References/Tools

To stay on top of your 2026 tax responsibilities, review the key dates and deadlines below to ensure you’re prepared for everything that applies to you or your business. Thoughtful planning now can help you avoid late fees, penalties, and unnecessary stress.

January 2026

• Jan. 15, 2026 – 2025 Q4 estimated taxpayment due
      For self‑employed individuals or anyone with income not subject to withholding.
• Late January 2026 – Expected start of the 2025 tax season
      The IRS typically begins accepting returns in late January, typically between Jan. 20 -31. 
• Jan. 31, 2026
  • W‑2 deadline: Employers must send W‑2 forms by this date.
  • 1099 deadline: Certain 1099 forms must be issued, including: 
    • Form 1099‑NEC for freelance or side‑hustle income
    • Form 1099‑MISC for rents, royalties, prizes, interest, or dividends

February 2026

• Feb. 17, 2026 – Withholding exemption renewal
      Submit a new Form W‑4 to maintain exemption from withholding.

March 2026

• March 16, 2026 – Business tax deadlines for partnerships and S corporations 
  • Tax returns due for partnerships, S corporations, and multi‑member LLCs taxed as partnerships (calendar‑year filers).
  • Extension requests due for these entities.
  • Form 2553 deadline to elect S corporation status for tax year 2026.
  • Fiscal‑year businesses: Returns are due on the 15th day of the third month after the fiscal year ends.       
    • Example: A June 1–May 31 fiscal year ends with a due date of Aug. 15.

April 2026

• April 1, 2026 – 2025 Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
      Due if you turned 73 in 2025 and are taking your first RMD.
• April 15, 2026 – Tax Day
  • Individual tax returns due for tax year 2025
  • Most state returns due
  • Form 4868 extension deadline (payment of 2025 taxes or payment plan setup still required)
  • IRA and HSA contribution deadline for tax year 2025
  • 2026 Q1 estimated tax payment due
  • Business tax deadline for C corporations, sole proprietors, single‑member LLCs, and LLCs taxed as corporations 
    • Includes tax return due and extension request deadline
    • Fiscal‑year businesses: Returns due on the 15th day of the third month after the fiscal year ends
  • Deadline to pay taxes owed or set up a payment plan

May 2026

• May 15, 2026 – Tax‑exempt nonprofit returns due
      Applies to nonprofits following a calendar‑year tax period.

June 2026

• June 15, 2026 – 2026 Q2 estimated tax payment due

September 2026

• Sept. 15, 2026 
  • 2026 Q3 estimated tax payment due
  • Extended deadline for partnerships and S corporations that filed for an extension

October 2026

• Oct. 15, 2026 – Extended filing deadline
      Applies to C corporations, sole proprietors, and certain LLCs that filed for an extension.

November 2026

• Nov. 16, 2026 – Extended deadline for tax‑exempt nonprofits
      Applies to calendar‑year nonprofits that filed for an extension.

December 2026

• Dec. 31, 2026 – 2026 Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
      Due for individuals age 73 or older.

January 2027

• Jan. 15, 2027 – 2026 Q4 estimated tax payment due

It’s important to note that 2025 tax payments are still due to the IRS on April 15, 2025. Regardless of the extension on your forms, you still would need to pay your taxes or set up a payment plan by April 15, 2026. 

The IRS increased the standard deduction for 2025 due to inflation and changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Refer below for 2025 tax year updates (tax returns filed in 2025)

• Single/Married Filing Separately: $15,750
• Married Filing Jointly: $31,500
• Head of Household: $23,625
• Qualifying Surviving spouse: $31,500
• Claimed as a dependent by another taxpayer: Limited to $1,350 OR the sum of $450 plus the individual's earned income, whichever is greater.
• Personal exemption:  Remains at $0 – Eliminating the personal exemption was part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA)
• Single or Head of Household 
  • 65+ or Blind:  +$2,000
  • 65+ and Blind:  +$4,000 (simply doubled)
• Married filing jointly or separately and surviving spouse 
  • 65+ or Blind:  +$1,600 per qualifying individual
  • 65+ and Blind:  +$3,200 per qualifying individual