Fiscal Year Calendar
A printable fiscal-year calendar that aligns quarters and reporting deadlines to your budget cycle, not the calendar year.
A fiscal year is any 12-month period a business or government uses for accounting, which does not have to start on January 1. The US federal fiscal year runs October 1 to September 30, while many businesses use April 1 - March 31 or July 1 - June 30. This calendar helps you see quarters and deadlines against your fiscal cycle.
What Is a Fiscal Year?
A fiscal year (FY) is the annual period organizations use for budgeting, taxes, and reporting. Countries, corporations, and nonprofits each choose an end date that suits their business cycle. The US federal government, for example, runs FY on October 1 - September 30, so its fiscal year 2026 actually ends on September 30, 2026, while a retail business might end its year in January after the holiday season.
| Fiscal Year Start | Fiscal Year End | Common Users |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | December 31 | Calendar-year businesses |
| April 1 | March 31 | Japan, India (many firms) |
| July 1 | June 30 | Australia, many nonprofits |
| October 1 | September 30 | US federal government |
Printable Fiscal Month Template
Print this blank grid once per fiscal month, then write in quarter markers, close dates, and tax deadlines.
Blank Template: Budget Month
This blank monthly grid is ready to print. Number the days yourself, or leave it open and write in your own schedule, appointments, and reminders.
Budget Month
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Key Dates to Mark on a Fiscal Calendar
- Quarter ends: the last day of each three-month fiscal period (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4).
- Month-end close: the date your team reconciles accounts each month.
- Tax deadlines: estimated tax payments, filing deadlines, and payroll tax due dates.
- Board/review meetings and budget submission dates.
- Audit windows for external reviewers.
Planning With Quarters
Business plans usually track performance by quarter. When your fiscal year starts in October, the quarters are Oct-Dec, Jan-Mar, Apr-Jun, and Jul-Sep. Write each quarter in a different color across the four blank months so budget reviews and forecast updates are visually obvious at a glance.
More to Explore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a fiscal year and a calendar year?
A calendar year runs January 1 to December 31. A fiscal year is any other 12-month accounting period, for example October 1 to September 30 for the US federal government.
When does the US federal fiscal year start?
The US federal fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends September 30 of the next calendar year.
Do small businesses use a fiscal year?
Many small businesses can choose a fiscal year that best matches their operating cycle, subject to IRS rules - for example, avoiding a December close during the busy holiday season.
How do I know which quarter I am in?
Count three-month blocks from your fiscal year start. If your FY starts in October, Q1 is Oct-Dec, Q2 is Jan-Mar, Q3 is Apr-Jun, and Q4 is Jul-Sep.