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February 2026 Tax Deadlines: A Guide for North Carolina Small Businesses

February 2026 Tax Deadlines: A Guide for North Carolina Small Businesses

February is a crucial month for finalizing 2025 tax reporting obligations. For the small business owners we partner with here in North Carolina, managing these deadlines is essential for maintaining compliance and avoiding unnecessary IRS penalties. At Adkin CPA, we believe in providing a clear picture of your tax position so there are no surprises. Let's navigate the key dates for this month together.

Key Deadlines: February 2, 2026

The beginning of the month is packed with major deadlines for employee and contractor reporting.

Forms for Workers: W-2s and 1099-NECs

Form W-2: You must furnish 2025 W-2 forms to all your employees by this date. Simultaneously, Copy A of the W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, must be filed with the Social Security Administration.

Form 1099-NEC: If your business paid $600 or more for services to independent contractors or other non-employees in 2025, you must provide them with a Form 1099-NEC. This same deadline applies for filing these forms with the IRS. We often see clients scrambling with last-minute 1099 issues, which is why we offer comprehensive preparation services to ensure your forms are accurate and submitted correctly.

Other Information Returns Due to Recipients

You must also provide copies of various other information returns to recipients by February 2. These include:

  • Form 1098: Mortgage Interest Statement
  • Other Forms 1099: Reporting income like rent, royalties, dividends, or prizes.
  • Form W-2G: For certain gambling winnings.

Note that for most of these 1099s (excluding the 1099-NEC), the IRS filing deadline is later (March 1 or April 1 if filing electronically).

Annual and Quarterly Payroll Filings

Several key payroll tax returns for 2025 are due:

  • Form 940: Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return.
  • Form 941: Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return (for Q4 2025).
  • Form 943: Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees.
  • Form 945: Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax (for nonpayroll items like pensions or backup withholding).

For these forms, if your tax liability is under $2,500, you can typically pay it with the return. If you've already deposited all taxes on time, you may have an extended filing deadline.

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Stacks of coins and cash on a yellow and blue background representing business tax payments.

Extended Filing Deadlines: February 10, 2026

Did you deposit all your taxes for the period in full and on time? If so, the IRS gives you some breathing room. The filing deadline for Forms 940, 941, 943, 944 (for certain small employers), and 945 is extended to February 10.

Mid-Month Deadlines: February 17, 2026

A few more deadlines arrive after the Valentine's Day rush.

Additional Information Statements

Furnish recipient copies for the following 2025 forms:

  • Form 1099-B: Proceeds from Broker and Barter Exchange Transactions.
  • Form 1099-S: Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions.
  • Form 1099-MISC: If reporting substitute payments or gross proceeds paid to an attorney.

Tax Deposits and Withholding

  • Monthly Depositors: If you follow the monthly deposit rule, your Social Security, Medicare, and withheld income taxes for January 2026 are due. The same applies to nonpayroll withholding.
  • Exempt Employees: You must begin withholding income tax for any employee who claimed exemption in 2025 but has not submitted a new Form W-4 to continue their exemption for 2026.

Important Considerations

Weekends, Holidays, and Disaster Relief

Remember, if a deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, it automatically shifts to the next business day. Additionally, the IRS often provides extensions for taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas. We monitor these announcements to keep our clients informed. You can check for updates directly on the FEMA and IRS websites:

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

Navigating these dates can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. At Adkin CPA, our goal is to build a lasting relationship with your business and provide the value-added services you need. If you have questions about your filing obligations, contact our Chapel Hill office today for a consultation. Let us help you achieve the best possible legal tax position.

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We look forward to speaking with you.
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