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Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Northeast Ohio Businesses

Key February 2026 Tax Deadlines for Northeast Ohio Businesses

With the year-end rush behind us, February brings its own set of crucial tax deadlines for businesses in Cleveland and throughout Northeast Ohio. Staying on top of these dates is vital for avoiding penalties and maintaining smooth operations. This guide highlights the key due dates for payroll forms, information returns, and tax deposits you can't afford to miss.

Crucial Deadlines on February 2, 2026

The beginning of the month is packed with filing requirements for forms related to the 2025 tax year.

Form 1099-NEC for Nonemployee Compensation

If your business paid $600 or more to independent contractors, freelancers, or other non-employees for services in 2025, you must issue Form 1099-NEC to them by February 2. This same deadline applies for filing copies with the IRS. Timely and accurate filing is critical to avoid penalties. Our firm can assist in preparing and submitting these forms electronically or on the required OCR-scannable versions to ensure compliance.

Forms 1098 & Other 1099s to Recipients

Various other information returns must be sent to recipients by February 2. This includes Form 1098 for mortgage interest and other 1099s reporting income such as rent, royalties, dividends, and retirement plan distributions. While the recipient copies are due now, the IRS copies are generally not due until later in the spring.

W-2s for All Employees

By February 2, all employers must provide 2025 Form W-2 to their employees. You must also file Copy A of the W-2s, along with the transmittal Form W-3, with the Social Security Administration by this date, whether filing by paper or electronically.

Quarterly & Annual Payroll Filings (Forms 940, 941, 943, 945)

Several key payroll tax returns are also due:

  • Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return): File for the fourth quarter of 2025 and deposit any remaining tax.
  • Form 943 (Employer's Annual Federal Tax Return for Agricultural Employees): Farm employers must file to report 2025 social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax.
  • Form 940 (Employer's Annual Federal Unemployment (FUTA) Tax Return): File your annual FUTA return for 2025.
  • Form 945 (Annual Return of Withheld Federal Income Tax): Report any income tax withheld on nonpayroll items, such as pensions or gambling winnings.

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Extended Deadline: February 10, 2026

Did you deposit all your employment taxes for the relevant period on time and in full? If so, the IRS gives you an extra 10 days, until February 10, to file Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945. This extension is a reward for timely deposits, giving you a bit more breathing room to finalize the paperwork.

Mid-Month Deadlines: February 17, 2026

A few more deadlines arrive mid-month.

Key Information Statements

Certain information statements must be furnished to recipients by February 17, including Form 1099-B (Broker Transactions), Form 1099-S (Real Estate Transactions), and certain types of Form 1099-MISC.

Monthly Tax Deposits

For businesses on a monthly deposit schedule, your social security, Medicare, and withheld income tax for payments made in January are due today.

Update Employee Withholding

If any employees claimed an exemption from income tax withholding in 2025 but haven't submitted a new 2026 Form W-4 to continue it, you must begin withholding for them as of this date.A female CEO confidently leading a business meeting, symbolizing proactive financial management and staying ahead of tax deadlines.

Important Reminders for Business Owners

Weekends and Holidays

If a tax due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline automatically shifts to the next business day.

Disaster Area Extensions

The IRS often provides filing extensions for businesses in federally declared disaster areas. You can find the latest information on these relief provisions on the official FEMA and IRS websites.

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

Navigating these deadlines while running your business can be challenging. At Michael Dolezal & Co, we specialize in helping mid-sized businesses across Northeast Ohio manage their tax and accounting obligations with confidence. If you need assistance with your filings, contact us today at (216) 485-2028 or info@cpaneeds.com.

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