2027 Tax Filing Deadlines: Mark Your Calendar

The federal tax filing calendar repeats every year with the same general rhythm. Here is what self-employed filers need on the calendar for 2027 (filing 2026 income).

April 15, 2027: tax day

Federal Form 1040 + Schedule C + Schedule SE due. Most state returns also due same day. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day. Q1 2027 estimated payment also due.

The four 2027 quarterly estimated deadlines

• April 15, 2027: Q1 (covers Jan-Mar 2027 income)
• June 15, 2027: Q2 (covers Apr-May 2027)
• September 15, 2027: Q3 (covers Jun-Aug 2027)
• January 15, 2028: Q4 (covers Sep-Dec 2027)

Six-month extension

File Form 4868 by April 15 for an automatic six-month extension to October 15. The extension covers FILING, not PAYING. Estimated tax must still be paid by April 15 to avoid late-payment penalty. Self-employed filers commonly use the extension when tax forms are complex.

What happens if you miss April 15

• Failure-to-file penalty: 5% of unpaid tax per month, up to 25% of total balance.
• Failure-to-pay penalty: 0.5% of unpaid tax per month, up to 25%.
• Interest: currently 8% annualized on unpaid balance.
• Penalties stack with interest. The longer you wait, the worse it gets.

What happens if you miss a quarterly estimate

Underpayment penalty (currently 6-8% annualized) on the quarterly shortfall. Computed quarter-by-quarter, so paying nothing for three quarters and a lump sum in January does NOT avoid penalty for Q1-Q3.

State deadlines vary

Most states match the federal April 15 deadline but rules differ. Some states have different quarterly schedules. Check your state's page on the states hub.

How to make this less stressful

• Track mileage contemporaneously throughout the year
• Pay quarterly estimates on time (set calendar reminders)
• Keep all 1099s and platform tax summaries in one folder
• Organize receipts monthly, not all-at-once in March
• File earlier in the season; refunds come faster, problems caught earlier

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