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Essential Tax Deadlines for Individuals in February 2026

Get ready for February 2026's tax obligations! This guide details your estimated tax options, tip reporting requirements, and W-4 exemption deadlines.

Estimated Tax Payments - Deadline February 2

If you missed paying your last estimated tax installment by January 15, there's still a chance! You can choose to file your 2025 tax return—either Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR—by February 2. By submitting your return and settling any due taxes by this date, you can avoid late payment penalties on the final installment. Should you require more time, aim to file and pay by April 15.

Tip Reporting for Employees - Deadline February 10

For all those working in service positions, if you've received $20 or more in tips during January, it’s time to report this to your employer. Use IRS Form 4070 or a personal statement including your signature, name, and essential information, listing all tips for the covered period. These documented tips are crucial as your employer will need to withhold FICA and income taxes from them.

If your paycheck isn't enough to cover these withholding requirements, the shortfall will appear on your W-2 form, box 8. You’ll need to ensure these taxes are covered when you file your return.

Renewing Withholding Exemptions - Deadline February 17

If you claimed exemption from federal tax withholding on your Form W-4 last year, don’t forget to submit a new W-4 to your employer by this date to maintain your exemption.

Special Considerations

Weekend and Holiday Adjustments

If due dates coincide with weekends or legal holidays, they’re automatically pushed to the following business day.

Extensions for Disaster Areas

In designated disaster areas, tax deadlines may be extended to accommodate recovery efforts. For verification and details on such extensions, please visit FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations and IRS updates at https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations.

Tax Form 1040

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