When are taxes due this year? Tax Day 2026
Tax Day 2026 is this month. Here's what to know about federal filing deadlines and extensions.
Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents who work in the U.S. have to file tax returns, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The threshold is typically based on an individual's age and income.
You can check whether you are required to file a tax return on the IRS website.
As of March 27, the IRS had received more than 88.4 million tax returns for the current filing season. The agency had issued approximately $221.7 billion in refunds, with the average refund totaling $3,521.
When is the filing deadline for 2026?
Tax returns are due by Wednesday April 15, this year. If you don't expect to file your taxes by then, you can request a six-month extension.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline?
If you fail to file your federal tax return on time, the standard penalty is 5% of any tax due for every month the return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance. If you file a return but fail to pay any taxes you owe, or if you get an extension, you typically face a much smaller monthly penalty of 0.5% of any unpaid amount.
Are there exceptions to the April 15 tax deadline?
Yes, the IRS extends the annual tax deadline for taxpayers who live or do business in areas afflicted by disasters.
This year, the list includes extended deadlines for some tax filings in Alaska, Montana, and Washington state, but none in New England.
Deadline for filing income tax returns that have received extensions
Taxpayers who request extensions will have until Thursday, Oct. 15 to file their tax returns.
An extension doesn't buy you more time to pay your taxes. You'll still have to pay any amount due to avoid penalties, but you'll have more time to complete your tax forms.
When you should've received your 1099 form
If you're a freelancer, an independent contractor or earn income from other sources outside of a traditional job, you should have received a 1099 tax form by Feb. 15, according to the IRS. Employers are generally required to send the forms by the end of January.
When you should've received your W-2 form
Your employer is also required to have sent you a W-2 tax form by Jan. 31, the IRS said.
Quarterly tax due dates
If you earn income that isn't subject to withholding taxes, you're typically required to make estimated tax payments to the IRS. You can do this every quarter or through one annualized estimate. The annualized estimate is due on April 15.
The quarterly payments for 2026 are due by the following dates:
- First payment: April 15
- Second payment: June 15
- Third payment: Sept. 15
- Fourth payment: Jan. 15, 2027
Where's my tax refund?
The IRS says it can take weeks after filing for your refund to be processed.
Most taxpayers who file electronically receive their refunds within 21 days from the date the IRS receives them, the IRS said. Paper returns typically take longer, usually around six to eight weeks.
You can track the status of your refund on the IRS website, the IRS2Go mobile app, or by calling 800-829-1954.