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Essential Tax Dates for Individuals in January 2026

The start of 2026 brings crucial deadlines for individuals preparing their taxes. January focuses on key due dates involving estimated tax payments, tip reporting, and strategic tax planning. Ensuring you are aware of these deadlines can help you avoid potential penalties and make the most of available tax benefits.

January 2 – Schedule Your Tax Appointment

As tax season kicks off, it's vital to arrange your tax preparation appointment promptly. Early scheduling can prevent last-minute stress and ensure you have ample time to organize necessary documents and discuss tax strategies.

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January 12 – Submit Tip Reports to Employer

Employees earning tips must report tips exceeding $20 received in December to their employer by January 12. This can be done using IRS Form 4070 or a personal statement including your signature, name, address, and Social Security number; along with your employer’s details, and the total tips accrued within the month. Failure to report accurately can lead to complications with your tax filings.

Your employer will withhold FICA and income taxes on these tips from regular wages. If the wages aren't enough to cover the withholdings, employers will denote the uncollected amounts in box 8 of your W-2, requiring you to settle them when filing your tax return.

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January 15 – Final Estimated Tax Payment for 2025

Marked as the deadline to make your fourth quarter estimated tax payment for the 2025 fiscal year, meeting this requirement by January 15 ensures compliance and avoids penalties. Not paying by this date requires filing your 2025 return and settling the due amount by February 2, 2026.

Weekend and Holiday Rules:

If tax deadlines coincide with weekends or legal holidays, they extend to the next business day that isn't a legal holiday.

Extensions for Disaster Areas:

For residents in designated disaster areas, the IRS and FEMA provide deadline extensions. For the latest updates on disaster declarations and related tax relief, visit the following resources:

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

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