2026 tax season: key dates and numbers.
What individuals and business owners need to know for returns filed in 2027: deadlines, the standard deduction, the new 1099 rules and new deductions.
Last updated October 15, 2026
Dates to know for the 2027 filing season.
- Jan. 15, 2027Friday
- Fourth-quarter 2026 estimated tax payment
- Feb. 1, 2027Monday
- W-2s to employees and the Social Security Administration
- 1099-NEC to contractors and the IRS
- 1099-MISC copies to recipients
January 31 falls on a Sunday, so these move to Monday.
- Mar. 1, 2027Monday
- Paper 1099-MISC filed with the IRS, with Form 1096
February 28 falls on a Sunday.
- Mar. 15, 2027Monday
- S corporation (1120-S) and partnership (1065) returns, or extension
- Mar. 31, 2027Wednesday
- 1099-MISC e-filed with the IRS
- Apr. 15, 2027Thursday
- Individual returns (Form 1040), or extension
- Ohio IT 1040 and Cincinnati city income tax returns
- C corporation returns (calendar year)
- First-quarter 2027 estimated tax payment
- Sept. 15, 2027Wednesday
- Extended S corporation and partnership returns
- Oct. 15, 2027Friday
- Extended individual returns
The 2026 standard deduction.
Most people take the standard deduction instead of itemizing. These amounts apply to 2026 returns, filed in 2027.
| Filing status | Amount |
|---|---|
| Single or married filing separately | $16,100 |
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
- Age 65 or older, or blind: add $1,650 per qualifying person if married, or $2,050 if unmarried.
- New senior deduction (2025 to 2028): an extra $6,000 per person age 65 or older, on top of the standard deduction. It phases out above $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($150,000 for joint filers).
1099s: what changed for 2026.
If you pay subcontractors or other non-employees, these are the rules for the forms due in early 2027.
The threshold is now $2,000
For payments made in 2026, you only need to issue a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC (rents and other income) when you pay someone $2,000 or more in the year. The old threshold was $600.
Collect W-9s up front
Ask every subcontractor for a completed Form W-9 before you pay them. It is much easier than chasing names and taxpayer ID numbers in January.
Ten or more forms? E-file
If you file 10 or more information returns in total (1099s, W-2s and others combined), the IRS requires you to file them electronically.
Form 1096 is for paper only
Form 1096 is the cover sheet that goes with paper 1099s. If you file electronically, you don't send it.
Payment apps (1099-K)
Payment apps and card processors only issue a 1099-K when you receive more than $20,000 across more than 200 transactions in a year. All business income is still taxable either way.
New deductions you may qualify for.
The 2025 tax law added four temporary deductions. Each has income limits and eligibility rules, so ask us whether they apply to you.
Tips
Deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips. Phases out above $150,000 of income ($300,000 joint).
Overtime
Deduct the extra half-time portion of overtime pay, up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint). Phases out above $150,000 ($300,000 joint).
Car loan interest
Deduct up to $10,000 of interest on a loan for a qualifying new personal vehicle. Phases out above $100,000 ($200,000 joint).
Seniors
An extra $6,000 per person age 65 or older. Phases out above $75,000 ($150,000 joint).
Not sure what applies to you? We’ll walk through it when we prepare your return.
Book your tax appointmentSources
- IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 (2026 inflation adjustments)
- IRS Instructions for Forms 1099-MISC and 1099-NEC
- IRS Publication 1099, General Instructions for Information Returns
- IRS: Working Families Tax Cuts provisions
- City of Cincinnati income tax due dates
This guide is general information, not tax advice for your situation. Figures can change, and rules have exceptions. Contact us before acting on anything here.
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