Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Navigating February 2026: Your Guide to Key Business Tax Deadlines

Navigating February 2026: Your Guide to Key Business Tax Deadlines

As we move past year-end closing, February presents a series of critical tax deadlines for businesses. This month is heavily focused on reporting payments made during the 2025 tax year to employees, contractors, and the government. Staying on top of these dates is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding potentially significant penalties. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

The First Hurdle: Major Deadlines on February 2, 2026

The beginning of the month is packed with some of the most important filing requirements of the year. Mark your calendar for Monday, February 2nd.

W-2s for Employees

You must furnish Form W-2 for 2025 to all your employees by this date. Simultaneously, you are required to file Copy A of all W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, with the Social Security Administration. Whether filing electronically or by paper, the deadline is the same.

1099-NEC for Independent Contractors

If your business or rental property paid $600 or more for services to a non-employee (such as an independent contractor or an attorney) in 2025, you must provide them with Form 1099-NEC. This form also needs to be filed with the IRS by February 2nd. Remember, businesses filing 10 or more information returns (like W-2s and 1099s combined) must file electronically.

Other Recipient Copies: 1098s and Various 1099s

While the IRS filing deadline for many information returns isn't until later, you must provide copies to the respective recipients by February 2nd. This includes forms for reporting mortgage interest (Form 1098) and various types of income like rent, royalties, dividends, and retirement plan distributions (various 1099s).

Payroll, Unemployment, and Non-Payroll Tax Form Filings

Several key quarterly and annual employment tax returns are due at the start of February. However, there's a crucial exception that can give you a little more time.

A desk covered in tax paperwork and a calculator.

Key Forms Due February 2 (or February 10)

The following forms for the 2025 tax year are officially due on February 2nd. However, if you have deposited all of your taxes for the period on time and in full, the filing deadline is extended to February 10, 2026.

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): For the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): For the 2025 calendar year.
  • Form 943 (Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): For 2025.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): For nonpayroll items like backup withholding or pension payments.

Mid-Month Checkpoints: Deadlines on February 17, 2026

Due to a public holiday, some deadlines fall on Tuesday, February 17th.

Certain Information Returns Due to Recipients

You must furnish the following 2025 forms to recipients by this date:

  • Form 1099-B: Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions
  • Form 1099-S: Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions
  • Form 1099-MISC: When reporting substitute payments or gross proceeds paid to an attorney.

Monthly Tax Deposits

If your business follows a monthly deposit schedule, your tax deposit for Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes for January 2026 is due by February 17th.

Employee Withholding Update

This is the deadline to begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption from withholding in 2025 but did not submit a new Form W-4 to continue their exemption for 2026.

Important Considerations

Weekends, Holidays, and Disaster Relief

Remember, if a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date is automatically moved to the next business day. Furthermore, the IRS often provides filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. You can find the latest information on these extensions on the following official sites:

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

Navigating the various February deadlines can be complex. If you have questions about your specific filing obligations or need assistance preparing your information returns, our team is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your business stays compliant and avoids unnecessary penalties.

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 .