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Verify dates on IRS.gov. Dates below were checked on October 15, 2026 and can change (for example after disaster relief or new legislation).
Key federal dates, 2026–2027
- Oct15
Extended deadline for 2025 federal returns
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · Last day to file a 2025 return if you requested an extension. Payment was still due April 15, 2026.
- Jan15
4th-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment
Friday, January 15, 2027 · For self-employed people, investors and anyone who pays estimated tax (Form 1040-ES).
- Apr15
Federal filing deadline for 2026 returns
Thursday, April 15, 2027 · Also the due date for the 1st-quarter 2027 estimated payment and for requesting a filing extension (Form 4868).
- Jun15
2nd-quarter 2027 estimated tax payment
Tuesday, June 15, 2027 · Estimated payments cover tax on income earned April 1 through May 31.
- Sep15
3rd-quarter 2027 estimated tax payment
Wednesday, September 15, 2027 · Covers income earned June 1 through August 31.
- Oct15
Extended deadline for 2026 federal returns
Friday, October 15, 2027 · Last day to file a 2026 return if you requested an extension. Payment is still due April 15, 2027.
Extension ≠ more time to pay. Filing Form 4868 extends your time to file, not to pay. Estimate what you owe and pay it by April 15 to limit interest and penalties. See how to file a tax extension.
Who has to make estimated payments?
Estimated tax payments are for income that does not have tax withheld — self-employment and gig income, interest, dividends, capital gains, rent and some retirement income. Payments are due in four installments (the dates are listed above). If you are a regular employee with the right W-4, withholding usually covers you. Read how to pay estimated taxes for the safe-harbor rules, and try our refund and withholding estimator to check whether your withholding is on track.
If you miss a deadline
File as soon as you can: the failure-to-file penalty is generally larger than the failure-to-pay penalty, and both grow over time. If you cannot pay in full, the IRS offers payment plans — see what to do if you can’t pay and how to file late.
State deadlines
State income tax dates often match the federal ones but not always. Pick your state in the state guides for agency links and any state-specific timing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a tax extension give me more time to pay?
No. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. Interest and penalties on unpaid tax generally run from the original due date, so pay what you can by April 15.
What if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday?
When a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the deadline generally moves to the next business day. None of the dates listed here fall on a weekend.
Are state deadlines the same?
Most states align with the federal date, but not all do, and some have their own extension rules. Check your state guide or revenue agency.
What if a disaster affected my area?
The IRS sometimes postpones deadlines for taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. Check IRS.gov for current relief announcements.
Official sources
- IRS: Extension of time to file
- IRS: Estimated taxes
- IRS Topic 301: When, how and where to file
- IRS Topic 304: Extensions of time to file
General information only — not tax, legal or financial advice. Tax figures change every year; verify the current numbers at IRS.gov or with a qualified professional. Read the full disclaimer.