Mark Your Calendars: May 2026 Business Tax Deadlines

Spring is in full swing here in California, but your tax responsibilities do not take a vacation. Staying ahead of payroll and deposit deadlines is crucial to avoiding penalties and keeping your cash flow steady. Let us review the essential business due dates you need to track for May 2026.

May 11: Form 941 Filing Extension

Did you make all your first-quarter deposits on time and in full? If so, you have until May 11 to file Form 941 for the first quarter of 2026. This extra time is a helpful reward for staying current on your quarterly obligations.

Hourglass representing tax deadlines

May 15: Employer Payroll Deposits

For employers following the monthly deposit rule, May 15 is your deadline to submit Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes for April 2026. This date also applies to your April 2026 nonpayroll withholding deposits, so double-check your internal records before paying.

Weekends, Holidays, and Disasters

As a general rule, if a tax deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, you receive an automatic extension to the next business day. Additionally, given California's unpredictable weather patterns, remember that geographic disaster area designations can push back filing dates. You can verify if your county qualifies for an extension by visiting the following websites:

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

Need help managing your firm's compliance? The seven-person team at Christiansen Accounting is ready to keep your business on track. Schedule a consultation with us today!

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