We’re nearly a month into the new year and another month closer to the deadline to file your federal and state taxes.
Here are some important dates for the 2026 tax filing season.
When does tax season start in Iowa?
Iowa’s income tax season officially begins the same day as federal return processing: Jan. 26, 2026.
When are taxes due in 2026?
Federal taxes are due by Tuesday, April 15. If you can’t file by the deadline, you can request an automatic six-month extension. The deadline to file for an extension is April 15, the IRS said. That gives taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file without penalties.
However, taxpayers must still pay any taxes owed by the April 15 deadline, as the extension only applies to filing a tax return, according to the IRS.
When are Iowa income taxes due?
Iowans have a little bit more time to complete their state taxes. Iowa state income tax returns must be submitted by Wednesday, April 30.
What day are Iowa property taxes due?
Property taxes can be paid in two installments. The second half of your annual property tax is due March 1. Payments become delinquent after March 31, and late penalties are charged starting April 1.
The first installment of property taxes was due Sept. 1.
If taxes are not paid by the deadline, the property owner could be subject to a tax sale. This allows the county to initiate a foreclosure proceeding. Other people can then pay the delinquent property tax and take possession of the property until the debt is paid.
How to avoid common tax mistakes
Most tax advisors recommend organizing your tax records — such as a W-2 form from your employer or a 1099 form for payments not from your employer — for a more effortless filing experience.
Register reporter Kate Kealey contributed to this article.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: When are taxes due in 2026? Important dates to know for 2025 returns.
Reporting by Cooper Worth, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
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