Key Individual Tax Deadlines for January 2026

As we usher in the new year, keeping an eye on crucial tax deadlines is essential for a smooth financial flow. January 2026 brings several important individual tax due dates related to estimated payments, tip reporting, and strategic tax planning. Here, we detail what’s due and how you can stay ahead.

January 2 - Schedule Your Tax Preparation Appointment -

January marks the start of a bustling tax season. If you haven’t yet scheduled your tax preparation appointment, we strongly recommend contacting us soon to secure your preferred timing.Image 2

January 12 - Tip Reporting Deadline -

If you’re an employee who received over $20 in tips during December, here’s a gentle reminder to report them to your employer by January 12. You can file this using IRS Form 4070 or your own statement containing your signature; name, address, Social Security number; employer’s name and address; period covered; and total tips received for that period.

Your employer is responsible for withholding FICA taxes and income taxes from these tips. If your wages don’t cover these withholdings, the discrepancy will reflect in box 8 of your W-2, which you’ll need to settle when filing your annual return.

January 15 - Fourth Quarter Estimated Tax Payment -

January 15 is the final day to submit your fourth quarter estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year. To sidestep penalties for underpayment, ensure this installment is timely. Failing that, you would need to file your full 2025 return and clear all taxes by February 2, 2026, to avoid any penalties.Image 3

Weekend and Holiday Adjustments:

Should any deadline fall on a weekend or public holiday, the IRS automatically extends it to the next business day that isn’t a holiday.

Disaster Relief Extensions:

In instances where a region is declared a disaster area, tax deadlines undergo extensions. For real-time updates on affected areas and new deadlines, visit these resources:

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

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