IRS Begins 2026 Tax Season on January 26
The Internal Revenue Service will begin accepting and processing individual federal tax returns for the 2026 filing season starting January 26, 2026. This marks the official opening of tax season, meaning the IRS will start taking electronic and paper tax returns for 2025 tax year filings on that date.
Here’s what you should know as tax season gets underway:
Important Dates
January 26, 2026 is the first day the IRS will begin accepting and processing individual tax returns.
April 15, 2026 is the standard deadline for most individual federal returns to be filed to avoid penalties and interest.
Why Filing Early Can Help
Getting started early often means fewer delays related to processing or identity verification and can help you catch missing documents or errors before the deadline. Early filing can also put you closer to the front of the line for refunds once the IRS starts processing returns.
Refund Timing
Refund amounts vary based on your withholding and recent tax law changes. Many refunds are issued within a few weeks when you choose direct deposit, though timing can differ depending on credits claimed and review requirements.
As tax season begins, keeping track of key dates and preparing your documents ahead of time can help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure your return is accurate and complete.
For more details on the IRS start date and what to expect this tax season, check out the original report here: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/08/irs-accepting-tax-returns.html