Stay compliant, protect cash flow, and avoid last-minute stress
If you run a growing business, tax deadlines don’t just happen in April. They show up all year in the form of payroll filings, estimated payments, information returns, and extension due dates. Missing (or rushing) any of them can lead to penalties, messy books, and avoidable cash-flow surprises.
Below is a clear, business-owner-friendly deadline guide designed for small and mid-sized businesses—especially those operating in Myrtle Beach and across South Carolina—so you can plan ahead and make tax season feel predictable.
What counts as a “tax deadline” for a small business?
For most businesses, deadlines fall into four buckets:
1) Income tax filings (business + owners)
Annual returns, extension filings, and “final” returns if you close or sell.
2) Estimated tax payments
Quarterly payments to the IRS (and often your state) so you don’t underpay as you go.
3) Payroll filings & deposits
Ongoing federal tax deposits plus quarterly payroll returns (often the most frequent deadlines).
4) Information returns
Items like W-2s (employees) and 1099s (contractors), plus submission deadlines.
Your 2026 small business deadline calendar (high-impact dates)
Use this as a planning checklist. Exact obligations vary by entity type, payroll setup, and whether you issue 1099s—but these are the dates that drive most small business calendars.
| Date | What it typically impacts | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| January 15, 2026 | Final estimated tax payment for 2025 (many owners) | Avoid underpayment penalties and a surprise tax bill at filing time. |
| January 31, 2026 | Form 941 (Q4 2025) due for employers (typical deadline) | Quarterly payroll return filing deadline (late filings can trigger penalties). |
| April 15, 2026 | Federal and South Carolina individual returns due (many owners) + 2026 Q1 estimates | The big one: filing and payment deadline for most taxpayers and pass-through owners. |
| April 30, 2026 | Form 941 (Q1 2026) due | Quarterly payroll reporting deadline for Jan–Mar wages. |
| June 16, 2026 | 2026 Q2 estimated tax payment due (many owners) | Smooths cash flow and reduces year-end tax surprises. |
| July 31, 2026 | Form 941 (Q2 2026) due | Quarterly payroll reporting deadline for Apr–Jun wages. |
| September 15, 2026 | 2026 Q3 estimated tax payment due (many owners) | Keeps you current as revenue swings during busy season. |
| October 31, 2026 | Form 941 (Q3 2026) due | Quarterly payroll reporting deadline for Jul–Sep wages. |
Payroll deadlines: the ones that sneak up most often
If you have employees, payroll taxes introduce two separate timeframes: tax deposits (ongoing) and quarterly filings (Form 941).
Federal payroll deposits (EFT) are based on your deposit schedule
Many small employers are “monthly schedule depositors” if their lookback-period employment taxes are $50,000 or less, and they generally deposit by the 15th of the following month. (irs.gov)
If your payroll grows, you may become a “semiweekly depositor,” which changes your timing. And there’s also a next-day deposit rule when accumulated tax liability hits $100,000. (stayexempt.irs.gov)
Helpful internal resource
If payroll is consuming your week, consider dedicated support: Payroll Processing Services.
Pair payroll with clean books
Solid bookkeeping makes payroll filings and year-end tax prep smoother: Bookkeeping Services.
South Carolina & Myrtle Beach angle: what to watch for in 2026
For many Myrtle Beach business owners, South Carolina income tax follows the federal rhythm closely—but the state has its own processing and administrative timelines. For the 2025 individual income tax year, South Carolina’s Department of Revenue has communicated that returns are due April 15, 2026, and that if you both file and pay electronically by May 1, 2026, you may avoid penalties and interest (per the agency’s guidance). (dor.sc.gov)
Practical takeaway: if you’re close to ready by April 15, e-filing and paying electronically can help reduce risk. If you’re not ready, talk to a CPA early about extensions and a realistic payment plan—extensions can give you time to file, but they typically don’t eliminate the need to pay what you owe on time.
Local planning tip for seasonal businesses
Myrtle Beach revenue can be seasonal. When income peaks in spring and summer, that’s also when estimated payments and payroll obligations can increase. If your books lag behind, you may underpay estimates and overdraw cash later. A mid-year tax planning check-in can catch this early.
Explore year-round strategy support: Tax Planning Services.
Want a deadline plan that matches your entity, payroll, and growth goals?
JTC CPAs helps business owners build a year-round tax calendar, keep books clean, and reduce last-minute scrambles—so deadlines become routine, not disruptive.
Prefer a local connection? Start here: JTC CPAs Locations
FAQ: Important upcoming tax deadlines for small businesses
What is the 2026 tax filing deadline for 2025 returns?
For most individual taxpayers, the 2025 federal return is due April 15, 2026, and South Carolina has also stated returns are due April 15, 2026. (dor.sc.gov)
When are quarterly payroll reports (Form 941) due?
Form 941 is generally due by the last day of the month following the end of each quarter (April 30, July 31, October 31, and January 31). (irs.gov)
How do I know if my payroll deposits are monthly or semiweekly?
Your deposit schedule depends on taxes reported during the IRS “lookback period.” Many employers with $50,000 or less are monthly depositors; over that threshold are generally semiweekly depositors. (irs.gov)
If I file an extension, do I get more time to pay?
Usually, an extension gives you more time to file paperwork, not more time to pay what you owe. Paying late can still create penalties and interest. Work with your CPA to estimate a payment with the extension so you’re protected.
What’s the simplest way to keep deadlines from becoming emergencies?
Two habits help most: (1) monthly bookkeeping close (reconciliations, clean categorization) and (2) a quarterly tax planning checkpoint so estimated payments and payroll timing stay accurate. If you’re catching up on prior periods, specialized support may help: Tax Resolution Services.
Glossary (plain-English tax terms)
Estimated taxes
Quarterly payments to cover taxes on income that isn’t subject to withholding (common for business owners and self-employed taxpayers).
Form 941
A quarterly federal payroll tax return employers use to report wages, withholding, and Social Security/Medicare taxes.
Lookback period
An IRS measurement window used to determine whether you deposit payroll taxes monthly or semiweekly. (stayexempt.irs.gov)
Deposit schedule (monthly vs. semiweekly)
Rules that determine how quickly payroll taxes must be deposited after pay dates, based on prior reported tax liability. (irs.gov)
