- February 10, 2026
What’s New for Q1 2026?
The IRS decided to keep the interest rate unchanged for the first quarter of 2026 (January 1 to March 31) and same as the fourth quarter of 2025, which indicates stability in the underlying federal short-term rates used to compute IRS interest. Here’s how the rates break down:
| Taxpayer Type | Q1 2026 IRS Interest Rate |
|---|---|
| Individuals – Overpayments (Refunds) | 7% per year, compounded daily |
| Individuals – Underpayments (Balances Owed) | 7% per year, compounded daily |
| Corporations – Overpayments | 6% per year |
| Corporations Overpayments > $10,000 | 4.5% per year |
| Corporations – Underpayments | 7% per year |
| Large Corporate Underpayments | 9% per year |
| IRC 6603 Deposit (Federal Short-Term Rate) | 4% per year |
How Are the IRS Interest Rates Determine?
With statutory percentage point modifications in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, these interest rates are computed using the federal short-term rate that was established in the previous relevant month, in this case, October 2025, and rounded to the nearest full percent (4%), resulting in the 7% individual rate currently.
- For underpayments, the rate is the federal short-term rate plus 3 percentage points.
- For individual overpayments, it is also the short-term rate plus 3 percentage points.
- For corporate overpayments, the “plus-up” is usually only 2 percentage points.
The Impact of Rate Stability on Your Financial Situation
Making the decision to maintain rates at 7% offers some consistency for 2026 tax planning. However, compared to the 3% rates observed in 2021, 7% is still much greater. This means that 7% interest is applicable if you don’t pay your taxes on time or if the IRS takes longer than 45 days to process your refund.
Interest Compounding Daily
Remember that the IRS interest rate is compounded daily. Your principal balance is increased by the interest from Monday to Tuesday, and interest is calculated on the higher amount. So, the small tax debt can increase significantly over several months.
Understanding the Difference: Individual vs. Corporate Taxpayers
- For individual taxpayers, the IRS will charge 7% interest compounded daily on the unpaid amount or the refund you owe. Though interest only starts after a certain time threshold under the IRS rules.
- Businesses have a slight change with 6% on regular corporate overpayments and 9% on large corporate underpayments ($100,000), which is costly for companies delaying paying tax bills.
Steps to Avoid Underpayment Interest
The 2026 filing season starts in late January; here is how to protect yourself from underpayment interest.
- Use an IRS authorized e-file service provider like Tax2efile to ensure that you’re paying the right calculated amount for each quarter.
- E-file accurately to avoid processing delays and increase the risk of interest.
- Adjust withholding when your income changes.
- If you can’t pay in full, pay partially to save money and reduce the balances on which the interest is calculated.
- Track estimated payments and deadlines through setting reminders or by using an IRS-authorized e-file service like tax2efile.
The 2026 Q1 tax adjustments are more than simply regular revisions; they establish the financial tone for the remaining part of the year. Taxpayers ought to prevent becoming reactive by being aware of how the IRS interest rates and early-year tax regulations impact payments, refunds, and planning choices. Accurate, timely filing combined with immediate insights makes it simpler to stay compliant and prevent needless expenses with tax2efile. You’re not just filing taxes with Tax2efile; you’re also being informed, organized, and in charge from the beginning of the tax year.
