2027 federal tax calendar
| Date | What is due (US federal) |
|---|---|
| Jan 15, 2027 Fri | Final estimated tax payment for the 2026 tax year |
| Late Jan 2027 | IRS opens the 2027 filing season for 2026 returns; the IRS announces the date (the 2026 season opened January 26, 2026) |
| Feb 1, 2027 Mon | Employers give employees 2026 Forms W-2; payers file 2026 Forms 1099-NEC |
| Mar 15, 2027 Mon | 2026 partnership (Form 1065) and S corporation (Form 1120-S) returns due |
| Apr 15, 2027 Thu | Tax Day: 2026 Form 1040 due and any tax owed; last day to request an automatic extension (Form 4868); first 2027 estimated tax payment; last day for 2026 IRA contributions |
| Jun 15, 2027 Tue | Second 2027 estimated tax payment; 2026 returns due for US citizens and residents living and working abroad |
| Sep 15, 2027 Wed | Third 2027 estimated tax payment |
| Oct 15, 2027 Fri | Extended 2026 individual returns due |
Dates are from the IRS 2027 tax calendar (Publication 509). State deadlines can differ; check your state tax agency.
What is new for the 2026 tax year
The IRS raised the federal standard deduction for the 2026 tax year:
| Filing status | 2026 standard deduction (federal) |
|---|---|
| Single or married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
New federal deductions from the 2025 tax law also apply:
- Tips: a deduction of up to $25,000 for qualified tip income.
- Overtime: a deduction for qualified overtime pay, up to $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
- Seniors: an extra deduction of up to $6,000 for each filer aged 65 or older.
- Car loan interest: a deduction of up to $10,000 of interest on a qualifying new vehicle loan.
These federal deductions apply to tax years 2025 through 2028 and phase out at higher incomes. See the new deductions explained.
How to get an extension
If you cannot file your 2026 return by April 15, 2027, request an automatic six-month extension: pay online and mark the payment as an extension, use IRS Free File, or file Form 4868. The extension moves your filing deadline to October 15, 2027, but not your payment deadline: tax owed is still due April 15. See how to file an extension.
When to expect your refund
The IRS says refunds for e-filed returns generally take about 3 weeks from the date you e-file, and 6 or more weeks for mailed returns. By law, refunds on returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit are held until mid-February. Refund status in the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool appears about 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return. No one can guarantee a refund amount or date. See the refund timeline.
How to file
Filing electronically with direct deposit is the fastest way to file and get any refund. Compare the best tax software, estimate your cost with the filing cost calculator, or see the ways to file free. Made a mistake after filing? See how to amend a return.
FAQ
When is Tax Day 2027?
Thursday, April 15, 2027, for most individual federal returns for the 2026 tax year.
When can I file my 2026 taxes?
The IRS announces the opening date each January; the 2026 season opened January 26, 2026. Most tax software lets you start earlier and submits your return once the IRS opens.
What if I miss the deadline?
File as soon as you can. If you owe, failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties and interest grow each month.
Do I need to file if I earn very little?
It depends on your income, filing status and age. You may want to file anyway to claim a refund of withheld tax or refundable credits.
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Not advice: General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional. Dates and rules can change; check irs.gov for your situation.