2026 Gig Worker Tax Calendar
Never miss a tax deadline! This comprehensive tax calendar includes all important dates for gig workers in 2026: quarterly estimated tax payments, annual filing deadlines, extension dates, and key IRS milestones.
2026 Quarterly Estimated Tax Deadlines
If you expect to owe $1,000+ in taxes, make quarterly estimated tax payments by these dates:
Q1 2026
Jan 1 - Mar 31April 15, 2026
Payment due for income earned January 1 - March 31, 2026
Q2 2026
Apr 1 - May 31June 16, 2026
Payment due for income earned April 1 - May 31, 2026
Q3 2026
Jun 1 - Aug 31September 15, 2026
Payment due for income earned June 1 - August 31, 2026
Q4 2026
Sep 1 - Dec 31January 15, 2027
Payment due for income earned September 1 - December 31, 2026
?? Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders 1 week before each deadline. Pay online via IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS to get instant confirmation.
Annual Tax Filing Deadlines
Tax Day 2026
April 15, 2026Deadline to file your 2025 federal and state tax returns (Form 1040, Schedule C, Schedule SE).
- File electronically for faster processing
- If you owe taxes, payment is also due by this date
- Request an extension if you need more time (but pay estimated taxes by April 15)
Extension Deadline
October 15, 2026Extended deadline if you filed Form 4868 (automatic 6-month extension).
- Extension to file, NOT to paytaxes still due April 15
- Avoid late filing penalties by filing before this date
- State extension deadlines may vary
1099 Form Deadlines (For Platforms)
Gig platforms must send you tax forms by these dates:
1099-NEC (Nonemployee Compensation)
January 31, 2026Platforms must mail or provide electronic access to 1099-NEC forms for 2025 earnings by this date.
1099-K (Payment Card Transactions)
January 31, 2026Payment processors must send 1099-K forms if you received $5,000+ in 2025 (new threshold).
?? Didn't receive your 1099? Contact the platform by mid-February. You must still report all income even if you don't receive a 1099 form.
Month-by-Month 2026 Tax Calendar
January 2026
- Jan 15: Q4 2025 estimated tax payment due
- Jan 31: Platforms must send 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms
February 2026
- Mid-Feb: Follow up if you haven't received 1099 forms
- All month: Organize receipts and mileage logs for tax filing
March 2026
- All month: Prepare and file your 2025 tax return
- End of month: Finalize returns before April deadline
April 2026
- Apr 15: ?? Tax DayFile 2025 return and pay any taxes owed
- Apr 15: ?? Q1 2026 estimated tax payment due
- Apr 15: File Form 4868 for automatic 6-month extension
May 2026
- All month: Review Q1 earnings and adjust Q2 estimated payment if needed
June 2026
- Jun 16: ?? Q2 2026 estimated tax payment due
July - August 2026
- All months: Track Q3 income and expenses
- All months: Review year-to-date earnings and tax payments
September 2026
- Sep 15: ?? Q3 2026 estimated tax payment due
October 2026
- Oct 15: ?? Extended tax return deadline (if you filed Form 4868)
November - December 2026
- All months: Year-end tax planning and deduction optimization
- Dec 31: Last day to make 2026 retirement contributions (Solo 401k, SEP IRA)
- Dec 31: Last day to make deductible business purchases for 2026
Tax Planning Tips by Quarter
Q1 (Jan-Mar)
- File previous year's tax return
- Set up mileage tracking for the new year
- Open a separate business bank account
- Calculate and pay Q1 estimated taxes
Q2 (Apr-Jun)
- Review Q1 earnings and adjust estimated payments
- Organize receipts and expense tracking system
- Consider retirement account contributions
- Pay Q2 estimated taxes
Q3 (Jul-Sep)
- Mid-year tax checkupreview year-to-date income
- Adjust Q3 and Q4 estimated payments if needed
- Maximize deductions (equipment purchases, etc.)
- Pay Q3 estimated taxes
Q4 (Oct-Dec)
- Year-end tax planning and deduction optimization
- Make final business purchases before Dec 31
- Maximize retirement contributions
- Pay Q4 estimated taxes (due Jan 15 next year)
Related Resources
Stay on Top of Tax Deadlines
Missing tax deadlines can result in penalties and interest charges. Use this calendar to stay organized and compliant throughout 2026. Set calendar reminders for quarterly payments, track your income and expenses monthly, and file your annual return on time.
Pro tip: Bookmark this page and check it monthly to ensure you never miss an important tax deadline. Consider setting up automatic quarterly payment reminders on your phone or calendar app.