When Do You Have To Pay Taxes? Important Dates To Know

You typically have to pay your federal taxes by April 15 each year. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. While you can still request an extension to file your return, any taxes you owe are still due by the April deadline to avoid penalties and interest.

Below is a breakdown of key tax deadlines and what you can do if you can’t afford to pay your full balance.

Key Tax Deadlines for 2026: At a Glance

Here’s a quick overview of the most important federal tax deadlines and what they apply to.

When Are Federal Income Taxes Due?

Federal income taxes are generally due on April 15. If that date falls on a weekend, the tax filing and payment are due on the next business day.

Here are some key federal deadlines to remember:

• Individual tax returns (Form 1040): April 15, 2026

• Extension request deadline: April 15, 2026

• Quarterly estimated tax payments: Due April 15, June 15, September 15 and January 15

• Extended return deadline: Oct. 15, 2026

When Are Quarterly Estimated Taxes Due?

Here’s when federal quarterly taxes are due for 2026:

Who Must Pay Estimated Taxes

You generally pay estimated taxes if you haven’t withheld enough from your income or wages. Most commonly, these individuals are:

• Self-employed and freelancers

• Independent contractors

• Small business owners

• Investors with significant dividends or capital gains

• Landlords with rental income

• Retirees with large individual retirement account (IRA) withdrawals and little withholding

Does Filing an Extension Give You More Time To Pay?

Filing an extension gives you more time to submit your return, but it doesn’t extend the deadline to pay taxes owed. Any payment due must still be made by April 15.

What Happens If You Don’t Pay Taxes on Time?

Missing the tax filing deadline or failing to pay your taxes can result in serious consequences, including costly penalties:

• Failure-to-pay penalty: The IRS may charge up to 0.5% of your unpaid taxes for each month the balance remains unpaid after the due date.

• Failure-to-file penalty: The IRS can charge up to 5% of unpaid taxes for each month your return is late.

• Daily accruing interest: Interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance until it’s paid in full.

What If You Can’t Afford To Pay?

Rather than ignoring your tax bill, contact the IRS to explore these payment options:

• Installment agreement: You can make monthly tax payments over time.

• Short-term payment plan: This gives you extra time to pay your tax bill in full.

• Offer in compromise: You can settle your debt for less than the amount owed.

Do State Tax Deadlines Differ?

State tax return deadlines can vary. Many states require you to submit your state tax return on April 15, 2026. However, the following states have different due dates for their tax returns:

• Delaware: April 30, 2026

• Hawaii: April 20, 2026

• Iowa: April 30, 2026

• Louisiana: May 15, 2026

• Virginia: May 1, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Federal income tax returns are due on April 15.

• You can request an extension to file your return, but you must pay the taxes you owe on April 15.

• Quarterly estimated taxes are due throughout the year. You'll owe these if you didn’t withhold enough from your wages or income.

• If you don’t pay your taxes, you will incur penalties, and the interest accrues daily.

Tax Deadlines: FAQs

Still have questions about tax deadlines and payment rules? These FAQs break down what you need to know before penalties kick in.

Do you have to pay taxes if you get a refund?

If you’re receiving a refund, you overpaid taxes. You aren’t required to pay taxes for that year.

When are estimated taxes required?

Business owners, self-employed, freelancers and those with significant investment income are usually required to pay estimated taxes. Paying these taxes is required when you don’t have enough withheld from your income or wages.

What happens if April 15 falls on a weekend?

Taxes will be due the next business day.

How long can you delay paying taxes?

You can request an extension to file your return, but your tax payment is due on April 15.

Sources

• IRS. 2026. "When to file."

• TurboTax. 2026. "Every Tax Deadline You Need To Know."

• IRS. 2025. "Failure to Pay Penalty."

• IRS. 2026. "Failure to file penalty."