Need to Know Tax Dates for 2026
January is almost over, and hopefully you’ve had a chance to map out 2026 for your business. You might have plans for operations, sales, and even paying your bills—but have you planned for all your tax due dates?
If you run a business or are self-employed, you have more tax deadlines to keep up with than your federal and state returns by April 15th. And missing these due dates can cost you, both by causing issues with the IRS and by costing you expensive penalties. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the most important due dates most businesses need to remember. Put them on your calendar so you don’t miss any deadlines in 2026!
2026 Tax Deadlines
January 31st - W-2’s are due to employees and the IRS, 1099-NEC's are due to contractors and the IRS, and FUTA (federal unemployment tax) is due to the IRS.
March 15th - S Corp and Partnership tax returns are due. (Talk to a tax preparer if you need to file an extension!)
April 15th - Federal tax return is due to the IRS, and 1st quarter estimated tax payments are due (for income received from January through March).
April 30th - For most states, 1st quarter payroll reports, 1st quarter unemployment tax, and 1st quarter withholding reports (for states that don’t do monthly reports) are all due to the state.
May 1st - Arkansas franchise tax reports and payments are due to the Secretary of State.
June 15th - 2nd quarter estimated tax payments are due (for income received in April and May).
July 31st - 2nd quarter state unemployment tax is due.
September 15th - Tax extension deadline for business income tax returns (this applies to S Corps and Partnerships).
September 15th - 3rd quarter estimated tax payments are due (for income received from June through August)
October 15th - Tax extension deadline for personal income tax returns.
October 31st - 3rd quarter state unemployment tax is due.
December 31st - All payroll for 2026 must be run by this date, otherwise it will count towards 2027.
January 15th, 2027 - 4th quarter estimated tax payments are due (for income received from September through December 2026).
Need Help?
Confused about what taxes apply to you and your payroll? Or maybe you find keeping up with all the tax payments difficult? We can help. Schedule a time on my calendar and let’s talk about your needs!