2026 Tax Deadlines You Need to Know

When Are Taxes Due in 2026?

The deadline to file your 2025 individual tax return is April 15, 2026. This mid-April deadline is usually the same every year, but if the date falls on a holiday or weekend, your tax return will be due the next business day. If you need a little more time to get your ducks in a row, you can request a six-month tax extension. That would push the deadline to October 15, 2026. If you're a business owner, freelancer or consultant, you may have additional tax deadlines to be aware of.

Key Tax Deadlines to Know in 2026

If you don't make good on your tax bill, you could get hit with penalties and interest charges—and might even find yourself in legal trouble. Below are some important dates for individual taxpayers. In years past, the IRS has begun accepting federal tax returns at some point in January. Filing earlier could help you receive a tax refund sooner.

• January 15: Due date for final estimated tax payment for 2025. This applies to anyone who doesn't have taxes automatically withheld from their pay—like freelancers and self-employed folks. These workers are expected to make estimated quarterly tax payments. January 15 is the due date to pay taxes on income earned from September 1 through December 31, 2025.

• April 15: Due date to file your 2025 tax return. Be sure to gather all relevant tax documents, which may include:

  • W-2s from employers
  • 1099s from clients if you're self-employed
  • Tax forms you received for earned interest from savings accounts
  • Documents related to contributions you made to tax-advantaged retirement accounts
  • Documents showing interest paid on student loans
  • Receipts for business expenses
• April 15: First estimated tax payment due for 2026. This first payment applies to income earned from January 1 through March 31, 2026.
• June 15: Due date for second estimated tax payment for 2026. This payment applies to income earned from April 1 through May 31, 2026.
• September 15: Due date for third estimated tax payment for 2026. This payment is for income earned from June 1 through August 31, 2026.
• October 15: Last day to file your 2025 tax return with an extension. Just be aware that you'll still need to estimate your 2025 tax liability and pay it by the April 15 deadline. You can calculate your liability by using Form 1040-ES or working with a tax professional.

Important Tax Filing Dates for Businesses in 2026

Businesses are also required to pay their share to the IRS. If you're a business owner, be sure to have these important dates on your radar.

• February 2: If your business had employees in 2025, you'll need to file your W-2 forms to the IRS—and submit them to your employees—by February 2. This is also the due date to furnish most 1099 forms to independent contractors, but the deadline might be February 17 in some cases.
• March 16: S-corporations and partnerships must file their 2025 business tax return by this date.
• April 15: This is the deadline for corporations to file their 2025 return.
• September 15: This is the last day for S-corporations and partnerships to file their business return with an extension.
• October 15: Corporations that received a tax extension must file their 2025 tax return by this date.

How to Prepare for Tax Season

Filing your taxes is not something you want to leave for the last minute. Here are some simple tips to make tax season a little easier.

• Begin organizing your documents early. Start sooner rather than later so you'll have plenty of time to get it all done. This is especially true if you plan on doing your taxes yourself. Either way, you'll want to get your tax documents organized.
• Look for ways to maximize deductions and credits. Tax deductions reduce your taxable income, which can indirectly reduce how much you owe in taxes. Tax credits offer a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your tax bill. The more deductions and credits you qualify for, the more you can save. They could even lead to a larger tax refund.
• Consider using digital tools. If your tax situation is relatively straightforward, DIY tax software could come in handy. Taxpayers who meet certain income requirements might even qualify for free tax preparation and filing through the IRS Free File program, which uses simple, guided tax software.
• Stay ahead of deadlines. Putting important tax dates on your calendar, and planning ahead, can keep you in the good graces of the IRS. It can also prevent financial penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Being aware of important tax deadlines throughout the year can prevent financial stress down the road. You might consider working with a tax professional who can answer your questions and do the heavy lifting for you. If you're up against a large tax bill, enrolling in an IRS payment plan might be the best way to move forward.