Federal Income Tax Deadline in 2026

Circle Monday, April 15, 2026, on your calendar, because that’s when most filers need to submit their 2025 federal tax returns to the IRS. However, you may have a different deadline if you filed for an extension or if you are a corporation. Here’s a rundown of all the deadlines you need to keep track of. Given fluid tax filing rules it’s important to ensure your investments are protected.

Do you have questions about building and managing a tax plan? Speak with a financial advisor today.

Federal Income Tax Deadline for Filing 2025 Tax Returns

The filing deadline for the 2025 tax year is April 15, 2026. If you need even more time to complete your 2025 federal return you can request a six-month extension by filing Form 4868 through your tax professional, tax software or using the Free File link on IRS.gov.

If you mail in your return, it must be postmarked April 15, 2026, or sooner. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days after a tax return is filed.

People who still want to contribute to an individual retirement account (IRA) for the 2025 tax year still need to make contributions by April 15, 2026. It is also necessary to include contributions made to traditional IRAs on your tax return. If you contributed to a Roth IRA during 2025, you won’t need to report those contributions on your tax return.

On another note, April 15, 2026, is the deadline for self-employed individuals who need to make their first quarterly estimated tax payments of the 2026 tax year. Since self-employed workers do not have an employer withholding Social Security and Medicare taxes, as well as income tax, the IRS requires these workers to pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.

You can file your estimated payments with form 1040-ES. The other estimated tax payment deadlines are June 15, 2026, for the second quarter; Sept. 15, 2026, for the third quarter; and Jan. 15, 2027, for the fourth quarter.

When Is the Last Day to File Federal Income Taxes in 2026?

The last day to file taxes is going to depend on your unique situation. Following the dates above will help you make sure you don’t miss the right deadline. However, if you’re wanting to get an extension then you might be able to file your taxes at a later date. This should only be an option if you aren’t going to owe any money as you could owe penalties, fees or interest on the money you owe if you wait to file.

The extension for filing federal income taxes in 2026, for the 2025 tax year, is Oct. 15, 2026 for normal filings and Sept. 15, 2026 for some business tax filings. While filing Form 4868 gives taxpayers six extra months to file their 2025 tax return but does not grant an extension of time to pay taxes due. You may owe a late payment penalty on any tax not paid by the original due date of your return.

Deadline for Business Taxes

If you are a business, the due date for your tax forms will depend on what kind of business you are. The deadline for most corporations (Form 1120) and any other business individuals who file Form 1040 is the same as the standard tax deadline, April 15, 2026, unless you file for an extension.

However, the deadline for S-corporations (Form 1120-S) and partnerships (1065) to submit their tax forms is March 17, 2026. If you file for an extension, you will have an additional six months to submit your tax return.

Corporations with a fiscal year ending on June 30 may have a different income tax deadline. In this case, it’s best to speak with a tax professional to ensure you file by the correct deadline.

Deadlines for Filing 2025 State Tax Returns in 2026

Most states require individual taxpayers to file their state income taxes by Tax Day. That’s easy to remember because it is the same deadline as the federal tax deadline. However, there are several states that impose different deadlines and nine states that have no income tax. You can see the deadline for each state and the District of Columbia in the table below.

2026 State Income Tax Deadlines (for 2025 returns)

Bottom Line

The tax deadline for the majority of taxpayers to file their 2025 federal income taxes is Tuesday, April 15, 2026. If you need more time to file your taxes, you can request an extension. A tax extension gives you six additional months and brings your tax deadline into mid-October.  State income taxes are mostly due on tax day just like federal income taxes. However, there are several states with a different (later) deadline and there are also nine states with no income tax.

Tips for Filing Your Taxes

• A good way to set yourself up for success is to plan for your taxes throughout the year. A financial advisor can provide insight and guidance for this process. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Filing taxes no longer has to be a pain thanks to a variety of easy-to-use and affordable tax filing services. Here’s a breakdown of the two the most popular services: H&R Block and TurboTax.

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