Tax Deadlines 2026: Complete Calendar of IRS Dates
-- reading | Last updated:
Quick Answer
The 2026 tax deadline for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026. If you filed an extension, you have until October 15, 2026. Quarterly estimated payments are due April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026 and January 15, 2027. IRA contributions for 2025 are also due April 15, 2026.
Missing a tax deadline costs money — penalties and interest add up fast. Here's the complete 2026 IRS calendar so you never miss a date.
2026 IRS Tax Deadlines — Full Calendar
| Date | Deadline |
|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Final 2025 estimated tax payment (Q4) |
| January 26, 2026 | IRS tax season opens (estimated) |
| April 15, 2026 | Tax Day — file 2025 return + Q1 estimated payment + IRA contribution deadline |
| June 15, 2026 | Q2 estimated tax payment |
| September 15, 2026 | Q3 estimated tax payment |
| October 15, 2026 | Extended filing deadline (if extension filed) |
| December 31, 2026 | Required minimum distributions (RMD) for 73+ |
| January 15, 2027 | Final 2026 estimated tax payment (Q4) |
Source: IRS.gov — When to File (2026). Dates account for weekends/holidays.
What Happens If You Miss a Deadline?
- ⚠️ Failure to file: 5% of unpaid tax per month (up to 25%)
- ⚠️ Failure to pay: 0.5% of unpaid tax per month (up to 25%)
- 💡 Extension ≠ extension to pay — you still owe interest on late payments
How to File an Extension
Use Form 4868 to get an automatic 6-month extension (to October 15). It extends your filing time — not your payment time. Estimate and pay what you owe by April 15 to minimize penalties.
Key Deadlines for Specific Situations
| Situation | Deadline |
|---|---|
| IRA contribution (2025 year) | April 15, 2026 |
| Self-employed (SE tax) | Quarterly (Apr/Jun/Sep/Jan) |
| FBAR (foreign accounts) | April 15 (auto extension to Oct 15) |
| RMD (73+) | December 31, 2026 |
FAQ — Tax Deadlines 2026
When is the tax deadline in 2026?
The federal income tax filing deadline for 2026 is April 15, 2026, for the 2025 tax year. If you filed for an extension, the extended deadline is October 15, 2026.
What are the quarterly estimated tax payment dates for 2026?
Quarterly estimated tax payments for 2026 are due April 15, June 15, September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027. Use Form 1040-ES.
When can I file my 2026 taxes?
The IRS typically begins accepting tax returns in late January. For the 2025 tax year, filing opened in January 2026, with the deadline on April 15, 2026.
What is the last day to contribute to an IRA for 2026?
The deadline to contribute to an IRA for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026 (Tax Day). The deadline for 2026 contributions is April 15, 2027.
When are required minimum distributions (RMDs) due?
The deadline to take your 2026 required minimum distribution (RMD) from retirement accounts is December 31, 2026, for those 73 and older.
