Tax Law and News

February 2026 tax and compliance deadlines

Written by Christopher J. Picciurro, CPA/PFS, MBA, ARA
Modified Jan 20, 2026
1 min read

Now that tax season is in full swing and the IRS announced the first day for e-filing, you’re no doubt heads down and working more hours. Along the way, don’t forget about these important deadlines, and be sure to share this list with your clients.

In February, it is recommended that you:

Encourage updated W-4 submissions: Remind employees to submit new forms if claiming continued withholding exemption for 2026.
Review lead management process: Confirm CRM tagging systems are accurately identifying qualified prospects.
File required information returns: Submit Forms 1099, 1098, and W-2G to the IRS by February 28, if filing on paper.
Train staff on prospect qualification: Help team members distinguish between general inquiries and true prospects to improve onboarding efficiency.
Plan client satisfaction check-ins: Schedule mid-season touchpoints to improve retention and generate referrals.

Key Compliance Dates

Monday, February 2:

Furnish Forms W-2 to employees and Forms 1099-NEC to independent contractors.
File Forms 940 (FUTA), 941 (04), 944 (annual), W-3 (transmittal of W-2), and 1096 (transmittal of 1099s), if paper filing.
Deposit withheld payroll taxes for December if not already deposited under semiweekly rules.

Thursday, February 12: Employees who received $20 or more in tips during January must report them to their employer (Form 4070).

Sunday, February 15: Employers applying the monthly deposit rule must deposit Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income tax on payments made in January.

Tuesday, February 17: Deadline for employees who claimed exemption from income tax withholding in 2025 to file a new Form W-4 for 2026.

Note: February 28 falls on the weekend.

Intuit® Accountant Resources

Key Tax Facts for 2025
The February 2026 calendar with filing deadlines and reminders for you and your clients.
Tax update for TY26: Navigating the OB3 Act and more
One Big Beautiful Bill summary and tax changes
Navigating the tax landscape
IRS annual inflation adjustments for tax years 2025 and 2026

Chris Picciurro is a highly respected expert in U.S.-based tax planning and strategy for real estate investors. Based in Franklin, TN, where he resides with his family, Chris is an accomplished public speaker, recognized for delivering informative and engaging presentations at notable events hosted by organizations such as the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), Michigan Association of CPAs, and the Memphis Investment Group. He also previously participated as an Adjust Professor at Baker College and Davenport University. Chris served on the Intuit Tax Council from 2017-2020, and is a co-founder and executive officer of the Integrated CPA Group, founder of Teaching Tax Flow, and the Monthly Recurring Revenue Institute. More from Christopher J. Picciurro, CPA/PFS, MBA, ARA