The dates that cost money if you miss them
Federal deadlines through 2027, with what each one actually covers. Filing late and paying late are separate penalties — the first is ten times more expensive per month than the second.
What's coming up
Dates shown are federal. Your state may differ, and we'll flag it if yours does.
September 15, 2026
Tuesday
EveryoneQ3 estimated payment due
Covers income earned June 1 – August 31, 2026. Also the extended deadline for 2025 partnership and S-corp returns.
October 15, 2026
Thursday
IndividualsExtended 2025 individual returns due
The last day to file a 2025 return that went on extension. There is no further extension after this.
December 31, 2026
Thursday
EveryoneLast day for 2026 tax moves
Retirement contributions to an employer plan, charitable giving, equipment purchases and income timing all have to land on or before this date to count for 2026.
January 15, 2027
Friday
EveryoneQ4 estimated payment due
Covers September 1 – December 31, 2026. You can skip it if you file your full 2026 return and pay the balance by February 1, 2027.
February 1, 2027
Monday
BusinessesW-2s and 1099-NECs due
Employers and payers must issue these to recipients and file them with the IRS and SSA. The usual January 31 date moves to February 1 because the 31st is a Sunday.
March 15, 2027
Monday
BusinessesPartnership and S-corp returns due
Forms 1065 and 1120-S for tax year 2026, or Form 7004 for an extension to September 15, 2027. This falls a month before your personal return so your K-1 reaches you in time.
April 15, 2027
Thursday
EveryoneTax Day — 2026 returns due
Individual returns (Form 1040) and C-corporation returns (Form 1120). Also the deadline for 2026 IRA and HSA contributions, and the Q1 2027 estimated payment. An extension gives you until October 15 to file, but any tax owed is still due today.
June 15, 2027
Tuesday
EveryoneQ2 2027 estimated payment due
Covers income earned April 1 – May 31, 2027.
September 15, 2027
Wednesday
BusinessesExtended business returns due
Final deadline for 2026 partnership and S-corp returns that went on extension. Also the Q3 2027 estimated payment.
October 15, 2027
Friday
EveryoneExtended individual returns due
Final deadline for 2026 individual returns on extension, and for extended C-corporation returns.
Numbers people look up
Tax year 2026 amounts. Note that the IRS raised the business mileage rate half way through 2026, so your log needs dates, not just a total.
$16,100
Standard deduction, single
Tax year 2026
$32,200
Standard deduction, married filing jointly
Tax year 2026
$24,150
Standard deduction, head of household
Tax year 2026
72.5¢
Business mileage, Jan 1 – Jun 30, 2026
Per mile
76¢
Business mileage, Jul 1 – Dec 31, 2026
Per mile — the IRS raised it mid-year
14¢
Charitable mileage, all of 2026
Per mile — set by statute, does not change
An extension moves the filing date, not the payment date
Failure to file costs 5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to 25%. Failure to pay costs 0.5% per month. That is a tenfold difference — so if you can only do one, file. A balance you can’t cover is almost always resolvable with an installment agreement.
Read the full breakdownHow to make quarterly payments without predicting the future
Pay in 100% of what you owed last year — 110% if your income was above $150,000 — and no underpayment penalty applies regardless of how this year turns out. Last year’s number is already on a return you filed. Divide by four and you’re done worrying about it.
How quarterlies workDates and figures on this page were verified against IRS guidance in September 2026 and are general information, not advice for your situation. Deadlines falling on a weekend or federal holiday shift to the next business day, and disaster-area relief can move them further.
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