Dallas Business Compliance Checklist for 2026

Stay compliant in 2026 with this month-by-month Dallas business compliance checklist covering all city, county, and state requirements.

January 2026

Tax filings:

• [ ] Q4 2025 sales tax (due Jan 20)
• [ ] Annual 1099 forms (due Jan 31)
• [ ] W-2 forms to employees (due Jan 31)

Renewals:

• [ ] Business insurance policies
• [ ] Professional liability coverage
• [ ] Workers' compensation

Cost: $100-$500 (filing fees)

February 2026

Licenses:

• [ ] Renew Dallas business license (if expires)
• [ ] Update certificate of occupancy
• [ ] Renew health permits (food service)

Compliance:

• [ ] Annual safety training
• [ ] Update employee handbook
• [ ] Review vendor contracts

Cost: $200-$800

March 2026

Tax preparation:

• [ ] Gather tax documents
• [ ] Schedule CPA appointment
• [ ] Review deductions
• [ ] Prepare estimated payments

Operational:

• [ ] Q1 financial review
• [ ] Update business plan
• [ ] Review insurance coverage

Cost: $500-$2,000 (CPA fees)

April 2026

Tax deadlines:

• [ ] Business tax return (April 15)
• [ ] Personal property rendition (April 15)
• [ ] Q1 estimated taxes (April 15)
• [ ] Q1 sales tax (April 20)

Compliance:

• [ ] Annual compliance audit
• [ ] Update policies
• [ ] Review licenses

Cost: $1,000-$5,000 (taxes + fees)

May 2026

Texas Franchise Tax:

• [ ] File franchise tax report (May 15)
• [ ] Pay franchise tax
• [ ] Update registered agent

Business:

• [ ] Annual meeting (corporations)
• [ ] Board resolutions
• [ ] Minute book updates

Cost: $50-$500

June 2026

Mid-year review:

• [ ] Q2 financial review
• [ ] Update projections
• [ ] Adjust estimated taxes
• [ ] Review compliance status

Renewals:

• [ ] Professional licenses (varies)
• [ ] Industry certifications
• [ ] Memberships

Cost: $200-$1,000

July 2026

Tax filings:

• [ ] Q2 sales tax (July 20)
• [ ] Q2 estimated taxes (June 15)
• [ ] Payroll tax deposits

Planning:

• [ ] Review H2 goals
• [ ] Budget adjustments
• [ ] Strategic planning

Cost: $100-$500

August 2026

Compliance:

• [ ] Safety inspections
• [ ] Fire marshal inspection
• [ ] Health department (if applicable)

Operations:

• [ ] Employee reviews
• [ ] Training updates
• [ ] Policy refreshers

Cost: $200-$800

September 2026

Tax planning:

• [ ] Q3 estimated taxes (Sept 15)
• [ ] Q3 sales tax (Sept 20)
• [ ] Year-end tax planning

Business:

• [ ] Q3 financial review
• [ ] Vendor reviews
• [ ] Contract renewals

Cost: $100-$500

October 2026

Year-end prep:

• [ ] Review tax strategies
• [ ] Plan capital purchases
• [ ] Assess deductions
• [ ] Update depreciation

Compliance:

• [ ] Annual compliance review
• [ ] Update documentation
• [ ] Prepare for audits

Cost: $500-$2,000

November 2026

Planning:

• [ ] 2027 budget preparation
• [ ] Strategic planning
• [ ] Goal setting
• [ ] Resource allocation

Compliance:

• [ ] License renewal prep
• [ ] Insurance review
• [ ] Vendor assessment

Cost: $200-$1,000

December 2026

Year-end:

• [ ] Q4 sales tax (Dec 20)
• [ ] Final payroll
• [ ] Bonus payments
• [ ] Year-end accounting

Renewals:

• [ ] Business licenses (annual)
• [ ] Insurance policies
• [ ] Subscriptions

Cost: $500-$2,000

Annual Cost Summary

Minimum compliance:

• Licenses and permits: $1,500
• Tax preparation: $2,000
• Insurance: $3,000
• Professional services: $2,000
• Total: $8,500/year

Comprehensive compliance:

• Licenses and permits: $3,000
• Tax and accounting: $5,000
• Insurance: $8,000
• Legal services: $3,000
• Consulting: $5,000
• Total: $24,000/year

Automation Tools

HAIEC Dallas Compliance Calendar:

• Automated reminders
• Deadline tracking
• Document storage
• Filing assistance
• Cost: $299/month

Benefits:

• Never miss deadlines
• Reduce penalties
• Save time
• Peace of mind

Conclusion

Dallas business compliance requires year-round attention. Use this checklist to stay organized and compliant throughout 2026.

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Related Resources

• Dallas Compliance Guide
• Printable Checklist
• HAIEC Calendar