Tax filing season for 2026 (for your 2025 federal return in the U.S.) opened on January 26, 2026, and the main deadline to file is April 15, 2026.

Key 2026 Tax Dates (Quick Scoop)

  • IRS opening date to accept and process 2025 individual returns: Monday, January 26, 2026.
  • Regular Tax Day (federal deadline for most individual filers): Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Extended filing deadline if you request an extension (Form 4868): October 15, 2026.
  • Typical refund timing (for most clean e-filed returns with direct deposit): often within about 21 days after acceptance, though this can vary.

For returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional/Child Tax Credit (ACTC/CTC), many refunds are not released until around early March 2026 (for example, by about March 2 for many filers whose returns are accepted in late January/early February).

What “Taxes Being Released” Usually Means

People on forums often ask “when are taxes being released 2026” to mean a few slightly different things:

  • When can I file / when does tax season start?
    • Answer: IRS began accepting 2025 returns on Jan 26, 2026.
  • When are refunds being released?
    • Many straightforward refunds (no special credits, no issues) arrive roughly 2–3 weeks after IRS acceptance if you use e-file and direct deposit.
* For EITC/ACTC/CTC refunds, federal law delays release until **around early March** , even if your return is accepted in late January.
  • When do I absolutely have to file by?
    • The standard federal deadline is April 15, 2026 , unless you get an extension or have a special situation (like some disaster relief or living abroad).

A simple example: If your e-filed return is accepted on January 26, you might see your refund as early as the first half of February on some estimated refund calendars, though the exact date depends on processing and your bank.

Mini FAQ: 2026 Tax Season

1. When can I first file my 2025 taxes in 2026?

  • Earliest e-file date: January 26, 2026.
  • You can prepare returns earlier with software or a preparer, but they are generally held and then transmitted once the IRS opens e-filing.

2. When are refunds actually sent out?

  • Many refunds for non‑EITC/ACTC filers using direct deposit go out within about 21 days of acceptance.
  • Returns filed during peak season (late March–mid‑April) may take a bit longer.

3. Is there anything special about 2026?

  • 2026 is a notable year because it follows new federal tax law changes (popularly discussed under the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”) that affect things like tips, overtime, and credits, which can change refund amounts.
  • That doesn’t change the main dates , but it can change whether you owe or get more/less back.

If You’re Watching Forums and “Latest News”

Many forum threads and news pieces around early 2026 focus on:

  • People asking when the IRS “flips the switch” for e-file (answer: Jan 26, 2026).
  • Confusion over why some early filers (especially with EITC/CTC) don’t see refunds until late February or early March despite filing in January.
  • Extra attention on refund timing because of law changes that make some workers’ pay (like certain tips and overtime) treated differently for tax purposes.

You’ll also see unofficial “refund calendars” online that list projected refund dates based on your acceptance date; these are estimates only, but they tend to center around that 2–3 week post‑acceptance window.

Quick Checklist for You

  • Mark Jan 26, 2026 as the first day to file electronically.
  • Aim for early February filing if you want a faster refund and have your documents ready.
  • Keep April 15, 2026 on your calendar as the core deadline.
  • Use direct deposit and e-file to reduce delays and get your money sooner.

TL;DR:
For 2026, federal tax filing opens January 26, 2026 , regular Tax Day is April 15, 2026 , and many refunds arrive within a few weeks of acceptance, with EITC/CTC refunds generally landing around early March.

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