Tax Day gets all the hype, but for small businesses, deadlines come and go all year long.

Falling behind is costly. Planning ahead helps you avoid penalties, late fees, and last-minute filings.

That’s why we created the 2026 federal tax calendar: a simple, downloadable timeline designed to help you avoid last-minute surprises and penalties while keeping track of forms and deadlines without the stress.
Inside, you’ll find:

• Key federal tax deadlines for 2026

• The forms you’ll need for each filing

• Direct IRS links for additional guidance

Download your calendar today and stay on top of your tax game.

Note: This calendar covers major federal tax deadlines for 2026 and is based on a calendar-year filing schedule. Some deadlines may differ for fiscal-year filers. This is not an exhaustive list of all IRS deadlines and exceptions. For a complete list, use the IRS Tax Calendar for Small Businesses and Self-Employed.

Tax Season FAQs

Do I need to make quarterly estimated tax payments if I have a big capital gain?

If you expect to owe $1,000 or more in taxes after withholding and credits, you’ll likely need to make estimated payments. Generally, you calculate them as the smaller of:

• 90% of the tax owed for the current year, or

• 100% of last year’s tax (or 110% if your income was above certain thresholds)

Special rules apply for farmers, fishermen, short-year filers, household employers, and nonresident aliens.

​​What happens if I miss a tax deadline?

Falling behind can lead to penalties, interest, or late fees. If that happens, file as soon as you can and consider consulting a tax professional about next steps. Keep in mind that if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, the IRS typically moves it to the next business day.

Can I get more time to file my taxes?

Yes! Extensions let you file later, but they don’t give you more time to pay what you owe.

• Individuals & sole proprietors: Form 4868

• S corporations, partnerships, & C corporations: Form 7004

What forms do small businesses need to know for 2026?

• Partnerships: Form 1065

• S corporations: Form 1120‑S

• C corporations: Form 1120

• Individuals / sole proprietors: Form 1040

Are there any new credits or deductions for 2026?

Yes. The “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces updates that may change what you can claim. Always check IRS guidance or consult your accountant to see how it applies to your business.