15
Jan
Fourth-quarter estimated tax payment due
January 15, 2026
If you owe estimated taxes (self-employment, investment, or other untaxed income), the payment for the last quarter of 2025 is due. Missing it can add an underpayment penalty.
Money Tools · The Money Calendar
Every date that costs you money if you miss it.
Tax deadlines, all eight Fed decision days, Medicare and ACA enrollment windows, I bond resets, and the year-end cutoffs. Each date says what it is, and each links the primary source so you can check it.
January
3 dates
28
Jan
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
January 28, 2026
The Fed's rate decision affects the interest on credit cards, savings accounts, and new loans. This is the first of eight scheduled meetings in 2026.
31
Jan
Employers must give employees their W-2
January 31, 2026 (a Saturday, so the deadline moves to Monday, February 2)
Your employer has to furnish your W-2 for last year by this date. If you do not have it, you can ask your employer, and after mid-February the IRS can help you get it.
February
clear
Nothing due. Enjoy it.
March
1 date
18
Mar
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
March 18, 2026
The second scheduled Fed meeting of 2026. This meeting also releases the members' economic projections.
April
2 dates
15
Apr
Tax filing deadline, and the last day for prior-year IRA and HSA contributions
April 15, 2026
File your federal return or an extension, and pay any tax owed. It is also the last day to make 2025 contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA and to a health savings account, and the first-quarter 2026 estimated tax is due.
29
Apr
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
April 29, 2026
The third scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
May
1 date
1
May
New I bond rate takes effect
May 1, 2026
The Treasury resets the I bond rate twice a year, on May 1 and November 1. The rate that applies to a bond depends on when you buy it, so this is the date to check the new rate.
June
2 dates
15
Jun
Second-quarter estimated tax payment due
June 15, 2026
The second 2026 estimated-tax payment is due for people who pay quarterly.
17
Jun
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
June 17, 2026
The fourth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
July
1 date
29
Jul
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
July 29, 2026
The fifth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
August
clear
Nothing due. Enjoy it.
September
2 dates
15
Sep
Third-quarter estimated tax payment due
September 15, 2026
The third 2026 estimated-tax payment is due for people who pay quarterly.
16
Sep
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
September 16, 2026
The sixth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
October
4 dates
1
Oct
FAFSA opens for the next school year
October 1, 2026 (typical; the exact opening is announced each year)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid opens for the next academic year. Filing early matters: some federal and state aid is awarded first come, first served, so it can run out before the deadline.
15
Oct
Social Security announces next year's cost-of-living adjustment
Mid-October 2026
The SSA sets the following year's COLA, the percentage that Social Security benefits rise, once the September inflation figure is published. It is announced in mid-October.
15
Oct
Medicare open enrollment
October 15 to December 7, 2026
The yearly window to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, for coverage starting the next January. Outside this window most changes are not allowed.
28
Oct
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
October 28, 2026
The seventh scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
November
2 dates
1
Nov
New I bond rate takes effect
November 1, 2026
The second I bond rate reset of the year. Check the new rate if you are holding or considering I bonds.
1
Nov
ACA marketplace open enrollment
November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027
In most states, this is the window to enroll in or change a Marketplace health plan for the next year. Enrolling by December 15 usually means coverage starts January 1. Some states run different dates.
December
2 dates
9
Dec
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
December 9, 2026
The eighth and last scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
31
Dec
Year-end deadline for 401(k) contributions, FSA funds, and RMDs
December 31, 2026
Money you want counted for this tax year through payroll, such as 401(k) contributions, has to be in by year end. At most employers, flexible spending account (FSA) balances are use-it-or-lose-it by December 31. Required minimum distributions for the year are also due by this date.
What this calendar is NOT
This is not advice, and it does not tell you what to do with your money. The Fed dates are the scheduled meeting days, not a forecast of any rate change. Dates are for federal deadlines in the United States; states, plans, and individual situations can differ, and a date that lands on a weekend or holiday can move. Always confirm your own deadline with the linked primary source before you act.