Tax season can be stressful for small business owners, but it’s also an opportunity to get your things in order and ensure that you are operating legally. Whether you are preparing to apply for a small business loan or simply staying on top of your IRS obligations, meeting tax deadlines, or filing for an extension, knowing the 2026 deadlines may help you avoid penalties and maintain your business’s financial stability. To make things easier, we have broken down the essential 2026 tax deadlines and highlighted forms you should become familiar with.
Whether you are filing small business taxes for the first time or you plan to apply for a small business loan, staying compliant with tax deadlines or showing proof of extension may help improve your odds of getting the funds that you need.
Tax forms and deadlines for 2026
Here are some key dates and forms to keep on your radar this year. These forms are also typically required when applying for a small business loan.
January 15, 2026: Wrap up 2025 with Q4 estimated payments
If you are self-employed or pay quarterly taxes, this is the deadline to submit your fourth-quarter estimated tax payment for 2025. Missing this date may result in interest or penalties, so you need to stay ahead.
January 31, 2026: Don’t leave your employees (or contractors) hanging
By this date, employers must provide Form W-2 to employees and Form 1099-NEC to independent contractors for work performed in 2025. It’s also the deadline to submit these forms to the IRS. Staying on top of this helps ensure your team can file their personal taxes while also keeping your company compliant.
March 16, 2026: Partnerships and S Corporations
This is the tax return deadline for:
- Form 1065 (Partnerships) – File to report income, credits, and deductions.
- Form 1120-S (S Corporations) – S Corporations must file to report income and tax obligations.
Filing for an automatic extension
If you need more time, consider filing Form 7004 to request an automatic extension. It is important to remember that an extension to file doesn’t mean an extension to pay. Your taxes will still be due on the same day if you file this form, but you can get some extra time to get your documentation in order.
April 15, 2026: Individual and corporate tax day (the big one)
Perhaps the most dreaded day of the year, by April 15, you’ll typically need to:
- File your Form 1040 (Individual Tax Return) if you're a sole proprietor or self-employed.
- Submit Form 1120 (C Corporation Tax Return) if your business is structured as a C-corporation.
- Pay your first-quarter estimated tax payment for 2025.
Need extra time? File Form 4868 to extend your personal tax return. Remember that while this may give you more time to file, any taxes owed are still due in April.
June 16, 2026: Second quarter estimated tax payment
By this date, you should have your second-quarter taxes for 2026 in order. This generally keeps your tax obligations spread out evenly throughout the year, helping to prevent surprises in the future.
Partnerships will use Form 8813 quarterly payment voucher and pay any taxes that are due.
September 15, 2026: The extended deadline for Partnerships and S-Corps
If you filed for an extension in March, this is your final deadline to submit partnership or S-corporation tax returns. It’s also the due date for third-quarter estimated tax payments.
October 15, 2026: Extended individual and corporate returns
For those who filed Form 4868 back in April, this is the last call to file your individual or corporate tax returns. No more extensions—everything must be submitted by this date.
January 15, 2027: Wrap up the year with Q4 payments
Start 2027 on the right foot by making your fourth-quarter estimated tax payment for 2026.
Need more time? Consider applying for an installment plan
If you can’t pay the full amount you owe, the IRS offers installment plans. By filing Form 9465, you may set up a monthly payment plan, helping you stay in good standing while paying off taxes over time.
Employer taxes in 2026
If you have employees, there are ongoing employer tax obligations to keep track of:
- Income tax withholding from employee wages
- FICA taxes (Social Security and Medicare)
- FUTA tax (Federal Unemployment)
Timely filing of these employer taxes is key to avoiding penalties and keeping your business compliant. You can find more details on the IRS Employment Tax Forms page.
Business filing tax tips when applying for a small business loan
At SmartBiz Bank®, we know tax season may feel overwhelming, especially for small business owners juggling multiple responsibilities. But staying organized and hitting these deadlines not only helps you avoid penalties but may also strengthen your case when applying for financing.
If you have questions about taxes and your application, please reach out to your SmartBiz Relationship Manager.
Prepay taxes if self-employed
If underpaying, file extensions on time and pay estimated taxes owed to avoid or reduce additional tax fees.
Obtain E-File Activity reports to confirm taxes have been filed.
If you cannot satisfy the full amount owed, a 9465 installment agreement should be filed as soon as possible to avoid further late fees.
After filing, keep clean PDF copies of the returns neatly organized in a safe place for quick access when applying for loans.
Create an account on IRS.gov to check balances of past taxes.
Self-file or hire a tax professional?
Should you go solo or work with a professional to file your taxes? There are many factors to consider, including the complexity of your tax situation, the time required to gather documents, and the cost. For a detailed look at the pros and cons, check out our article on tax tips for small businesses. You'll find insights from real small business owners, plus tips to help you make the best choice for your unique needs.
Whether you opt to self-file or work with a tax professional, being prepared is key. A helpful resource, like the H&R Block® blog, provides tips on gathering the essential documents you’ll need, including:
- Income
- Gross receipts from sales or services
- Sales records (for accrual-based taxpayers)
- Returns and allowances
- Business checking/savings account interest (1099-INT or statement)
- Other income
- Cost of goods sold (if applicable)
- Inventory
- Beginning inventory total dollar amount
- Inventory purchases
- Ending inventory total dollar amount
- Items removed for personal purposes
- Materials and supplies
- Expenses
- Advertising
- Phones (landline, fax or cell phones related to business)
- Computer and internet expenses
- Transportation and travel expenses
- Local transportation (Mileage log or receipts for public transportation, parking, and tolls)
- Travel away from home (Airfare or mileage/actual expense if drove, hotel, meals, taxi, internet connection, tips, etc.)
- Commissions paid to subcontractors (File Form 1099-MISC and 1096 as necessary)
- Depreciation
- Business insurance
- Interest expense
- Professional fees (Lawyers, accountants, and consultants)
- Office supplies
- Rent expense
- Business-use vehicle lease expense
- Wages paid to employees
- Other expenses
