As tax season approaches, keeping track of due dates for personal and business taxes is essential to avoid penalties and ensure smooth financial management. Whether you’re filing as an individual, self-employed, or a business owner, here’s a clear guide to help you navigate the tax deadlines.
Personal Tax Deadlines
For most individuals in the U.S., personal income taxes are due by April 15th of the year following the tax year. If April 15th falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. For 2026, personal taxes for the 2025 tax year are due on Wednesday, April 15th, 2026.
Extensions
If you need more time to file, you can request an automatic six-month extension, moving the deadline to October 15th, 2026. However, an extension to file does not mean an extension to pay—you must still estimate and pay any taxes owed by April 15th to avoid interest and penalties.
Business Tax Deadlines
Tax deadlines for businesses depend on the type of entity:
Sole Proprietors and Single-Member LLCs
These businesses typically file taxes as part of the owner’s personal tax return, using Schedule C. The due date aligns with the personal tax deadline: April 15th.
Partnerships and Multi-Member LLCs
Partnerships file an information return on Form 1065. The due date for these returns is March 15th. Partners receive Schedule K-1 forms to report their share of the partnership income on their personal returns.
S Corporations
S Corporations also have a March 15th filing deadline for their Form 1120-S. Shareholders use Schedule K-1 to report income, which is due on their personal tax returns by April 15th.
C Corporations
C Corporations file their taxes using Form 1120. The filing deadline is April 15th for calendar-year corporations. If the corporation operates on a fiscal year, the return is due on the 15th day of the fourth month following the fiscal year-end.
Estimated Quarterly Taxes
Self-employed individuals, freelancers, and businesses may need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. These payments are typically due on:
- April 15th
- June 15th
- September 15th
- January 15th (of the following year)
Paying quarterly ensures you meet your tax obligations throughout the year and avoid underpayment penalties.
State Tax Deadlines
Remember that state tax deadlines can vary. Check with your state’s tax authority to confirm the due dates for personal and business taxes.
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