Federal Tax Deadlines for 2026–2027

Missing a federal deadline can mean penalties and interest. Use this overview to plan — then confirm the exact calendar on IRS.gov because weekends and holidays shift due dates.

Typical annual rhythm

When	What
Mid-January	Prior-year Q4 estimated tax often due (confirm year)
Late January	Employers and payers begin issuing W-2s and 1099s
Mid-April	Individual return due (or extension request); Q1 estimates
Mid-June	Q2 estimated taxes
Mid-September	Q3 estimated taxes
Mid-October	Extended individual returns typically due

Exact dates move when the regular date falls on a weekend or holiday.

April filing deadline

Most individual Form 1040 returns are due in mid-April. If you need more time to file, submit Form 4868 by the April deadline for an automatic extension — usually to mid-October.

Critical: An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Estimate and pay what you owe by April to limit failure-to-pay penalties.

Estimated tax payments

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more when you file (and withholding will not cover enough), you generally must make quarterly estimated payments. Safe harbor rules (paying 100% or 110% of last year’s tax, depending on AGI) can help avoid underpayment penalties — see Form 1040-ES instructions.

State deadlines

Many states follow the federal April date; some do not. Check your state department of revenue for:

• State return due date
• Conformity to federal extension
• Estimated tax rules

Practical tips

1. Set calendar reminders 2 weeks before each estimated date.
2. Download W-2s/1099s as they arrive; do not wait until April.
3. If you cannot pay in full, file on time anyway and review IRS payment plans.

See also: Am I required to file? and our filing checklist.