when does irs start processing returns

The IRS starts processing 2025 tax returns for the 2026 filing season on Monday, January 26, 2026 for most individual e-filed returns, with some limited early intake through Free File before that date.

Key dates for 2026 filing season

• Opening day for filing 2025 federal tax returns: January 26, 2026.

• IRS Free File program begins accepting returns earlier for eligible taxpayers: Friday, January 9, 2026.

• Tax filing deadline for 2025 returns: April 15, 2026 (barring extensions or special disaster relief).

In practice, if you e-file with direct deposit on or after January 26, your return typically enters the normal processing pipeline right away, though actual refund timing still depends on accuracy checks and any extra reviews.

How fast are returns processed?

• Electronically filed Form 1040 returns are generally processed within about 21 days when there are no issues.

• Paper returns take longer; the IRS posts current paper-backlog dates (for early 2026, they are working on original 1040 paper returns received in January 2026).

• Returns needing error correction, identity verification, or special handling can take significantly longer than the 21‑day guideline.

A common real-world pattern: someone e-files on opening day, sees “we have received your tax return and it is being processed” in the Where’s My Refund tool for days or weeks, then suddenly gets a refund date once the return clears automated checks.

What about early filing and Free File?

• Some online software or IRS partners may let you prepare and queue your return before January 26, but the IRS does not fully process standard e-filed returns until the official opening day.

• The IRS Free File system starts accepting individual returns on January 9, 2026 for qualifying taxpayers, which effectively gives a limited early channel into the system ahead of full opening.

If you file through Free File on or after January 9, your return may be accepted into the IRS pipeline earlier, but refund timing will still hinge on when the IRS actually moves it through processing and any additional checks.

Tips if you’re waiting on processing

• Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” or online account to check status instead of calling, since phone support tends to be slower and more limited during peak season.

• Make sure your direct deposit info, Social Security numbers, and income figures exactly match your forms (like W‑2s and 1099s) to reduce the chance of manual review.

• Expect slower handling if your return claims certain credits or has issues that flag it for human review; longer processing times are especially common when the IRS is rolling out law changes while dealing with staffing constraints.

If your transcript or refund tool just says “we have received your tax return and it is being processed,” it usually means your return is in the queue, not that something is necessarily wrong—many filers report this message lingering for days or weeks before any update.

Mini FAQ

Does the IRS ever change the start date?
Yes, but for 2026 they have already set January 26, 2026, as opening day; any changes would come via an official IRS announcement.

Is processing first-come, first-served?
Generally, yes for clean e-filed returns, but returns with refunds often get priority over balance-due paper returns, and anything needing extra checks can fall out of the normal order.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.