January
Fourth-quarter estimated tax payment due
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.
Source: IRS
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
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.
Source: Federal Reserve
Employers must give employees their W-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.
Source: IRS
March
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The second scheduled Fed meeting of 2026. This meeting also releases the members' economic projections.
Source: Federal Reserve
April
Tax filing deadline, and the last day for prior-year IRA and HSA contributions
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.
Source: IRS
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The third scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
Source: Federal Reserve
May
New I bond rate takes effect
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.
Source: U.S. Treasury
June
Second-quarter estimated tax payment due
The second 2026 estimated-tax payment is due for people who pay quarterly.
Source: IRS
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The fourth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
Source: Federal Reserve
July
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The fifth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
Source: Federal Reserve
September
Third-quarter estimated tax payment due
The third 2026 estimated-tax payment is due for people who pay quarterly.
Source: IRS
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The sixth scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
Source: Federal Reserve
October
Social Security announces next year's cost-of-living adjustment
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.
Source: Social Security Administration
Medicare open enrollment
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.
Source: Medicare
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The seventh scheduled Fed meeting of 2026.
Source: Federal Reserve
November
New I bond rate takes effect
The second I bond rate reset of the year. Check the new rate if you are holding or considering I bonds.
Source: U.S. Treasury
ACA marketplace open enrollment
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.
Source: HealthCare.gov
December
Federal Reserve announces its rate decision
The eighth and last scheduled Fed meeting of 2026, with updated economic projections.
Source: Federal Reserve
Year-end deadline for 401(k) contributions, FSA funds, and RMDs
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.
Source: IRS
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.