Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Your Business

Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Your Business

February marks a crucial period for business tax filings, packed with deadlines for year-end information returns and payroll reports from 2025. Ensuring these forms are filed accurately and on time is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates you need to circle on your calendar.

Early February: Information Return and Payroll Filing Deadlines

The beginning of the month is heavily focused on distributing annual wage and payment information to employees, contractors, and the government.

Due by February 2, 2026:

  • Forms W-2 & W-3: Employers must furnish 2025 W-2 forms to all employees. Concurrently, Copy A of all W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, must be filed with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Remember, businesses filing 10 or more information returns must do so electronically.
  • Form 1099-NEC: If your business paid $600 or more for services to independent contractors in 2025, you must provide them with Form 1099-NEC. This deadline applies to both furnishing copies to recipients and filing with the IRS. We can help prepare these forms in the required scannable format.
  • Other Information Returns (to recipients): Forms 1098, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, and others must be sent to recipients by this date. The filing deadline with the IRS for these forms is later (March 1 or April 1 if filing electronically).
  • Forms 940, 941, 943, 945: This is the deadline to file your quarterly (Form 941) or annual (Forms 940, 943, 945) payroll tax returns. However, an extension to February 10 exists if you’ve already deposited all taxes in full and on time.

Mid-February Tax Obligations

After the initial rush, several extended deadlines and routine deposit dates arrive.

A calendar with tax dates marked

Due by February 10, 2026:

  • Extended Payroll Filings: This is the final day to file Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945 for 2025 if you deposited all your tax liabilities for the reporting period on time. Missing this date after taking the extension can result in penalties, so it's a critical backup deadline.

Due by February 17, 2026:

  • Certain Information Statements: The deadline to furnish recipients with Form 1099-B (Broker Transactions), 1099-S (Real Estate Proceeds), and certain 1099-MISC forms is February 17.
  • Monthly Tax Deposits: If your business follows the monthly deposit schedule, your deposit for taxes from January (Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax) is due.
  • Update Employee Withholding: You must begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption in 2025 but did not submit a new Form W-4 to continue their exemption for 2026.

Important Filing Considerations

Weekends, Holidays, and Special Circumstances

If a tax due date lands on a weekend or a legal holiday, the deadline automatically shifts to the next business day. Additionally, the IRS often provides filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. You can find up-to-date information on these extensions at the following official resources:

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

Navigating the flurry of February deadlines can be challenging. If you need assistance with your 1099, W-2, or payroll tax filings, our team is here to ensure everything is handled accurately and on time. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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