Key Individual Tax Deadlines in January 2026

As the new year unfolds, it's crucial to stay informed about vital tax deadlines that affect individual taxpayers. January 2026 features several crucial dates for managing estimated payments, tip reporting, and strategic tax planning. Prepare in advance to meet your obligations efficiently.

January 2 - Schedule Your Tax Consultation -

January marks the commencement of the tax season. Prepare yourself by scheduling a consultation with your tax professional to avoid the rush and ensure all your financial records are in order before deadlines hit.

Image 1

January 12 - Tips Reporting Deadline -

If you're an employee receiving tips, it's important to report any tip earnings over $20 for December to your employer by January 12. Use IRS Form 4070 or prepare a statement that includes your signature, name, address, Social Security number, the employer's name or establishment, the reporting period, and the total tips received.

Your employer will deduct FICA and income taxes on these tips from your regular paycheck. If your regular wages aren't enough to cover these withholdings, the shortfall will be indicated in box 8 of your W-2, and you'll need to resolve this when filing your annual tax return.

January 15 - Last Call for Estimated Tax Payments -

The deadline for your fourth quarter estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year is January 15. Missing this deadline means you'll need to file your 2025 tax return and any taxes owed by February 2, 2026, to avoid penalties.

Image 2

Adjusted Dead Dates for Weekends & Holidays:

If any filing dates fall on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date moves to the next business day.

Disaster Area Provisions:

For regions identified as disaster areas, filing deadlines are automatically extended. For updates on current disaster designations and extended filing dates, consult the following resources:

FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
IRS: Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .