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Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Business Owners

Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Business Owners

February marks a critical period for annual business tax compliance. Properly managing these deadlines is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about maintaining the financial integrity necessary for strategic planning, accurate business valuations, and clear financial reporting. Here is a breakdown of the essential tax deadlines your business needs to address this month.

Crucial Due Dates in Early February

February 2: Information Returns and Employee Forms

Several key forms for the 2025 tax year are due to recipients and government agencies at the beginning of the month.

  • Form 1099-NEC: If your business paid $600 or more for services to independent contractors or other non-employees in 2025, you must send them and the IRS a Form 1099-NEC by this date. This includes payments for professional fees, commissions, and materials. Accurate 1099 filing is essential for clean bookkeeping and can be critical in forensic accounting investigations.
  • Forms 1098 & Other 1099s: Statements for mortgage interest (1098) and other miscellaneous income (1099-MISC, 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, etc.) must be sent to recipients. While the due date to file these with the IRS is later, providing them to recipients is required now.
  • Form W-2: Employers must provide 2025 W-2 forms to all employees. A copy must also be filed with the Social Security Administration by this date, along with the transmittal Form W-3.

February 2: Payroll & Unemployment Tax Filings

This date is also the deadline for several quarterly and annual federal payroll tax forms.

  • Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return): The fourth quarter 2025 return is due. If all taxes were deposited on time, the filing deadline extends to February 10.
  • Form 943 (Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): Farm employers must file to report 2025 Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes.
  • Form 940 (Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): File for the 2025 tax year. The filing deadline extends to February 10 if all FUTA taxes were deposited on time.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): This form is for reporting income tax withheld from nonpayroll items like pensions, annuities, and gambling winnings.

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Mid-February Deadlines and Extensions

February 10: Extended Filing Deadline

For businesses that made timely deposits for the full tax liability, the filing deadline for Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945 is extended to this date. This grace period rewards diligent and timely tax payments throughout the year.

February 17: Additional Deadlines

A few more important dates fall in the middle of the month.

  • Information Statements Due: Forms 1099-B (Broker Transactions), 1099-S (Real Estate Proceeds), and certain 1099-MISC forms must be furnished to recipients.
  • Monthly Tax Deposits: For businesses on a monthly deposit schedule, Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes for January 2026 are due.
  • Payroll Withholding Update: Employers must begin withholding income tax for employees who previously claimed exemption in 2025 but did not submit a new W-4 to continue their exempt status for 2026.

Important Considerations

Weekends, Holidays, and Special Circumstances

Remember, if a tax deadline falls on a weekend or a legal holiday, the due date automatically moves to the next business day.

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

The IRS often grants filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. To see if you qualify for an extension, please consult the official resources:

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

Navigating tax season requires careful attention to detail. While our firm specializes in complex estate, gift, and forensic accounting matters, we know that sound compliance is the foundation of every successful financial strategy. If these deadlines raise broader questions about your financial picture, we are here to provide clarity. Contact SULLIVAN & COMPANY CPA INC. to discuss how our strategic advisory services can support your long-term goals.

Schedule Your Estate & Gift Consultation
Our team specializes in estate, gift, valuation, and forensic accounting matters. Book a confidential consultation to discuss your needs and get clear, actionable strategies.
Book a Consultation
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