Important January 2026 Tax Deadlines for Individuals

The start of a new year means fresh deadlines for your tax obligations. January 2026 is crucial for individual tax responsibilities, covering estimated tax payments, tip reporting, and strategic tax planning. Here's a detailed look at what's due and how to stay ahead.Image 3

January 2 - Schedule Your Tax Appointment

With the arrival of tax season, January sets the stage. If you haven't yet arranged a meeting to have your taxes prepared, now is the time to act and avoid hectic schedules later.Image 1

January 12 - Report Tips to Employer

Employees who earn tips exceeding $20 in December must report them by January 12. Use IRS Form 4070 or an equivalent statement with your signature, personal and employer information, and total tips received.
Employers must withhold FICA and income taxes from these tips. Insufficient regular wages for withholding? Uncollected taxes will be reported in box 8 of your W-2, requiring payment when filing your annual return.

January 15 - Individual Estimated Tax Payment Due

Pay your final estimated tax installment for 2025 by this date. Missing the deadline necessitates filing your 2025 return by February 2, 2026, to escape penalties.Image 2

Weekends & Holidays:

If a deadline lands on a weekend or legal holiday, it automatically extends to the next business day that is not a holiday.

Disaster Area Extensions:

In disaster-designated areas, due dates are extended. For further details on specific areas and extended dates, refer to:
FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .