from the Trump tax cuts and introduced new tax credits for certain industries.
It affects both individuals and businesses by:
- Increasing the SALT deduction cap (temporarily)
- Making the QBI deduction permanent
- Expanding manufacturing and clean energy tax credits
- Eliminating the federal EV tax credit after September 30, 2025
Learn more in our One Big Beautiful Bill tax update guide.
Should I itemize deductions or take the standard deduction in 2026?
Whether you should itemize or take the standard deduction depends on your total deductible expenses, including:
- State and local taxes (SALT)
- Mortgage interest
- Charitable contributions
- Medical expenses
With the temporary increase to the SALT deduction limit, some taxpayers who previously took the standard deduction may now benefit from itemizing. A tax professional can help determine which option results in lower overall tax liability.
Do business owners have different tax deadlines than individuals?
Yes. Business tax returns often have earlier deadlines than individual income tax returns.
For example:
- S corporations and partnerships are typically due in March
- C corporations are due in April
- Extensions for business returns are due in September or October
If you also make quarterly estimated payments, those due dates are separate from filing deadlines.
When will I get my tax refund?
If you file with e-file with direct deposit, you can expect to receive your refund in as early as 21 days (or less!), but it will take longer if your refund has errors or more complicated credits.
Get Help Navigating Tax Season 2025
Tracking all of the important tax dates and deadlines for 2026 can feel overwhelming, especially if you manage business income, payroll, or multiple income sources.
Our CPAs help individuals and businesses stay compliant, minimize tax liability, and resolve back-tax issues when needed.
Schedule a tax consultation with Boxelder Consulting to prepare for tax season 2025 and beyond.
