You can start preparing your 2025 taxes any time, but you can only actually file once the IRS opens the 2026 filing season, which is in late January, and your federal deadline is April 15, 2026 for most people. State or non‑US tax systems may have different opening dates and deadlines, so those need to be checked separately.

Key US 2026 dates

  • The IRS has set April 15, 2026 as Tax Day for 2025 federal individual income tax returns.
  • The IRS generally opens e‑filing in late January; for 2026, sources indicate a late‑January opening date for e‑file of 2025 returns.
  • You can work on your return as soon as you have all your forms (like W‑2s and 1099s), but the return can only be transmitted once the IRS systems open for the season.

“How soon can I do my taxes?”

When people ask “how soon can I do my taxes,” it usually breaks into two parts:

  • When you can start working on them:
    • As soon as you receive your income documents (employers must send W‑2s by the end of January, and many 1099s arrive in January–February).
* You can enter everything into software or organize it for a preparer before the IRS accepts filings.
  • When you can actually file:
    • On or after the IRS opening day for the filing season (late January 2026 for 2025 returns).
* You must file (or request an extension) by April 15, 2026 to avoid late‑filing penalties in most situations.

What about state or other countries?

  • US state income tax deadlines often match or fall on/after April 15, but exact dates and opening days vary by state, so state revenue sites should be checked for 2026 details.
  • In the UK, for example, Self Assessment online returns for the 2024–25 tax year can be submitted any time from April 6, 2025 up to January 31, 2026.
  • In the Netherlands, the 2026 season for 2025 income tax typically opens March 1, 2026, with a standard filing deadline of May 1, 2026.

Practical steps to get a head start

  • Gather documents early: pay stubs, last year’s return, W‑2s, 1099s, and records of major life changes like marriage or moving.
  • Decide whether to use DIY software, a professional preparer, or free‑file options; simpler returns can often use free or low‑cost tools.
  • If you expect a refund, filing as soon as e‑file opens usually gets your money faster, especially when choosing direct deposit.

Mini “forum‑style” take

“how soon can i do my taxes?”

  • Realistically: as soon as you have your forms and the IRS (or your country’s tax authority) turns on the e‑file system in late January.
  • Strategically: the earlier you file after systems open, the sooner any refund tends to show up and the more time you have if something goes wrong.

TL;DR: You can start getting everything ready now, and in the US you can hit “file” once the IRS opens e‑filing in late January, but you need to submit by April 15, 2026 (or request an extension) to stay on time.

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