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2026 Tax Deadlines: Important IRS Dates You Need to Know

2026 Tax Deadlines: Important IRS Dates You Need to Know

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Missing a tax deadline can lead to penalties, interest, and unnecessary stress. Whether you’re filing as an employee, freelancer, or business owner, understanding the 2026 tax deadlines ahead of time helps you stay compliant and avoid last-minute problems.

This guide covers the most important federal tax dates for the 2025 tax year, including filing deadlines, estimated tax payments, and business tax return due dates.

 

 

Key 2026 Tax Deadlines at a Glance

  • April 15, 2026 – Individual tax returns due for the 2025 tax year

  • March 16, 2026 – Partnership and S corporation returns due

  • Quarterly estimated tax payments apply to self-employed individuals

  • Filing an extension gives you more time to file—but not more time to pay

 

 

When Are Individual Taxes Due in 2026?

For most taxpayers, the federal income tax deadline for the 2025 tax year is:

April 15, 2026

If April 15 falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. Most individuals file using the calendar year, including employees, retirees, and self-employed taxpayers.

If you’re not ready to file by April 15, you can request an extension until October 15, 2026. Keep in mind that an extension only delays filing, not payment. Any taxes owed are still due by April 15.

 

 

Important Tax Dates for Individuals & Self-Employed Filers

Early 2026

  • January 15, 2026 – Final estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year

  • January 26, 2026 – IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns

  • February 2, 2026 – Employers send W-2 forms

  • February 2, 2026 – Certain 1099 forms are issued (including 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC)

  • February 16, 2026 – Deadline to renew exemption from withholding (Form W-4)

Spring and Summer 2026

  • April 1, 2026 – Required minimum distribution deadline if you turned 73 in 2025

  • April 15, 2026 –

    • Individual tax return due

    • Deadline to request an extension (Form 4868)

    • Deadline to make IRA and HSA contributions for 2025

    • First estimated tax payment for 2026

  • June 15, 2026 – Second estimated tax payment due

  • September 15, 2026 – Third estimated tax payment due

Late 2026 and Early 2027

  • October 15, 2026 – Extended individual tax return deadline

  • December 31, 2026 – Required minimum distributions must be taken

  • January 15, 2027 – Final estimated tax payment for the 2026 tax year

 

 

Business Tax Deadlines for 2026

Business filing deadlines depend on your entity type and whether you operate on a calendar or fiscal year.

Partnerships and S Corporations

  • March 16, 2026 – Tax returns due (Forms 1065 and 1120-S)

  • September 15, 2026 – Extended filing deadline if an extension was requested

C Corporations

  • April 15, 2026 – Tax returns due (Form 1120)

  • October 15, 2026 – Extended filing deadline

Businesses using a fiscal year typically file by the 15th day of the third or fourth month after the close of their tax year, depending on business type.

 

 

What Happens If You Miss a Tax Deadline?

 

If You’re Owed a Refund

There’s usually no penalty for filing late if you’re owed a refund. However, refunds must be claimed within three years of the original due date. After that, unclaimed refunds generally become property of the U.S. Treasury.

If You Owe Taxes

Missing a filing or payment deadline when you owe taxes can result in:

  • Failure-to-file penalties

  • Failure-to-pay penalties

  • Interest that accrues daily

Filing as soon as possible and paying what you can helps reduce the total amount owed.

 

 

Fastest Way to File and Get Your Refund

  • E-file your tax return to reduce errors and processing delays

  • Choose direct deposit to receive refunds faster—often within 21 days

Electronic filing is generally more secure and provides confirmation that your return has been received.

 

 

File Your 2025 Taxes with the Right TurboTax Edition

Choosing the right software can make filing easier—especially as deadlines approach.

At Software Discounts USA, we offer discounted licenses for all major TurboTax 2025 editions:

TurboTax 2025 Editions Available

Get TurboTax 2025 early to file on time and avoid last-minute stress.

 

 

Don’t Wait Until the Deadline

As tax deadlines approach, software prices often increase and support wait times get longer. Filing early gives you more time to review your return, plan payments, and receive refunds sooner.

Preparing ahead of time helps you stay compliant with the Internal Revenue Service and avoid unnecessary penalties.

 

 

Disclosure

This article is independently written for informational purposes and is based on publicly available IRS guidance and educational resources originally published by TurboTax. Software Discounts USA is not affiliated with or endorsed by Intuit.

 

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