Tax season calendar — deadlines, refunds, and free help for immigrant filers

Every date that matters this tax season: the federal deadline, extension date, estimated payments, refund timing, and what to do if you missed April 15.

Tax season calendar for immigrant filers

One page with every date that matters — kept current automatically. The deadline, the extension, estimated payments for 1099 workers, and what to do if a date already passed.

📅 Your tax-year 2026 return is due April 15, 2027 — 308 days from now.

The IRS usually opens e-filing in late January; the date for the 2027 season has not been announced yet.

Missed the April 15, 2026 deadline for tax year 2025? You can still file — and if you requested an extension, your new date is October 15, 2026 — see filing after the deadline.

Key federal dates

DateWhat's due
June 15, 2026Estimated tax payment — 2nd quarter 2026 (1099 / self-employed workers)
September 15, 2026Estimated tax payment — 3rd quarter 2026 (1099 / self-employed workers)
January 15, 2027Estimated tax payment — 4th quarter 2026 (1099 / self-employed workers)
April 15, 2027Federal filing deadline for your tax-year 2026 return (and to pay what you owe)
October 15, 2027Extension deadline (Form 4868 — extends filing, NOT payment)

Source: IRS. State deadlines usually match the federal date but vary — check your state tax agency.

The season, step by step

  1. Now → January: gather documents as they arrive (W-2 by January 31, 1099s, childcare and school records). If your ITIN needs renewal, do it before the season — renewals filed during the rush add weeks to your refund.
  2. Late January: the IRS opens e-filing. VITA free-help sites open in most cities.
  3. Mid-February: refunds that include the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit start going out (the PATH Act holds them until then, even if you filed in January).
  4. April 15 (or next business day): federal deadline — to file and to pay. An extension moves the paperwork date, not the payment date.
  5. After the deadline: missed it? You can still file — and if you’re owed a refund, there is no late penalty at all.

Guides in this section

Frequently asked questions

When does the next tax season start?
The IRS usually opens e-filing in late January and announces the exact date in early January. The status box on this page updates automatically when the date is announced. You can prepare earlier: gather W-2s and 1099s (employers must send them by January 31) and renew your ITIN before the rush.
Does filing taxes affect my immigration case?
Filing and paying taxes is consistently treated as positive evidence of good moral character and continuous presence in immigration processes — naturalization, cancellation of removal, and future legalization programs have all looked at tax compliance. Not filing when you were required to is what creates problems.
Can I file without a Social Security number?
Yes — that is exactly what the ITIN is for. You file Form W-7 together with your tax return; you don’t need the ITIN before you start. See the ITIN guides for the full process.
Where can I get free help preparing my return?
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites prepare returns free for households under the program income limit, in Spanish at many locations, no immigration-status questions. Most sites operate from late January through the April deadline. Find your state’s sites in our VITA directory.

ITIN guide

ITIN banking

Cross-border taxes

General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.