These are the deadlines for your 2026 federal tax return, filed in 2027.
State tax filing deadlines may be different from federal deadlines. Check your state's Department of Revenue web page.
What are the key federal tax deadlines for 2027 (Tax year 2026)?
Deadline | What it means |
Late January 2027 | IRS expected to begin accepting 2026 tax returns |
February 1, 2027 | Employers and payers must send W-2s and many 1099 forms to recipients |
Late February–early March 2027 | Earliest refunds for EITC and ACTC claims |
April 15, 2027 | Deadline to file and pay 2026 federal taxes |
October 15, 2027 | Extended filing deadline with Form 4868 |
Some 1099 forms have later deadlines.
If a filing or payment due date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
When are estimated tax payments due?
If you have self-employment income or other income without taxes withheld, you may need to make estimated tax payments.
January 15, 2027: Final estimated tax payment for 2026 income
April 15, 2027: First estimated tax payment for 2027 income
For more information, see When are quarterly estimated tax payments due? on IRS.gov.
Refund timing
Most refunds are issued within 21 days after the IRS accepts an e-filed return.
E-filing and choosing direct deposit are the fastest options.
You can track your refund using:
Where’s My Refund? on IRS.gov
Key takeaway
For most taxpayers, the deadline to file and pay 2026 taxes is April 15, 2027.
Estimated taxes follow a quarterly schedule, and extensions only give more time to file, not to pay.
This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, accounting, or other advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need advice specific to you.
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