The IRS has introduced that the 2026 tax season begin date (for 2025 earnings tax return submitting) will likely be Monday, January 26, 2026. That is the date that the IRS begins accepting accomplished tax returns. In a number of latest years, the tax begin date was delayed a number of weeks into February, with the complexities created by COVID and stimulus checks. This yr, that won’t be the case, as the beginning of tax season would be the final Monday in January. I’ll element what this implies and extra beneath.
What is the 2026 Tax Season Begin Date?
The IRS tax season begin is, by definition, the tax submitting begin date. It’s the first day in a given tax season when the IRS begins to simply accept and course of tax returns for the prior yr. No returns will likely be processed before this date, and the IRS says most refunds will likely be course of in 21 days or much less. For 2026, the tax season begin date will seemingly be Monday, January 26, 2026.
Are you able to Submit a Tax Return Previous to the Tax Begin Date?
You’ll be able to technically full your tax return previous to the tax season begin date, nonetheless, your return will likely be held for processing (both by the IRS in case you file instantly or for e-file submission by the tax software program firm you file with) till the tax begin date. In different phrases, your return can’t be processed previous to the official begin date of tax season.
I’d additionally not advocate submitting your return previous to the IRS tax begin date, as there may very well be plenty of late modifications to tax kinds and tax software program that would impression your return. Additionally, there is no such thing as a profit to submitting sooner. Doing so won’t maintain a spot in line on your return to be processed sooner.
What are the Essential Dates this Tax Season?
I’ve compiled a list of all the important tax deadlines and dates for 2026. The primary date of observe is the tax deadline, which will likely be Wednesday, April 15, 2026. If you want to increase that deadline, you may file an extension with the IRS (which will get you an additional 6 months to file). The HSA contribution deadline and IRA contribution deadline for final yr’s contributions fall on the identical date as effectively. The estimated tax payment deadlines are as follows:
A Be aware for These Claiming the EITC or Further Little one Tax Credit score
Those that declare both the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may even see a refund delay as a consequence of rule modifications from the PATH Act. Beneath the PATH Act, the IRS shouldn’t be in a position to challenge a refund involving the EITC or ACTC earlier than mid-February. The regulation supplies this extra time to assist the IRS cease fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, together with to identification thieves. The IRS anticipates a primary week of March refund for a lot of EITC and ACTC taxpayers in the event that they file electronically with direct deposit and there are not any points with their tax returns.
The place are you able to Begin Submitting Taxes?
You can begin submitting your return with tax software program firms or instantly with the IRS at any time, together with proper now. I’ll quickly be revising my lists of the best tax prep software and best & cheapest ways to e-file. Just a few of my favorites over time (with notable unique reductions from affiliate partnerships) embrace:
- Cash App Taxes: no price federal/state e-file (previously ‘Credit score Karma Tax’)
- TurboTax: get “early chook” TurboTax pricing and an extra 10% off TurboTax pricing with bonus accomplice low cost at hyperlink. There’s additionally a “any tax situation for free promo” whenever you change to TurboTax and file by 2/28.
- H&R Block: save an extra 20% off H&R Block pricing with bonus accomplice low cost at hyperlink
- TaxSlayer: save an extra 20% off TaxSlayer pricing with bonus accomplice low cost at hyperlink
- TaxAct: save an extra 5% off TaxAct pricing with bonus accomplice low cost at hyperlink
IRS Free File, in case you meet the entire earnings and different eligibility necessities, opens January 9, 2026.
If you happen to’d like extra assistance on how one can do your taxes, try my DIY tax filing guide.
