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February 2026 Tax Deadlines: A Guide for Inland Empire Businesses

February 2026 Tax Deadlines: A Guide for Inland Empire Businesses

For business owners across the Inland Empire—whether you're a real estate broker in Rancho Cucamonga, run a medical practice in Upland, or manage a logistics company in Riverside—February marks a critical period for tax compliance. It's when year-end reporting obligations come due. Missing these dates can lead to significant penalties, so let's get your calendar marked up with the key deadlines for 2026.

Key Filings Due February 2, 2026

This is the big day for many essential forms. Make sure you have these squared away by the beginning of the month.

W-2s and 1099-NECs

These two forms are crucial for reporting compensation. You must provide copies to both the recipients and the government (IRS for 1099-NEC, SSA for W-2) by this date.

  • Form W-2 (Wage and Tax Statement): For all your employees. This details their total wages and tax withholdings for 2025.
  • Form 1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation): For any independent contractor, freelancer, or vendor you paid $600 or more for services in 2025. This is common for real estate agents paying marketing professionals or trucking companies paying contract dispatchers.

Remember, if you're filing 10 or more information returns (like W-2s and 1099s), you are required to file them electronically. Our firm can help prepare and submit these forms correctly.

Other Information Returns Due to Recipients

While the IRS copies aren't due until later, you must provide the following forms to recipients by February 2:

  • Form 1098: Mortgage Interest Statement.
  • Other Forms 1099: Reporting income like rent, royalties, dividends, or prizes.

Payroll and Unemployment Tax Forms

Several quarterly and annual employment tax returns are also due:

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): For the fourth quarter of 2025.
  • Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): For the 2025 tax year.
  • Form 943: For farm employers.
  • Form 945: To report withheld federal income tax from nonpayroll payments (e.g., pensions, gambling winnings).

Southern California Small Business Owners: Let’s Optimize Your Tax Strategy
Are you a small business owner in Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or Orange County? Let’s discuss tailored tax strategies designed specifically for small businesses in Southern California. Book your free consultation with a licensed CPA today.
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Team working together to meet tax deadlines

Later in the Month: Other Key Dates

The deadlines don't stop after the 2nd. Here are a few more to watch.

February 10: Extended Filing Deadline

Did you deposit all your payroll and nonpayroll taxes on time and in full? If so, the IRS gives you a little extra time. You have until February 10 to file Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945.

February 17: Deposits and Specific 1099s

  • Monthly Tax Deposits: If you're on a monthly deposit schedule, your January Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes are due.
  • Information Statements: Forms 1099-B, 1099-S, and certain 1099-MISC forms are due to recipients.
  • Withholding Check-In: You must begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption in 2025 but hasn't submitted a new W-4 to continue it for 2026.

Important Considerations

Weekends & Holidays: If a tax deadline falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the due date automatically shifts to the next business day.

Disaster Area Extensions: The IRS often provides extensions for businesses in federally declared disaster areas. You can find up-to-date information on the official sites:

  • FEMA: https://www.fema.gov/disaster/declarations
  • IRS: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/tax-relief-in-disaster-situations

Navigating these deadlines while running your business can be a challenge. If you're in the Inland Empire and need help ensuring your filings are accurate and on time, we're here to help. Contact our office to schedule a consultation today.

Southern California Small Business Owners: Let’s Optimize Your Tax Strategy
Are you a small business owner in Inland Empire, Los Angeles, or Orange County? Let’s discuss tailored tax strategies designed specifically for small businesses in Southern California. Book your free consultation with a licensed CPA today.
Book Your Appointment
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