As the calendar flips to Monday, February 16, 2026, Americans across the country will mark Presidents Day—a tradition dating back to 1879 that began as a commemoration of George Washington’s birthday and has since grown to honor all U.S. presidents. While the holiday offers a welcome three-day weekend for many, it also prompts a familiar question: What’s actually open and closed on Presidents Day?
According to TODAY.com, Presidents Day is always observed on the third Monday in February, even though Washington’s actual birthday falls on February 22. In 2026, the holiday lands on February 16, and just like every other year, it triggers a widespread pause for federal agencies, schools, banks, and the stock market. But the details of what’s open, what’s closed, and what services are available can be surprisingly nuanced.
For those planning to tackle their taxes over the long weekend, there’s a crucial point to note: the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be closed on Presidents Day. As a federal agency, the IRS observes all 11 federal holidays each year, including this one. In a statement provided to TODAY.com, an IRS spokesperson confirmed that “both IRS offices and phone lines will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16.” Federal workers get the day off, and the agency will reopen during normal business hours on Tuesday, February 17.
This closure is not unique to the IRS. Most government offices—including the U.S. Postal Service, banks, and even the U.S. stock market—will be shuttered for the day. According to USA TODAY, “Federal offices, banks, post offices, and the stock market will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026.” The Nasdaq, New York Stock Exchange, and U.S. bond markets will all take the day off, resuming business on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Banks follow suit, with most major institutions closing their doors in observance of the holiday. As TODAY.com notes, “A majority of banks will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16. That means you won’t be able to do business at most branches other than perform ATM transactions.” Any deposits or withdrawals made at ATMs won’t post until at least the following business day. The list of closed banks includes Bank of America, Chase, Citibank, Capital One, M&T, PNC Bank, Santander Bank, Truist, and Wells Fargo. However, there’s an exception: TD Bank branches will remain open, though customers are advised to check local hours before heading out.
For those who rely on the mail, the news is similar. U.S. Postal Service post offices will be closed, and no mail will be delivered on Presidents Day. USPS offices will reopen on Tuesday, February 17. If you’re expecting a package, you might wonder about private carriers. UPS will offer pickup and delivery services on Presidents Day, but, as USA TODAY reports, “UPS Ground Saver and UPS Mail Innovations deliveries will require one additional business day in transit due to the federal holiday.” FedEx services will operate mostly on a modified schedule, with some delays possible for both domestic and international shipments.
Schools, too, typically observe the holiday. Most public schools will be closed, though parents are encouraged to check with their local districts, as policies can vary. Many universities close for Presidents Day, but this isn’t universal, so students should confirm with their institutions.
It’s not all closures and delays, though. Grocery stores and major retailers tend to stay open. National chains like Walmart, Aldi, Target, Whole Foods, and Costco will operate during their regular business hours on Presidents Day. This means that while you might not be able to mail a letter or deposit a check at your local bank, you can still pick up groceries or take advantage of the many Presidents Day sales that have become a hallmark of the holiday weekend.
For those with tax questions, the IRS may be closed on Presidents Day, but help is still available online. The IRS website remains accessible for self-service help, offering resources and answers to common questions about filing, refunds, and other tax matters. When the IRS helplines reopen on Tuesday, February 17, they’ll be available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (with special hours for Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). However, callers should be prepared: the two weeks following Presidents Day are among the busiest of the year, and wait times can stretch to 15 minutes or longer, according to TODAY.com.
If you do plan to call the IRS helpline, make sure you have your Social Security number, birth date, Individual Taxpayer ID (if you don’t have a Social Security number), last year’s tax return, the return you’re calling about, and any relevant correspondence from the IRS. Individual taxpayers can reach the agency at 800-829-1040, while businesses should call 800-829-4933.
Presidents Day isn’t just about closures and sales, however. The holiday’s roots stretch back to the late nineteenth century, when it was established to honor George Washington. Over time, the day has grown to include all presidents, recognizing their service to the nation. Many cities and towns mark the occasion with special events, from parades to educational programs, and retailers seize the opportunity to launch promotions for the long weekend.
It’s worth noting that while the name “Presidents Day” is widely used, Congress never officially changed the holiday’s name from “Washington’s Birthday” under federal law. The shift to a three-day weekend came in 1968, and the broader moniker caught on in popular culture, reflecting the holiday’s expanded scope.
Looking ahead, Presidents Day is just one of 11 federal holidays that affect government agencies, banks, and other institutions. Other notable closures in 2026 will include Memorial Day (May 25), Juneteenth (June 19), Independence Day (July 3, observed), Labor Day (September 7), Columbus Day (October 12), Veterans Day (November 11), Thanksgiving Day (November 26), and Christmas Day (December 25).
So, whether you’re planning to run errands, do your taxes, or simply enjoy a day off, it pays to check what’s open and closed on Presidents Day. While government services and banks will be largely unavailable, you can still shop, dine out, or catch up on groceries. And if you need to reach the IRS or your bank, just remember—they’ll be back to business as usual on Tuesday.