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Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines Your Business Can't Afford to Miss

Navigating the February 2026 Deadline Rush

February marks a crucial period for business owners, bringing a flurry of deadlines for 2025 tax year reporting. Properly managing these dates is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding unnecessary penalties. From issuing W-2s and 1099s to filing quarterly and annual payroll reports, here’s a breakdown of the key dates you need on your calendar.

Major Deadline Day: Monday, February 2, 2026

This is the most significant date of the month, with numerous forms due to both recipients and government agencies. Don't wait until the last minute to get these in order.

W-2s and 1099-NECs

Your top priority should be Forms W-2 (for employees) and 1099-NEC (for nonemployee compensation). Copies must be sent to recipients by February 2. Crucially, copies must also be filed with the Social Security Administration (W-2s) and the IRS (1099-NECs) by this same date. If you're required to file 10 or more information returns (a combined total of W-2s, 1099s, etc.), you must file them electronically. Our firm can manage this process for you, ensuring all forms are prepared and submitted correctly.

Other Information Returns Due to Recipients

Various other forms must be furnished to recipients by February 2, including Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement) and other types of Form 1099. These may report income such as:

  • Dividends or interest
  • Rent or royalties
  • Retirement plan distributions
  • Prizes and awards
  • Canceled debt
  • Medical and healthcare payments

While these forms are due to recipients now, the IRS filing deadline for most of them is later (March 1 if filing by paper, or April 1 if filing electronically).

Annual and Quarterly Payroll & Unemployment Forms

Several key federal forms are due February 2:

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): File for the fourth quarter of 2025 and deposit any remaining taxes.
  • 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): File for 2025.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): File to report nonpayroll withholding for 2025.

Note: A filing extension to February 10 is available for these forms if you have already deposited all your taxes on time.

Second Chance Deadline: Tuesday, February 10, 2026

If you made all of your required tax deposits for Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, or 945 on time and in full, the IRS gives you an extended deadline to file the actual returns. This 10-day grace period is a reward for staying current on your deposits throughout the year.

Mid-Month Deadlines: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

A few more important items are on the agenda mid-month.

Specific Information Returns

You must furnish the following forms to recipients by February 17:

  • Form 1099-B: Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions
  • Form 1099-S: Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions
  • Form 1099-MISC: For reporting substitute payments or gross proceeds paid to an attorney.

Monthly Deposits

If you are a monthly depositor for Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax (from payroll or nonpayroll sources), your deposit for January 2026 is due today.

Employee Withholding Update

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

Important Considerations

Weekends and Holidays

If a tax deadline falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the due date is automatically pushed to the next business day. This is why some deadlines this month fall on the 17th, following the Presidents' Day holiday.

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

The IRS often grants filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. We monitor these announcements to ensure our clients get any relief they are entitled to. For more information, you can visit these official resources:

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

Feeling overwhelmed by these deadlines? You're not alone. Our team is here to provide clarity and ensure your business stays compliant. Contact us today for help with your tax filing needs.

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