The IRS has announced that the 2026 tax season start date (for 2025 income tax return filing) will be Monday, January 26, 2026. This is the date that the IRS begins accepting completed tax returns. In a few recent years, the tax start date was delayed a few weeks into February, with the complexities created by COVID and stimulus checks. This year, that will not be the case, as the start of tax season will be the last Monday in January. I’ll detail what this means and more below.
What is the 2026 Tax Season Start Date?
The IRS tax season start is, by definition, the tax filing start date. It is the first day in a given tax season when the IRS begins to accept and process tax returns for the prior year. No returns will be processed sooner than this date, and the IRS says most refunds will be process in 21 days or less. For 2026, the tax season start date will likely be Monday, January 26, 2026.
Can you Submit a Tax Return Prior to the Tax Start Date?
You can technically complete your tax return prior to the tax season start date, however, your return will be held for processing (either by the IRS if you file directly or for e-file submission by the tax software company you file with) until the tax start date. In other words, your return cannot be processed prior to the official start date of tax season.
I would also not recommend filing your return prior to the IRS tax start date, as there could be a number of late changes to tax forms and tax software that could impact your return. Also, there is no benefit to filing sooner. Doing so will not hold a place in line for your return to be processed sooner.
What are the Important Dates this Tax Season?
I’ve compiled a list of all the important tax deadlines and dates for 2026. The main date of note is the tax deadline, which will be Wednesday, April 15, 2026. If you would like to extend that deadline, you can file an extension with the IRS (which gets you an extra 6 months to file). The HSA contribution deadline and IRA contribution deadline for last year’s contributions fall on the same date as well. The estimated tax payment deadlines are as follows:
A Note for Those Claiming the EITC or Additional Child Tax Credit
Those who claim either the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) may see a refund delay due to rule changes from the PATH Act. Under the PATH Act, the IRS is not able to issue a refund involving the EITC or ACTC before mid-February. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves. The IRS anticipates a first week of March refund for many EITC and ACTC taxpayers if they file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns.
Where can you Start Filing Taxes?
You can start filing your return with tax software companies or directly with the IRS at any time, including right now. I will soon be revising my lists of the best tax prep software and best & cheapest ways to e-file. A few of my favorites over the years (with notable exclusive discounts from affiliate partnerships) include:
- Cash App Taxes: no fee federal/state e-file (formerly ‘Credit Karma Tax’)
- TurboTax: get “early bird” TurboTax pricing and an additional 10% off TurboTax pricing with bonus partner discount at link. There is also a “any tax situation for free promo” when you switch to TurboTax and file by 2/28.
- H&R Block: save an additional 20% off H&R Block pricing with bonus partner discount at link
- TaxSlayer: save an additional 20% off TaxSlayer pricing with bonus partner discount at link
- TaxAct: save an additional 5% off TaxAct pricing with bonus partner discount at link
IRS Free File, if you meet all of the income and other eligibility requirements, opens January 9, 2026.
If you’d like more help on how to do your taxes, check out my DIY tax filing guide.
