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Key Business Tax Deadlines for February 2026

Key Business Tax Deadlines for February 2026

February marks a critical period for business tax compliance. After a month of closing the books on 2025, a series of important deadlines for payroll forms, information returns, and tax deposits arrive. For business owners in California and across the U.S., staying on top of these dates is essential to avoid unnecessary penalties. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know.

Early February: Year-End Reporting Deadlines

The beginning of the month is heavily focused on issuing and filing year-end information returns for 2025.

February 2: Forms 1099-NEC for Contractors and W-2 for Employees

Form 1099-NEC: If your business paid $600 or more for services to an independent contractor, freelancer, or other non-employee in 2025, you must issue them a Form 1099-NEC. This applies to a wide range of payments, from professional fees to commissions. Crucially, you must also file copies with the IRS by this same date. Our firm manages the preparation of optically scannable (OCR) 1099s and the required 1096 transmittal form, simplifying the process for you. Note that if you're filing 10 or more information returns (including W-2s), you are required to file electronically.

Form W-2: Employers must provide all employees with their 2025 Form W-2 by February 2. At the same time, copies of these W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, must be filed with the Social Security Administration.

February 2: Other Information Returns Due to Recipients

You are also required to send out several other key forms to recipients by this date, including:

  • Form 1098 (Mortgage Interest Statement)
  • Other Forms 1099 (such as for dividends, interest, rent, or royalties)
  • Form W-2G (for certain gambling winnings)

While the recipient copies are due now, the IRS filing deadline for most of these (excluding the 1099-NEC) is later in the spring.

A person calculating payroll and tax information on a laptop.

February 2: Quarterly and Annual Payroll Filings

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

  • Form 941 (Employer’s Quarterly Federal Tax Return): The return for the fourth quarter of 2025 is due. If your tax liability is under $2,500, you can pay it with the return.
  • Form 940 (Employer’s Annual Federal Unemployment Tax Return): File your annual FUTA return. If you owe $500 or less, you can pay with the return; otherwise, the tax must be deposited.
  • Form 943 (Employer’s Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): For farm employers, this form reports Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax for 2025.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): This is used to report income tax withheld from nonpayroll items like pensions, annuities, and backup withholding.

If this made you think, “I should probably ask someone,” that’s us.
A quick conversation can clarify whether this actually applies to you—and whether there’s an opportunity you shouldn’t ignore. General guidance is helpful, but smart decisions come from advice tailored to your numbers. Whether now or later, we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Mid-February Filing Deadlines

February 10: Extended Deadline for Timely Depositors

Did you deposit all your payroll taxes for the reporting period on time and in full? If so, the IRS gives you an automatic extension to February 10 to file Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945. This rewards businesses that stay current with their deposit obligations throughout the year.

February 17: Key Deadlines for Financial Transactions and Withholding

  • Information Statements Due: Certain information statements must be furnished to recipients by this date. This includes Form 1099-B (Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions), Form 1099-S (Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions), and certain Form 1099-MISC filings.
  • Monthly Tax Deposits: If you follow a monthly deposit schedule for Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes (both payroll and nonpayroll), your deposit for January 2026 is due.
  • Withholding Update: Employers must begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption in 2025 but has not submitted a new Form W-4 to continue that exemption for 2026.
Tax forms and a calculator on a wooden desk, representing tax preparation.

Important Reminders

Weekends & Holidays: If a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date automatically shifts to the next business day.

Disaster Area Extensions: The IRS often grants filing extensions to taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. You can find updated information on the following sites:

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

Navigating these deadlines can be a challenge on top of running your business. At Golden State Tax & Business Services, we provide proactive support to ensure your filings are accurate and on time. If you need assistance with your 1099 preparation or overall tax strategy, schedule a consultation with our team today.

If this made you think, “I should probably ask someone,” that’s us.
A quick conversation can clarify whether this actually applies to you—and whether there’s an opportunity you shouldn’t ignore. General guidance is helpful, but smart decisions come from advice tailored to your numbers. Whether now or later, we’re happy to help you plan ahead.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
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