The start of a new year often brings fresh goals and renewed focus on financial planning. While long-term strategy matters, staying aware of key financial dates throughout the year can make a meaningful difference managing your finances.
This financial calendar highlights important personal and business-related milestones from January through June 2026. Think of it as a planning resource, not a checklist, designed to support planning, reduce last-minute stress, and help you make informed decisions as the year unfolds.
Not every date will apply to every situation. Some deadlines depend on your household, income, business structure, or financial goals. Bookmark this post and visit it each month as new, relevant deadlines arise.
January: Setting the foundation for the year
Key dates
- January 1: Start of the new tax year
- January 31: End-of-month budget and cash flow check-in
- Ongoing: FAFSA 2026–2027 completion and follow-up, based on school timelines
Monthly plans
January is an ideal time to take stock of where things stand and set a steady pace for the year ahead.
Many individuals and families use this month to review budgets, confirm savings and retirement contribution plans, and revisit financial goals for the year ahead.
For business owners, January often focuses on organizing records, reviewing year-end performance, and preparing for upcoming tax responsibilities.
If you’re planning for college, January is also a good time to confirm progress on the 2026–2027 FAFSA. While the application opens in the fall, school-specific deadlines and follow-ups can continue well into the new year.
February: Preparing before deadlines arrive
Key dates
- Early February: Begin reviewing tax documents
- Mid-to-late February: FAFSA verification or follow-up requests, if applicable
Monthly plans
February tends to be lighter on firm deadlines, which makes it a valuable month for prepping ahead. Personal filers may begin gathering W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents. Business owners often use this time to coordinate with accountants and review year-end financials.
For families navigating financial aid, February serves as a helpful checkpoint to confirm FAFSA submissions and monitor any requests from colleges.
March: Planning ahead of tax season
Key dates
- March 31: End of the first quarter
- Late March: Estimated tax planning and final tax preparation check-ins
Monthly plans
March allows time to prepare before April’s major deadlines arrive. In March, estimated tax planning becomes more important for business owners and individuals with non-wage income. This is also a good time to review retirement contribution progress and make adjustments if needed.
Revisiting cash flow, upcoming expenses, and financial priorities in March makes April feel far more manageable.
April: Major tax and contribution deadlines
Key dates
- April 15: Federal income tax filing deadline
- April 15: First quarter estimated tax payment due
- April 15: IRA and HSA contribution deadline for the prior tax year
Monthly plans
April includes several of the most significant financial deadlines of the year. Approaching April with preparation rather than urgency helps keep financial decisions clear and measured.
Federal income tax returns are typically due mid-April, along with first quarter estimated tax payments for self-employed individuals and business owners. This is also the deadline to make prior-year contributions to traditional and Roth IRAs, as well as Health Savings Accounts.
If additional time is needed, April is when filing extensions are requested. Even with an extension, it is important to understand which payments may still be due.
May: Reviewing and adjusting after tax season
Key dates
- Early May: Post-tax-season financial review
- Mid-May: Budget, savings, and cash flow adjustments
Monthly plans
May offers a natural pause after the intensity of April’s tax season. This month is a good time to review insights from filing, reassess cash flow, and make updates to savings or retirement plans. Many households and businesses use May to recalibrate based on what they learned during tax preparation.
Business owners may also review first-quarter performance and refine plans for the rest of the year.
June: Mid-year planning and estimated taxes
Key dates
- June 15: Second quarter estimated tax payment due
- June 30: End of the second quarter and mid-year financial check-in
Monthly plans
June marks the halfway point of the year and serves as an important planning milestone.
Second quarter estimated tax payments are typically due mid-month. June is also a strong time to review retirement contribution progress, confirm savings goals, and assess longer-term financial plans.
For businesses, mid-year reviews often focus on cash flow trends, budget adjustments, and planning priorities for the second half of the year.
Planning ahead with confidence
Financial planning is all about staying informed, making thoughtful decisions, and adjusting as life and business evolve. Staying aware of key financial dates throughout the year can help reduce uncertainty and support better decision-making as 2026 unfolds. Using a financial calendar like this one helps turn deadlines into opportunities for planning rather than pressure.
With preparation and the right support, deadlines become part of a steady financial rhythm, not a stressor you didn’t see coming. If you’re looking for support or someone to answer your questions, our team is always here to help. Schedule an appointment to talk to a member advisor to gain clarity on your finances now, or any month of the year.
