You can prepare your 2025 taxes early, but you can only actually file once the IRS opens the filing season, which for 2025 federal returns is Monday, January 27, 2025 for tax year 2024.

Key 2025 filing dates

  • The IRS announced that the 2025 tax filing season starts January 27, 2025 , which is the first day it will accept and process individual 2024 federal returns.
  • The standard tax day deadline to file 2024 federal returns (the ones you file in 2025) is April 15, 2025 , unless you get an extension or your state has a special disaster-related date.
  • Some tax software and tax pros let you finish and “queue” your return earlier in January, but it will not actually be filed with the IRS until the IRS systems open on January 27.

“How early” in practice

  • You can start gathering documents (W‑2s, 1099s, mortgage interest statements, etc.) and entering data into software as soon as those forms arrive, typically throughout January.
  • If you use IRS Free File or the IRS Direct File program, you’ll still have to wait until January 27, 2025 for your return to be transmitted and accepted, even if you prepare it beforehand.

Quick tips for filing early

  • Make sure you have all your income forms before filing to avoid amended returns and refund delays.
  • Filing as soon as the IRS opens can help you get your refund faster and may reduce the risk of someone using your information for a fraudulent return.

TL;DR: For “how early can you file taxes 2025,” the earliest the IRS will actually accept your 2024 federal return is January 27, 2025 ; everything before that is just preparation or having your return ready to transmit.

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