Companies that operate in the United States have a lot of dates to remember throughout the year. Federal deadlines are important in filing tax information, keeping up on employment notifications and making sure that self-employed individuals pay their estimated taxes each quarter. Missing a federal deadline could mean penalties, fines and possible tax consequences.

January 15, 2016

• All 1040-ES 2015 fourth quarter payments must be submitted

February 1, 2016

• People who chose not to pay their final 1040-ES payments on January 15, 2016 can file their full returns and not sustain a penalty
• Businesses must issue all 1099 forms
• Farm employers must file form 943 for Social Security and Medicare filings
• All employers must file form 940 for 2015 unemployment taxes
• Form 720 for fourth quarter of 2015 must be filed
• Companies must file form 2290 for any vehicles that were first utilized in December 2015

February 16, 2016

• Employees must file income tax exemption forms with employers

February 29, 2016

• Businesses must file information returns for payments made in 2015
• Form 1096 for payment of gambling winnings and copy A of form W-2G must be filed
• All employers must file their W-3 and copy A forms for each W-2 issued in 2015
• Large food and beverage employers must file form 8027 regarding tip income
• Form 730 required for all wagers placed in January
• Form 2290 required for all vehicles first put into service in January

March 15, 2016

• All corporations must file a form 1120 for their annual return
• Partnerships must distribute K-1 forms to all partners

March 31, 2016

• All forms 1097, 1098, 1099, 3921, 3922 and W2-G must be filed electronically
• Employers must file all W-2 forms electronically

April 18, 2016

• Individual 1040 forms are due
• 1040-ES estimated taxes are due for 2015

June 15, 2016

• Resident aliens or U.S. citizens working abroad must have their 1040 forms filed and taxes paid
• Quarterly payment for 1040-ES estimated taxes is due
• Corporations must file their 1120-W form for their estimated tax for the quarter

August 1, 2016

• All employers that maintain an employee benefit plan must file a form 5500 for the 2015 calendar year

September 15, 2016

• Payments for 1040-ES quarterly commitments from individuals are due
• Corporations must file their quarterly 1120 forms with the appropriate estimated payments

October 17, 2016

• Individuals with extensions on their 1040 filings must make their final payments to avoid penalties

November 1, 2016

• Employers need to start asking employees that will be changing their withholding status for 2017 to begin the process of filing a new W-2 that needs to be completed by mid-December

December 15, 2016

• Corporations must make their fourth and final estimated tax installment payment using form 1120-W
• Partnerships must file form 1065