Taxes
Freelancer Tax Deadlines Calendar (Quarterly + Annual)
Every date that matters for a freelancer's taxes, in one place — bookmark this instead of hunting for it four times a year.
Free Agent Finance Editorial TeamReviewed against IRS.gov
Freelance tax deadlines aren't complicated once they're all in one place — the trouble is usually that they're scattered across memory instead. Here's the full year.
2026 quarterly estimated tax deadlines
| Payment period | Income earned | Due date |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 | January 1 – March 31 | April 15, 2026 |
| Q2 | April 1 – May 31 | June 15, 2026 |
| Q3 | June 1 – August 31 | September 15, 2026 |
| Q4 | September 1 – December 31 | January 15, 2027 |
See our Quarterly Estimated Taxes Guide for how to calculate each payment.
Annual filing deadlines
| Deadline | What's due |
|---|---|
| April 15, 2026 | Annual Form 1040 (with Schedule C and SE) for the prior tax year, plus Q1 estimated payment |
| April 15, 2026 | Form 4868 extension request, if needed (see our extension guide) |
| ~October 15, 2026 | Extended filing deadline, if an extension was filed |
Other dates worth marking
- Late January — 1099-NEC forms from clients should arrive; reconcile them against your own records.
- Late January/early February — deadline to issue 1099-NEC forms to any contractors you paid above the reporting threshold.
- December 31 — last day to make certain retirement contributions and equipment purchases that affect the current tax year; see our year-end checklist.
Deadlines shift slightly if they land on a weekend or federal holiday, moving to the next business day — always double-check the exact date each year at IRS.gov.
Free Agent Finance Editorial Team
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