The tax filing deadline for 2026 is April 15, 2025. This is the date when most individuals and businesses in the U.S. must file their 2026 tax return with the IRS.
However, several other important tax deadlines apply throughout the year, including quarterly estimated tax payments, extension deadlines, and business tax filing deadlines. Below is a full breakdown of 2026 tax due dates and who they apply to.
The IRS typically begins processing tax returns in late January, and 2026 is no exception. Starting January 26, you can file your federal and state tax returns electronically. Filing early is a great way to avoid delays in receiving your refund and ensure your taxes are processed smoothly.
If you’re exempt from withholding taxes, you need to submit a new Form W-4 to your employer by February 15 to maintain your exempt status.
For business owners filing as an S-Corporation or partnership, the deadline to file your 2024 tax return (or request an extension) is March 16, 2026. Use Form 1120-S for S-Corps and Form 1065 for partnerships.
This is the big one. April 15 is the deadline to file your 2026 federal and state income tax returns or request an extension using Form 4868. If you owe taxes, payment is also due on this date, even if you file for an extension.
If you’re self-employed or earn income without tax withholding, your second-quarter estimated tax payment for 2026 is due on June 15, 2026.
The third-quarter estimated tax payment for 2026 is due on this date. Staying on top of these payments helps you avoid underpayment penalties and ensures you’re prepared for tax season.
If you requested an extension to file your 2026 taxes, this is your last chance to submit your return. Don’t wait until the last minute—filing late can result in significant penalties.
If you need more time to file, you can request a tax extension by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS before April 15, 2026. This gives you an extra six months (until October 15, 2026) to file your return.
However, a tax extension does not give you more time to pay any taxes you owe. If you expect to owe taxes, it’s best to make an estimated payment by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
If you miss the April 15, 2026 deadline and owe taxes, the IRS may charge:
• Failure-to-file penalty: Typically 5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%.
• Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% per month on unpaid taxes.
• Interest charges: IRS interest rates change quarterly and will be applied to any unpaid balance.
Tip: Even if you can’t pay your full tax bill, file your return on time to avoid the larger failure-to-file penalty.
If you are self-employed, a freelancer, or an independent contractor, you may be required to pay estimated taxes four times per year instead of waiting until Tax Day.
You should pay quarterly taxes if:
✅ You expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes for the year.
✅ You are a 1099 worker, freelancer, or self-employed individual.
✅ You do not have taxes automatically withheld from your income.
The quarterly tax deadlines for 2026 are:
• Q1 Payment: April 15, 2026
• Q2 Payment: June 15, 2026
• Q3 Payment: September 15, 2026
• Q4 Payment: January 15, 2027
Some states have different tax deadlines than the federal government. If you live in a state with income taxes, check your state’s Department of Revenue website to confirm local deadlines.
Pro Tip: If you live in a state impacted by natural disasters, the IRS may extend your deadline. Check the IRS disaster relief page for the latest updates.
Everlance helps independent workers track all of their deductions, file their taxes, and protects from audit.
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Brad Thibeau is the Head of Growth & Partnerships at Everlance. Brad has worked at Everlance since 2021 with a focus on helping self employed people save time and money on their taxes.
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