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Your Guide to Key February 2026 Business Tax Deadlines

Your Guide to Key February 2026 Business Tax Deadlines

As we settle into the new year, February brings a critical wave of tax deadlines for business owners. This month is packed with filing requirements for 2025 activity, particularly concerning payroll and payments to independent contractors. Missing these dates can lead to significant penalties, so staying organized is essential. Here at Tangible Accounting, we help clients from West Palm Beach to Phoenix navigate these requirements seamlessly. Let's break down the deadlines you can't afford to miss.

Crucial Deadlines on February 2, 2026

The beginning of the month is the most intense period for filings. Mark your calendar for these key due dates.

Forms 1099-NEC & W-2: Reporting Worker Compensation

If your business paid independent contractors $600 or more for services in 2025, you must issue Form 1099-NEC to them by February 2. This same deadline applies to filing these forms with the IRS. Similarly, you must provide all employees with their Form W-2 and file copies with the Social Security Administration by this date. Timely and accurate reporting is fundamental to smooth tax administration for everyone involved.

Other Information Returns (Recipient Copies)

Recipient copies for a variety of other forms are also due on February 2. This includes Form 1098 for mortgage interest and other types of Form 1099 that report income like rent, royalties, dividends, or prizes. While the recipient copies are due now, you generally have until early March (or April if filing electronically) to submit them to the IRS.

Quarterly and Annual Payroll Tax Forms

Several key payroll tax forms for 2025 are due:

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): File for the fourth quarter of 2025 and deposit any remaining tax.
  • Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): File for the 2025 tax year.
  • Form 943 (Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): Farm employers must file to report Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): This form is for reporting income tax withheld on nonpayroll items, such as pensions, annuities, and gambling winnings.

Extended Filing Deadlines: February 10, 2026

Did you deposit all your employment taxes on time throughout the quarter or year? If so, the IRS grants you an extended deadline to file the associated returns. The due date for Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945 moves to February 10 if you've met all your deposit obligations in full and on time. This is a small but valuable reward for diligent compliance.

A business owner works on their laptop to meet tax deadlines.

Mid-Month Deadlines: February 17, 2026

The deadlines continue into the middle of the month. On February 17, businesses operating on a monthly deposit schedule must deposit Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax for payments made in January. This is also the date by which you must begin withholding for employees who claimed exemption in 2025 but did not provide a new Form W-4 for 2026. Additionally, certain information returns, like Form 1099-B and 1099-S, must be furnished to recipients by this date.

Important Reminders for All Filers

Weekends and Holidays

Keep in mind that if a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date automatically shifts to the next business day. This is why many deadlines this year fall on Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 17 (due to the Presidents' Day holiday).

Disaster Relief Extensions

The IRS often provides filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. If you believe you may be affected, it's wise to check for any available relief. You can find more information on the official government websites:

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

Navigating February's tax deadlines can be complex. If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to ensure your business is fully compliant, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact our team at Tangible Accounting, PLLC for personalized guidance.

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