Your Guide to February 2026 Business Tax Deadlines

Key Tax Dates Your Business Can't Miss in February 2026

With the year-end rush behind us, February brings its own set of crucial tax compliance deadlines for small business owners in Midlothian and across Texas. Keeping these dates straight is essential for maintaining good standing with the IRS and managing your cash flow effectively. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

February 2: The First Major Deadline of the Month

This is a significant date for any business that works with employees or independent contractors. Make sure you have the following tasks completed:

Forms 1099-NEC for Contractors

If your business paid $600 or more in 2025 for services from an individual who is not an employee (nonemployee compensation), you must issue them a Form 1099-NEC. This deadline is firm: copies must go to both the service provider and the IRS by February 2. Our firm can help prepare and submit these in the required format, especially since businesses filing 10 or more information returns must do so electronically.

Other Information Returns to Recipients (1098 & Other 1099s)

You must also provide copies of various other information returns to recipients by this date. This includes Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest) and other types of Form 1099 for income such as rent, royalties, dividends, interest, and distributions from retirement plans. Note that the deadline to file these forms with the IRS is later (March 1, or April 1 if filing electronically).

W-2s for All Employees

All employees must receive their 2025 Form W-2 by February 2. Concurrently, you must file Copy A of all W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, with the Social Security Administration.

Annual & Quarterly Payroll Filings

Several key payroll forms are due. If you have undeposited taxes, they must be paid with the return.

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): File for the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Form 943 (Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): File for the 2025 tax year.
  • Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): File for the 2025 tax year.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): File to report income tax withheld in 2025 on nonpayroll items like pensions, annuities, and gambling winnings.

February 10: Extended Deadline for Timely Depositors

Did you deposit all your required taxes on time throughout the period? If so, the IRS gives you a little more breathing room. The filing deadline for Forms 941, 943, 944, 940, and 945 is extended to February 10 for businesses that have already paid their tax liability in full.

February 17: Mid-Month Deadlines to Watch

The middle of the month brings another wave of deadlines, primarily for specific information returns and monthly depositors.

Key Information Statements Due to Recipients

The following forms for 2025 activity must be furnished to recipients:

  • Form 1099-B: Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions
  • Form 1099-S: Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions
  • Form 1099-MISC: For reporting specific payments, such as those to an attorney.

Monthly Tax Deposits

If your business follows the monthly deposit rule, your January deposits for Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax (both payroll and nonpayroll) are due.

Employee Withholding Check-In

Begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption from withholding in 2025 but has not submitted a new Form W-4 to continue that exemption for 2026.

Important Considerations

Weekends and Holidays

Remember, if a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date automatically moves to the next business day.

Disaster Relief Extensions

The IRS often provides extensions for taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. You can stay informed on whether your area qualifies by checking these official resources:

  • FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
  • IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Navigating these deadlines can be a challenge on top of running your business. As a CPA firm with over 38 years of experience serving small businesses, we are here to help. If you need assistance with tax preparation or have concerns about IRS compliance, contact Thomas Hawbaker CPA PLLC for a consultation.

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