Your February 2026 Business Tax Deadline Checklist

Your February 2026 Business Tax Deadline Checklist

As we settle into the new year, February arrives with a flurry of essential tax deadlines for businesses. After closing the books on 2025, it's time to handle critical reporting for your employees and independent contractors. At Christiansen Accounting, we know this can feel like navigating a maze. This guide will serve as your roadmap to ensure every form is filed accurately and on time.

The Early February Push: W-2s, 1099s, and Payroll Reports

The beginning of the month is the most intense period for filings. Missing these dates can lead to significant penalties, so let's get them on your calendar.

Due by February 2, 2026:

  • Forms W-2 & W-3: You must furnish 2025 W-2s to all your employees. Additionally, you need to file Copy A of the W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, with the Social Security Administration.
  • Form 1099-NEC: If your business paid $600 or more for services from an independent contractor in 2025, you must provide them with a Form 1099-NEC. A copy must also be filed with the IRS by this date. This is one of the most common issues we see, so gathering your contractor payment data early is crucial.
  • Other Information Returns (Recipient Copies): You must provide copies of various other forms to recipients, including Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest) and other types of 1099s (for interest, dividends, rent, etc.). The IRS copies for most of these aren't due until later, but the recipient copies are mandatory now.
  • Payroll Tax Forms (940, 941, 943, 945): Several key annual and quarterly payroll forms are due. This includes Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return), Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment - FUTA), Form 943 (for farm employers), and Form 945 (for nonpayroll withholding).
Business professional reviewing tax documents

The Reward for Timeliness: The February 10 Extension

The IRS offers a short grace period for filing certain forms if, and only if, you've already made all your required tax deposits on time and in full. Think of it as a reward for good compliance throughout the year.

Due by February 10, 2026 (with timely deposits):

If you met your deposit obligations, the filing deadline for Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945 is extended to this date. This gives you a little extra breathing room to get the paperwork finalized without pressure.

Mid-Month Tax Obligations

The deadlines don't stop after the first week. Here’s what to watch for as we approach the middle of the month.

Due by February 17, 2026:

  • Certain Information Statements: Provide recipients with Form 1099-B (Broker Transactions), Form 1099-S (Real Estate Proceeds), and certain Form 1099-MISC.
  • Monthly Tax Deposits: If your business follows a monthly deposit schedule for Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax, your deposit for January 2026 is due today.
  • Update Employee Withholding: You must begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption in 2025 but has not submitted a new Form W-4 for 2026.

General Rules and Considerations

Keep these important details in mind as you prepare your filings.

Weekends & Holidays

If a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is automatically pushed to the next business day.

Disaster Area Extensions

The IRS often grants filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. As a California-based firm, we monitor these announcements closely. You can find official updates on the following sites:

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

Navigating February's tax deadlines requires careful planning and attention to detail. If you're feeling overwhelmed or want to ensure your business stays compliant, the team at Christiansen Accounting is here to help. Schedule a consultation with us today.

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 .