when are they going to start accepting tax returns
They’re scheduled to start accepting 2025 tax-year returns on January 26, 2026 in the U.S.
Quick Scoop: 2026 Tax Season Start
For the 2026 filing season (covering your 2025 income):
- The IRS will begin accepting and processing individual federal tax returns on Monday, January 26, 2026.
- The regular federal Tax Day deadline is April 15, 2026 for most taxpayers.
- E-filing and most major tax software platforms will open on or by that same start date, so you can submit electronically as soon as systems go live.
You can still start getting ready now by gathering W‑2s, 1099s, and other documents; employers generally must send W‑2s and most 1099s by January 31, 2026 , so some people will file in early February.
Little Story-Style Example
Imagine this timeline:
- Around mid-January, you get the IRS announcement confirming Jan. 26, 2026 as opening day.
- On January 26, you log into your tax software, upload your W‑2 and 1099, and e‑file that same evening.
- If your return is simple and you’re due a refund, it could show up in your bank account a few weeks later, depending on IRS processing and any credits you claim.
Key Dates Table (Federal, 2026 Season)
| Date | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Jan. 26, 2026 | IRS opens 2026 tax season; starts accepting 2025 federal returns. | [1][7][9][3]
| Jan. 31, 2026 | Deadline for employers to send W‑2s and most 1099s. | [5][7][9]
| April 15, 2026 | Federal filing and payment deadline for 2025 individual returns (Form 1040), unless you file an extension. | [7][9][3][5]
| Oct. 15, 2026 | Extended filing deadline if you requested an extension (taxes still generally due by April 15). | [5]
Forum-Style Take
“When are they going to start accepting tax returns?” For this season, the short version everyone on the forums is quoting is:
“Mark your calendar for January 26, 2026 — that’s when the IRS switch flips on for 2025 returns.”
TL;DR: They’re going to start accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026 , and you generally have until April 15, 2026 to file on time.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.