Navigating tax season can be challenging for businesses, financial institutions and service providers, particularly as reporting obligations continue to expand across digital assets, cross-border payments and third-party transactions.
With 2026 approaching, understanding the key IRS tax filing deadlines is essential to avoiding penalties, maintaining compliance and keeping operations running smoothly, said ComplyExchange.
From the growing list of Form 1099 requirements to international withholding obligations under Forms 1042 and 1042-S, preparation will be critical.
The 2026 tax year brings a familiar but increasingly complex set of filing requirements. Forms in the 1099 family remain central to US information reporting, covering everything from interest income and dividends to nonemployee compensation and digital asset transactions. The introduction and expansion of Form 1099-DA reflects the IRS’s continued focus on crypto and digital asset transparency, placing additional reporting pressure on brokers, platforms and FinTech firms operating in this space.
For most 1099 forms, including 1099-DIV, 1099-INT, 1099-MISC and 1099-K, recipient copies must be furnished by 31 January 2026. Paper filings with the IRS are generally due by 28 February 2026, while electronic filings extend to 31 March 2026. Form 1099-NEC remains an exception, with both recipient copies and IRS filings due on 31 January 2026, regardless of filing method. Forms 1099-DA and 1099-B follow a slightly later recipient deadline of 15 February 2026, reflecting their more complex transaction reporting requirements.
International reporting obligations add another layer of complexity. Form 1042-S, which reports US-source income paid to foreign persons and subject to withholding, must be furnished to recipients and filed with the IRS by 16 March 2026. The same deadline applies to Form 1042, the annual withholding tax return for US-source payments to foreign persons. These forms are particularly relevant for global payment providers, banks and platforms facilitating cross-border transactions, where errors can lead to significant regulatory and financial consequences.
In addition, Form 945, which covers withheld federal income tax for non-payroll payments such as backup withholding, is due to the IRS by 31 January 2026. As always, if a filing deadline falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the due date rolls forward to the next business day, offering limited but important relief for filers.
For organisations struggling to meet these deadlines, understanding extension options is equally important. Form 8809 allows filers to request a 30-day extension for IRS filings related to information returns, although it does not extend the deadline for providing recipient copies. A second 30-day extension is only granted in exceptional circumstances. Form 15397, introduced to provide flexibility for furnishing recipient statements such as Forms 1099 and 1042-S, offers a separate 30-day extension, but again does not apply to IRS filings.
Meanwhile, Form 7004 provides an automatic six-month extension for Form 1042 and certain other business returns. However, it is crucial to note that while filing deadlines may be extended, any tax owed must still be paid on time to avoid interest and penalties. Each extension form comes with its own rules, timing considerations and best-practice approaches, making early planning essential.
With regulatory scrutiny increasing and reporting requirements becoming more granular, businesses that invest time in understanding the 2026 tax filing calendar will be better positioned to manage risk and avoid last-minute compliance issues. Accessing comprehensive guidance, such as a detailed year-end reporting guide, can help organisations stay ahead of changes and approach the next tax season with confidence.
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