Essential Business Tax Deadlines for January 2026

As January 2026 arrives, businesses must be keenly aware of critical tax deadlines impacting employers, farmers, and fishermen alike. Proactive planning can ensure compliance and prevent costly penalties.

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January 15 - Employer’s Monthly Deposit Deadline -

Employers adhering to the monthly deposit requirements must ensure that by January 15, 2026, Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes for December 2025 are properly deposited. This is also applicable to nonpayroll withholdings should the monthly deposit rules pertain. Remember, these employment tax deposits must be submitted electronically, barring exceptions where the liability is under $2,500 for the return period, allowing quarterly or annual payment submissions along with the return.

January 15 - Farmers and Fishermen -

For farmers and fishermen, January 15 marks the due date to pay estimated taxes for 2025 using Form 1040-ES. They have until April 15 to submit their 2025 income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR). Those who haven't settled their estimated taxes by January 15 must file their returns and settle any tax dues by March 2, 2026, to avoid the estimated tax penalty.

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Weekends & Holidays:

Deadlines coinciding with weekends or public holidays are automatically extended to the next business day, providing some respite from holiday-induced delays.

Disaster Area Extensions:

In circumstances where a region gains disaster area status, relevant tax deadlines are duly extended. For updates on disaster area designations and filing extension dates, you can check:
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

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