what day can i file my taxes 2026

You can file your 2025 federal taxes in 2026 starting on Monday, January 26, 2026 , which is the IRS’s official opening day for the 2026 filing season.
Quick Scoop
Here’s the key timeline for “what day can I file my taxes 2026” and what it really means for you.
When you can first file
- The IRS has announced that the 2026 filing season opens on January 26, 2026.
- That’s the first day they’ll start accepting and processing 2025 federal income tax returns (the ones you file in 2026).
- Some software or preparers may let you prepare and “submit” earlier, but your return actually goes through to the IRS only once they open on that date.
Key 2026 tax dates around that
- January 26, 2026 – Tax season opens; IRS begins accepting 2025 returns.
- April 15, 2026 – Regular Tax Day and deadline to file your 2025 federal return or request an extension.
- October 15, 2026 – Extended deadline if you filed for an extension, but you still must pay any tax due by April 15 to avoid extra penalties.
Mini “how this plays out” example
Imagine you get your W‑2 by early February, have all your 1099s, and your return is straightforward. You could sit down on the evening of January 26, 2026 , e‑file your return that same day, and start the clock for your refund as early as the IRS systems open.
In forum-style discussions and trending tax threads right now, most people asking “what day can I file my taxes 2026” are really asking when the IRS e‑file gate opens. The consensus answer is: January 26, 2026 , with Tax Day on April 15, 2026 for the 2025 return.
TL;DR: You can file your 2025 taxes in 2026 starting January 26, 2026 , and you generally have until April 15, 2026 to file on time (or request an extension).
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.