2026 Tax Filing Deadlines & The Benefits of Early Tax Submission

Tax season is here! So, let’s take a look at important 2026 tax deadlines, when you can file taxes, and the benefits of filing your taxes early.

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Tax Deadlines 2026

	Deadline	Extension on Deadline
Individuals (1040/Schedule C)	4/15/2026	10/15/2026
Trusts (1041)	4/15/2026	9/30/2026
C Corporations (1120)	4/15/2026	10/15/2026
Passthrough Entities (1120S/1065)	3/16/2026	9/15/2026
Exempt Organizations (990)	5/15/2026	11/16/2026
Foreign Holdings Reporting	4/15/2026	10/15/2026

Can You File Taxes Early in 2026?

Yes! The IRS will start accepting tax returns as early as the end of January 2026. While our clients are not required to submit documents early, due to high demand we have a limited number of slots available for tax return preparation. To ensure your tax return is completed by the deadline of April 15th, 2026, please submit your documents as soon as possible.

The Benefits of Filing Taxes Early

Here are a few major benefits of filing your taxes early:

Avoid processing delays
Faster tax refund
Eliminates the need to file an extension
Prevents money wasted in fines and penalties
Gives you extra time to pay taxes you owe
Protects your refunds from identity thieves

Tips to Ensure Timely Completion and Filing:

Here are a few tips to ensure we can complete your return in a timely manner: 

1. Submit All Documents

Again this year, please submit all documents to us via client portal or dropping off at the office as soon as you can. The turnaround time is shorter with more planning opportunities the earlier you can provide documents, please drop off you your documents as soon as possible to ensure we file by the individual deadline. Failure to complete an organizer and engagement letter could cause significant delays in finalizing your return. We have printed copies and digital, editable PDFs versions available. We will continue to file courtesy extensions for all clients who have not finalized their return by the tax deadlines.

2. Fill Out Current Year Tax Organizer

We require all clients, new and old, to fill out a current year tax organizer to ensure we are capturing all tax law changes and sign the client engagement letter which is required to be signed before we can start on the tax return . Download all of our resources here:

3. Organize Documents

The better organized your source documents are, the quicker we can start on your return. If sending electronically, PDFs are preferable. We recommend downloading the app Genius Scan which uses your phone camera to scan and create PDFs.

• Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.thegrizzlylabs.geniusscan.free&gl=US&pli=1

• Apple:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/genius-scan-pdf-scanner-app/id377672876

Note: If dropping off hard copies, please remove documents from sealed envelopes

4. Completing rental and business worksheets

Completing rental and business worksheets decreases turnaround time.

5. Next Steps

• Once we have your source documents, you will be added to our project queue, and your tax preparer will reach out if further information is needed.
• When your return is complete, you will receive a summary email from your tax preparer with the results. As always, a 20-minute meeting to review your completed tax return will be available if requested. This will ensure you get the most out of your consultation by focusing on the results and opportunities for the coming year.
• The operations team will then follow up with further instructions on how to sign, file your return, and pay any taxes owed.

New this year, we are introducing SafeSend, a new software system. SafeSend allows you to send us documents, review, and e-sign, electronically from any device, without needing to print or scan. The process is simple, encrypted, and designed to make document exchange and tax return review smoother and faster for you.