State Tax Filing Deadlines for 2026: Complete Guide
Last updated: March 18, 2026 | Reading time: 7 min
While most states follow the federal April 15 deadline, several states have their own unique filing dates. This guide breaks down every state's tax deadline so you never file late.
States With No Income Tax (9 States)
These states don't levy a personal income tax, so there's no state return to file:
Important Note
Even in no-income-tax states, businesses may owe franchise taxes, gross receipts taxes, or other state-level taxes with their own deadlines. Check your state's page for details.
States Following the April 15 Federal Deadline (35 States)
The majority of states with an income tax use the same April 15 deadline as the federal government:
States With Different Deadlines (6 States)
These states have their own filing deadlines that differ from the federal date:
| State | 2026 Deadline | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Delaware | April 30 | 15 days after federal |
| Hawaii | April 20 | 5 days after federal |
| Iowa | April 30 | 15 days after federal |
| Louisiana | May 15 | 30 days after federal |
| Maine | April 15 | Follows federal; watch for Patriot's Day adjustment |
| Virginia | May 1 | 16 days after federal |
State Extension Deadlines
Most states grant an automatic extension if you've filed a federal extension (Form 4868). However, the rules vary:
- Automatic with federal extension: California, New York, Illinois, and most other states accept the federal extension automatically — no separate state form needed
- Separate state extension required: Georgia, Connecticut, and a few others require you to file a separate state extension form
- Extension length varies: Most states grant 6 months (matching federal), but some give 5 or 7 months
- Payment is still due: Like the federal extension, state extensions only extend the filing deadline — estimated tax owed must be paid by the original due date
State Estimated Tax Payment Schedules
Most states follow the federal quarterly schedule (April 15, June 15, September 15, January 15). Notable exceptions:
California's Unusual Schedule
California does NOT split estimated payments equally. The schedule is: 30% (Q1), 40% (Q2), 0% (Q3), 30% (Q4). Yes, Q3 is zero. This trips up many taxpayers new to California.
For detailed state-by-state estimated payment requirements, visit our estimated payments overview or select your state below.
Business Tax Deadlines by State
Business entity deadlines at the state level generally mirror federal rules:
- S-Corps and Partnerships: March 15 in most states (matching federal)
- C-Corps: April 15 or the 15th of the 4th month after fiscal year-end
- Nonprofits: May 15 (Form 990 equivalent at state level)
- Annual reports and franchise taxes: These vary widely — some states require annual reports on the anniversary of incorporation, others have fixed dates
For entity-specific deadlines in your state, visit:
Find Your State
Click your state for complete filing deadlines, estimated payment dates, extension rules, and entity-specific information: