The deadline to file federal tax returns is April 15, 2026. There are more deadlines to be aware of, like your individual state deadline and the late filing deadline. Keep reading to make note of important dates and other frequently asked questions.
Please note – the information in this article is up to date for tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026). These deadlines are subject to change in the case of extenuating circumstances, like natural disasters.
Key takeaways
- The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026.
- The last day to file your taxes in 2026 is April 15. You can start filing much earlier. The IRS typically begins accepting tax returns in late January.
- If you choose to file an extension on Tax Day, then you have six additional months to file your federal tax return and make payments. In this case, the extended filing deadline is October 15, 2026.
- Other deadlines to be aware of are state deadlines, quarterly payment deadlines, and natural disaster extensions.
When are taxes due in 2026?
The deadline for filing your individual federal income tax return this year is April 15, 2026. If you file after this date, your return will be considered late and could be subject to a penalty. Need extra time to file? If you file an extension, you’ll have six additional months to finish your federal tax return. In this case, the extended filing deadline is October 15, 2026. Note that any taxes you owe are still due by April 15, even though you have an extension to file.
If you’re a business owner or are self-employed, then you must make quarterly estimated payments toward your tax bill throughout the year. The deadline for quarterly estimated payments is typically the third Monday of the first month after the last quarter’s end. If the due date falls on a federal holiday, quarterly payments are due the next business day.
Note: Due to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security shutdown, affected DHS employees have received an automatic 30-day tax filing extension, moving the deadline to May 15, 2026, with penalty and interest relief included.
When are state taxes due?
State filing deadlines typically correlate with the federal deadline to make filing on time easier for everyone, but there are some exceptions. For example, Virginia residents usually get until May 1 to file state tax returns. Natural disasters may also prompt a state to extend their filing deadline.
The late filing deadline for taxpayers with extensions also varies by state. To see the exact deadlines for filing state tax returns, visit your state’s department of revenue website.
Additional 2026 tax deadlines
Tax deadlines for individual filers – including employees, self-employed workers, independent contractors, retirees
| January 26, 2026 | IRS begins accepting and processing tax returns. This date marks the official start of tax season. |
| January 31, 2026 | Employers must mail W-2 forms. To give your employees enough time to file tax returns, the IRS requires employers to send out W-2 forms by this date. 1099 forms must be mailed out. If you paid for contracted work in 2025, you must send 1099s to your contractors by this date. If January 31st falls on a weekend, then you should send out 1099s on the next business day. |
| March 15, 2026 | Taxes are due for partnerships, S-Corps, and multimember LLCs. Businesses organized as partnerships, including multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations need to file Form 1065, or 1120S by March 15, 2026, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. |
| April 15, 2026 | Taxes for C-Corps are due. Businesses organized as C-Corporations need to file form 1120 by April 15, 2026, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. |
| September 16, 2026 | Late filing deadline for partnerships and S-Corps. If your business needs a filing extension in March, tax returns are due on this date. If you are unable to meet this deadline, your business cannot request additional time. |
| October 15, 2026 | Late filing deadline for taxpayers filing federal tax returns. This is the last day to file for taxpayers who had an extension. You cannot request additional extensions if you don’t file your federal tax return by this date. |
| December 31, 2026 | RMDs must be taken for taxpayers who turned 73 in 2025. If you took your first RMD in April 2026 (for 2025), you must take your second distribution before the end of the year. |
Deadlines for businesses (Partnerships, C Corps, and S Corps)
| January 26, 2026 | IRS begins accepting and processing tax returns. This date marks the official start of tax season. |
| January 31, 2026 | Employers must mail W-2 forms. To give your employees enough time to file tax returns, the IRS requires employers to send out W-2 forms by this date. 1099 forms must be mailed out. If you paid for contracted work in 2025, you must send 1099s to your contractors by this date. If January 31st falls on a weekend, then you should send out 1099s on the next business day. |
| March 15, 2026 | Taxes are due for partnerships, S-Corps, and multimember LLCs. Businesses organized as partnerships, including multi-member LLCs, and S-Corporations need to file Form 1065, or 1120S by March 15, 2025, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. |
| April 15, 2026 | Taxes for C-Corps are due. Businesses organized as C-Corporations need to file form 1120 by April 15, 2025, if they are a calendar year business. If your business uses a fiscal year, you need to file your tax return by the 15th day of the third month following the close of your tax year. |
| September 15, 2026 | Late filing deadline for partnerships and S-Corps. If your business needs a filing extension in March, tax returns are due on this date. If you are unable to meet this deadline, your business cannot request additional time. |
| October 15, 2026 | Late filing deadline for sole proprietors and C-corps. If your business requested a filing extension back in April, your business has until this date to file returns and make certain payments. If this deadline is missed, you can’t request additional time and your business may be subject to penalties and interest. |
When are quarterly estimated payments due?
The last quarterly estimate deadline for work completed during Q4 of 2024 is January 15, 2025. Is Q4 your first time reporting an estimate? Find out more about quarterly estimate taxes.
| Quarterly Payment | Payment Period | Due Date |
| Q4 of 2025 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2025 |
| Q1 of 2026 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 of 2026 | April 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 of 2026 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 of 2026 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
We know it’s hard to manage your calendar. That’s why TaxSlayer Self-Employed automatically reminds you when quarterly estimates are due. Get started today!
Tax extension deadline in 2026
If you need more time to file your 2025 tax return, you must file an extension by April 15, 2026. Note that a tax extension gives you more time to submit your return, not to pay your taxes.
Filing an extension gives you an additional six months to submit your return to the IRS. This year, the late filing deadline will be October 15, 2026. The IRS may change this due date in the event of an extenuating circumstance, like a natural disaster.
Other tax deadline FAQs
When is the last day to file taxes?
The last day to file tax returns is on Tax Day – April 15, 2026. If you need more time to file your returns, you can file an extension using Form 4868.
Who is in charge of the tax deadlines?
The IRS sets deadlines for federal tax compliance. It should be noted that holidays celebrated solely in Washington, D.C. impact taxpayers in the same way as federal holidays.
When will the IRS announce the filing deadline?
The IRS usually announces the key dates at the start of each calendar year. Keep tabs on their site to get in the know about upcoming dates.
What happens if I miss the tax filing deadline?
It depends on your situation. If you owe taxes, you will be penalized for filing late. If not, you’re in the clear. Check out our post about late filing to learn more.
Do you have to pay taxes right away when you file?
Not necessarily. While it’s encouraged to file and pay at the same time, that may not be an option for some people. The IRS offers three payment options to best accommodate your unique financial situation.
These options include:
- Entering an agreement to pay your balance within the next 10 days.
- A short-term payment plan that lasts 11 – 120 days.
- An installation agreement, splitting the balance into monthly payments.
What’s the fastest way to file my tax return?
While you can do your taxes the traditional way, the fastest and most secure way to file your taxes is to do so online. TaxSlayer makes it easy to file your taxes online, even if it’s your first time.
TaxSlayer will walk you through each step of the filing process, so you’re never left questioning what to do at any step of the process. Start for free today!
When can I expect my tax refund?
It depends on when and how you filed your tax return. But you can typically expect to see your tax refund about 21 days (about 3 weeks) after you file your return.
For more information, check out Refund Schedule: How Long Do I Have to Wait Until I Get My Tax Refund?
