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When Are Taxes Due in 2026? – Understanding when taxes are due is crucial for avoiding penalties and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. For the 2025 tax year, which most individuals and businesses file in 2026, the deadlines can vary based on your filing status, location, and type of return. This SEO-optimized guide covers key dates, extensions, and tips to help you stay on top of your tax obligations. Whether you’re searching for “when are taxes due” or specific “tax deadline 2026” details, we’ve got you covered using the latest information from official sources.
Federal Tax Deadlines for 2026
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sets the primary deadlines for federal income taxes. For most calendar-year filers, the key date is April 15, 2026. This applies to individual income tax returns (Form 1040), where you report your 2025 earnings and either pay any owed taxes or claim a refund.
Key Federal Dates:
- Filing Season Opens: January 26, 2026. This is when the IRS begins accepting and processing 2025 tax returns. The agency expects around 164 million individual returns this year, with electronic filing recommended for faster processing.
- Tax Day: April 15, 2026. This is the deadline to file your return and pay any taxes due. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday in future years, it’s typically moved to the next business day, but in 2026, it’s a Wednesday.
- Fiscal Year Filers: Due on the 15th day of the fourth month after your fiscal year ends.
- Estimated Tax Payments: For self-employed individuals or those with income not subject to withholding, payments are due quarterly:
- First quarter: April 15, 2026
- Second quarter: June 15, 2026
- Third quarter: September 15, 2026
- Fourth quarter: January 15, 2027
If you’re affected by a disaster or live outside the U.S., you may qualify for automatic extensions. For example, U.S. citizens abroad get until June 15, 2026, to file, though payments are still due April 15.
State Tax Filing Deadlines in 2026
While federal taxes have a uniform deadline, state tax due dates can differ. Many states align with the federal April 15, 2026, deadline, but some have later dates. Always check your state’s department of revenue website for specifics, as extensions and rules may vary.
Here’s a summary of individual state income tax deadlines for 2026 (for 2025 returns):
| State | Filing Due Date |
|---|---|
| Alabama | April 15, 2026 |
| Arizona | April 15, 2026 |
| Arkansas | April 15, 2026 |
| California | April 15, 2026 |
| Colorado | April 15, 2026 |
| Connecticut | April 15, 2026 |
| Delaware | April 30, 2026 |
| District of Columbia | April 15, 2026 |
| Georgia | April 15, 2026 |
| Hawaii | April 21, 2026 |
| Idaho | April 15, 2026 |
| Illinois | April 15, 2026 |
| Indiana | April 15, 2026 |
| Iowa | April 30, 2026 |
| Kansas | April 15, 2026 |
| Kentucky | April 15, 2026 |
| Louisiana | May 15, 2026 |
| Maine | April 15, 2026 |
| Maryland | April 15, 2026 |
| Massachusetts | April 15, 2026 |
| Michigan | April 15, 2026 |
| Minnesota | April 15, 2026 |
| Mississippi | April 15, 2026 |
| Missouri | April 15, 2026 |
| Montana | April 15, 2026 |
| Nebraska | April 15, 2026 |
| New Hampshire | April 15, 2026 (interest and dividends tax) |
| New Jersey | April 15, 2026 |
| New Mexico | April 30, 2026 |
| New York | April 15, 2026 |
| North Carolina | April 15, 2026 |
| North Dakota | April 15, 2026 |
| Ohio | April 15, 2026 |
| Oklahoma | April 20, 2026 |
| Oregon | April 15, 2026 |
| Pennsylvania | April 15, 2026 |
| Rhode Island | April 15, 2026 |
| South Carolina | May 1, 2026 |
| Utah | April 15, 2026 |
| Vermont | April 15, 2026 |
| Virginia | May 1, 2026 |
| West Virginia | April 15, 2026 |
| Wisconsin | April 15, 2026 |
Note: States without individual income tax (e.g., Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming) don’t require state returns. For New York specifically, personal income tax returns like Form IT-201 are due April 15, 2026.
Business and Other Tax Deadlines
Businesses have additional deadlines depending on entity type:
- Partnerships and S Corporations: March 16, 2026 (for calendar-year filers).
- C Corporations: April 15, 2026, with quarterly estimated payments on April 15, June 15, September 15, and December 15.
- Trusts and Estates (Form 1041): April 15, 2026, or extended to September 30, 2026.
- Exempt Organizations (Form 990): May 15, 2026, or extended to November 16, 2026.
Excise taxes and employer’s payroll taxes have their own calendars; refer to IRS Publication 509 for details.
How to Get a Tax Extension in 2026?
If you can’t meet the April 15 deadline, filing for an extension is straightforward and gives you until October 15, 2026, to submit your return. Use Form 4868 for individuals or Form 7004 for businesses. Remember, this extends filing but not payment—pay any estimated taxes owed by April 15 to avoid interest and penalties.
Expats may get extra time: Automatic to June 15, with further extensions to October 15 or even December 15 in some cases.
What Happens If You Miss the Tax Deadline?
Missing the filing deadline can lead to a failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month on unpaid taxes, up to 25%. If you owe taxes and don’t pay by April 15, you’ll face a failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month plus interest. However, if you’re due a refund, there’s no penalty for late filing.
Tips for a Smooth 2026 Tax Season
- Gather Documents Early: Start collecting W-2s, 1099s, and receipts now.
- File Electronically: Use IRS Free File if eligible for faster refunds.
- Consider Professional Help: For complex situations, consult a tax advisor.
- Stay Updated: Check the IRS website for any changes due to legislation or events.
By planning ahead and knowing when taxes are due, you can minimize stress and maximize potential refunds. For personalized advice, visit IRS.gov or your state’s tax site. This information is based on 2026 guidelines and may be subject to updates.