IRS dates, with the source

Tax deadlines: 2025 returns and 2026 returns

The extended deadline for the 2025 return was October 15, 2026, so the return to plan for now is the 2026 return you will file in 2027. Here are the dates for both, and the quarterly dates for people who pay estimated tax.

The IRS has not announced when the 2027 filing season opens. We will add it here when it does.

Filing and payment

April 15, 2026
Wednesday
2025 return: file and pay
The regular deadline for tax year 2025, the return most people filed in early 2026.
Source: IR-2026-12
Passed
October 15, 2026
Thursday
2025 return: extended deadline
The last day to file a 2025 return if you asked for an extension by April 15, 2026. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
Source: IR-2026-52
Passed
April 15, 2027
Thursday
2026 return: file and pay
The regular deadline for tax year 2026, the return you file in 2027. It is a Thursday and no holiday falls on it, so the date does not move.
Source: Publication 509 (2027), draft
Upcoming
October 15, 2027
Friday
2026 return: extended deadline
The last day to file a 2026 return if you ask for an extension by April 15, 2027.
Source: Publication 509 (2027), draft
Upcoming

Estimated tax payments for 2026 (Form 1040-ES)

April 15, 2026
Wednesday
2026 estimated tax, payment 1
For income with no tax withheld, such as freelance income.
Source: Form 1040-ES (2026)
Passed
June 15, 2026
Monday
2026 estimated tax, payment 2
Source: Form 1040-ES (2026)
Passed
September 15, 2026
Tuesday
2026 estimated tax, payment 3
Source: Form 1040-ES (2026)
Passed
January 15, 2027
Friday
2026 estimated tax, payment 4
You can skip this one if you file your 2026 return by February 1, 2027 and pay the whole balance with it.
Source: Form 1040-ES (2026)
Upcoming

Three words worth knowing

Deadline to file: the day your return must be sent to the IRS. Deadline to pay: the day the tax you owe must reach the IRS. For most people the two are the same day. Extension: a request that gives you more time to file, but not more time to pay.

Preparing a return takes less time with the numbers in front of you. See the tax brackets and the standard deduction, or compare tax software before the season opens.

Where these numbers come from

IR-2026-12, IRS opens 2026 filing season. Published January 26, 2026. irs.gov
IR-2026-52, If you need more time to file, request an extension. Published April 14, 2026. irs.gov
Publication 509 (2027), early release draft, Tax Calendars. Published draft, August to September 2026. irs.gov
Form 1040-ES (2026), Estimated Tax for Individuals. Published February 12, 2026. irs.gov
IRS page: Get an extension to file your tax return, Get an extension to file your tax return. Published page last reviewed September 20, 2026. irs.gov
IRS page: Estimated taxes, Estimated taxes. Published page last reviewed September 25, 2026. irs.gov

The April 15, 2027 and October 15, 2027 dates come from the IRS's early-release draft of Publication 509 (2027) and follow the statutory rule (the 15th day of the fourth month); the IRS's final page for 2027 was not yet published when we checked. Dates for people in disaster areas, combat zones or living abroad can differ.

Keep going

IRS Free File

What the IRS offers for free, and what is closed.

Free tax software

Who files for free, and where the price shows up.

Estimate your federal tax

A rough guide for planning payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When are taxes due in 2027?

April 15, 2027, a Thursday, for your tax year 2026 return. If you ask for an extension by then, you have until October 15, 2027 to file, but any tax you owe is still due on April 15.

What is the deadline to file a 2025 tax return?

The regular deadline was April 15, 2026. If you asked for an extension, the deadline was October 15, 2026. If you missed it, file as soon as you can: the IRS pages on filing late and on payment plans explain your options.

Does an extension give me more time to pay?

No. An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. The tax you owe is still due by the regular deadline, and the IRS can charge interest on what is paid late.

When does the 2027 filing season start?

The IRS has not announced it as of October 14, 2026. Last year it opened on January 26, 2026, and the IRS announced that day. We will update this page when the date for 2027 is announced.

When are estimated tax payments due for 2026?

April 15, June 15 and September 15, 2026, and January 15, 2027, for people who pay on a calendar year. They are for income that has no tax withheld, such as freelance income.

What if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday?

The due date moves to the next business day. The IRS can also postpone deadlines for people in federally declared disaster areas, and people serving in a combat zone or living abroad can have different dates.