Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Business Owners

Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Business Owners

February brings a critical set of tax deadlines that require your attention to ensure compliance and avoid costly penalties. For busy business owners, staying organized is key to maintaining financial control. This guide outlines the essential filing dates for payroll forms, information returns, and tax deposits this month.

February 2: Year-End Information Returns (1099s & W-2s)

The beginning of the month is focused on finalizing 2025 reporting for employees and independent contractors.

Forms 1099-NEC for Contractors

If your business paid $600 or more for services to an independent contractor, vendor, or attorney in 2025, you must issue Form 1099-NEC to them by February 2. This same deadline applies for filing copies with the IRS. Timely and accurate filing is crucial, and businesses that need to file 10 or more information returns must do so electronically.

Other Forms 1099 and 1098 for Recipients

Various other information returns are due to recipients by February 2. This includes forms for reporting mortgage interest (1098), dividends, rent, royalties, and other miscellaneous income. While the recipient copies are due now, the IRS copies for most of these forms (excluding the 1099-NEC) are not due until later.

Forms W-2 for Employees

Employers must provide 2025 Form W-2 to all employees by February 2. You must also submit Copy A of all W-2s, along with Form W-3 (Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statements), to the Social Security Administration by this date.

February 2: Annual & Quarterly Payroll Form Filings

Several key federal payroll tax returns for 2025 are also due at the start of the month.

  • Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return): File for the fourth quarter of 2025 and deposit any remaining tax.
  • Form 940 (Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): File for 2025 and deposit any undeposited tax over $500.
  • Form 943 (Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): Farm employers must file to report 2025 Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): File to report income tax withheld during 2025 on nonpayroll items like pensions, annuities, and backup withholding.

Gain Year-Round Financial Clarity and Confidence
Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
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Note: If you deposited all taxes for these forms on time and in full, you may have until February 10 to file the returns.

A desk with glasses, financial graphs, and a calculator, representing tax preparation.

February 17: Monthly Deposits & Other Deadlines

Mid-month brings another set of important due dates.

  • Monthly Tax Deposits: If your business follows the monthly deposit rule, deposit Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax for payments made in January. The same applies to nonpayroll withholding.
  • Certain Information Statements: Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and certain 1099-MISC returns must be furnished to recipients by this date.
  • Begin Payroll Withholding: Employers must start withholding income tax for any employee who claimed an exemption in 2025 but has not submitted a new Form W-4 for 2026.

Important Reminders for Business Owners

Weekends and Holidays

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

Tax Relief in Disaster Situations

The IRS often provides filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. You can find up-to-date information on the official FEMA and IRS websites.

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

Navigating these deadlines doesn't have to be a source of stress. At Lizza & Carullo, we help business owners in New Jersey and nationwide build proactive financial systems to manage compliance with confidence. If you're ready to move from reacting to tax season to planning for it, contact our advisory team today.

Gain Year-Round Financial Clarity and Confidence
Partner with Lizza & Carullo CPAs & Advisors for ongoing guidance, proactive tax planning, and strategic financial support. Whether you’re growing a business or navigating personal taxes, our year-round advisory approach helps you stay organized, tax-efficient, and in control — with a team that’s here when you need us, not just at tax time.
Schedule Your Discovery Call
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