Tax Due Dates
Federal tax deadlines vary depending on whether you’re an individual taxpayer, self-employed, or a business owner. Missing a deadline can result in penalties and interest, so knowing which dates apply to you is important.
Below are simplified overviews of the most common federal tax due dates.
If you’re unsure which deadlines apply to your situation, we can help you stay on track and avoid surprises.
- Individual Taxpayers
Key Dates to Know
- April 15, 2026
File your individual income tax return (Form 1040 or 1040-SR) and pay any tax due. - October 15, 2026
Final deadline if you filed an extension. - Estimated Tax Payments (if required):
- April 15, 2026
- June 15, 2026
- September 15, 2026
- January 15, 2027
Estimated taxes generally apply if you are self-employed, receive income without withholding, or expect to owe a balance at filing.
- Self-Employed & Independent Contractors
If you are self-employed or receive 1099 income:
- You may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments
- You are responsible for both income tax and self-employment tax
- Missing estimated payments may lead to penalties even if you pay in full later
Self-employed individuals make quarterly estimated tax payments on the same schedule as individual tax deadlines.
-
Business Owners
(Partnerships & Corporations)
Partnerships & S Corporations
- March 16, 2026 – File Form 1065 (Partnership) or Form 1120-S (S-Corp)
- September 15, 2026 – Extended filing deadline (if extension filed)
C Corporations
- April 15, 2026 – File Form 1120
- October 15, 2026 – Extended filing deadline (if extension filed)
Business owners often have multiple deadlines throughout the year beyond the annual return.
- Employers & Payroll Taxes
Employers have ongoing filing and payment requirements, including:
- Quarterly payroll tax returns (Form 941)
- Annual W-2 and W-3 filings
- Federal unemployment tax (FUTA) filings
- Regular payroll tax deposits (monthly or semiweekly, depending on payroll size)
These deadlines repeat throughout the year and depend on your payroll setup.
- Special Situations That Affect Due Dates
- Weekends & Holidays:
If a due date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. - Living or working outside the U.S.:
You may qualify for an automatic filing extension. - Extensions:
Extensions give more time to file — not more time to pay.
-
Waiting on a Tax Refund?
(provide link to where’s my refund)
Refund delays can occur for several reasons, including:
- Filing errors or missing information
- Identity verification issues
- IRS processing backlogs
- Credits that require additional review
You can check your refund status through the IRS, but if your refund is delayed or unclear, professional assistance can help resolve the issue faster.
Not Sure What Applies to You?
Tax deadlines are not one-size-fits-all. Many taxpayers miss deadlines simply because they didn’t realize a requirement applied to them.
If you’re unsure which tax dates apply to your situation, need help tracking a refund, or received an IRS notice, contact our office and we’ll help you get clarity and stay compliant.