Resources
The information on this page is designed to help you better plan and manage your annual tax and financial matters.
Document Checklists
All tax and bookkeeping checklists are available inside our secure tax portal. You will receive access after your consultation.
Stay ahead of important tax dates with our downloadable calendars. They include
Key IRS deadlines
Quarterly estimated tax payment dates
Business filing and compliance deadlines
Tax Calendars
⭐2026 Tax Calendar
January 2026
Jan 15 — Final 2025 Estimated Tax Payment Due (Q4)
Jan 31
W‑2s due to employees
1099‑NEC due to contractors
1099‑NEC & 1099‑MISC due to IRS (e‑file or mail)
Employer payroll filings due (Form 941, state filings)
February 2026
Feb 15 — Deadline for certain 1099‑B / 1099‑DIV / 1099‑INT corrections from brokers
Feb 28 — Paper filing deadline for 1099‑MISC to IRS (if not e‑filed)
March 2026
Mar 15
S‑Corporation Tax Return Due (Form 1120‑S)
Partnership Tax Return Due (Form 1065)
Deadline to file extension for S‑Corp & Partnership
Deadline to issue K‑1s to shareholders/partners
April 2026
Apr 1 — Deadline for RMD (Required Minimum Distribution) for first‑time RMD recipients
Apr 15
Individual Tax Return Due (Form 1040)
C‑Corporation Tax Return Due (Form 1120)
Deadline to file extension for individuals & C‑corps
First 2026 Estimated Tax Payment Due (Q1)
Last day to contribute to IRA & Roth IRA for 2025
Last day to contribute to HSA for 2025
May 2026
No major federal deadlines
Monthly payroll filings continue
June 2026
Jun 17 — Second 2026 Estimated Tax Payment Due (Q2)
July 2026
Jul 31 — Employer payroll filings due (Form 941, state filings)
August 2026
No major federal deadlines
September 2026
Sep 16 — Third 2026 Estimated Tax Payment Due (Q3)
Sep 16 — Extended S‑Corp & Partnership Returns Due (if extension filed)
October 2026
Oct 15 — Extended Individual Tax Returns Due (Form 1040)
Oct 15 — Extended C‑Corporation Returns Due (Form 1120)
November 2026
No major federal deadlines
December 2026
Dec 31
Last day for 2026 charitable contributions
Last day for 2026 tax‑loss harvesting
Last day for 401(k) employee contributions
Last day to complete RMDs
Year‑end payroll adjustments
Checklist and Tools
GUIDES
⭐ Guide: How to Prepare for Tax Season
Preparing early makes the entire tax process smoother. The most important step is gathering your documents as soon as they become available, including W‑2s, 1099s, investment account statements, retirement account summaries, and documents related to major life changes such as moving, marriage, or starting a business.
We recommend keeping all documents organized digitally so you can upload them easily once your tax portal opens. If you’re unsure whether a document is needed, upload it anyway — we will help you determine what is required.
⭐ Guide: What Documents Your Business Should Keep
Businesses should maintain complete and clear financial records throughout the year. At minimum, keep bank statements, credit card statements, invoices, receipts, payroll reports, loan documents, and any contracts or agreements.
You should also keep documentation for major purchases, asset acquisitions, business travel, and meals. Good recordkeeping not only supports accurate bookkeeping and tax filing, but also protects your business in the event of an audit.
⭐ Guide: Understanding Multi‑State Filing
You may need to file in multiple states if you live, work, or earn income in more than one state. Each state has its own residency rules, income‑sourcing methods, and tax credit policies, which means your tax return may involve multiple state filings.
Common situations include remote work, operating a business across states, owning rental properties, or moving during the year. We help determine which states require returns, how income should be allocated, and whether you qualify for credits that prevent double taxation. Clear documentation of where income was earned is essential.
⭐ Guide: Retirement Account Basics
Common retirement accounts include Traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k) plans, and SEP or SIMPLE IRAs for business owners.
Contributions to traditional accounts may reduce your taxable income for the year, while Roth accounts offer tax‑free growth and tax‑free withdrawals. Employer plans often include matching contributions, which can significantly boost long‑term savings. Understanding contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and tax implications helps you make informed decisions and avoid penalties. If you’re unsure which accounts fit your situation, we can help you evaluate your options.
Clear answers to the most common tax, bookkeeping, and financial questions.
Real client experiences and feedback about our services.
Educational articles on tax planning, financial strategy, and compliance updates.
Other Resources
Useful Links
IRS Website: https://www.irs.gov/
Check Refund Status: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
Get IRS Transcript: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
IRS Identity Protection PIN: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin
IRS Payment Portal: https://www.irs.gov/payments
Maryland Comptroller: https://www.marylandtaxes.gov/
Book a Consultation (Calendly): your link
Ascend Tax & Advisory Firm
Professional Tax & Financial Consulting
EA | CFA | MSF | MSA
info@ascendtaxadvisory.com
8850 Stanford Blvd, Ste 2500, Columbia, MD, 21045
+1 (410) 929 6330
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