You can usually start filing your federal income taxes in late January , when the IRS officially opens tax season and begins accepting e‑filed returns for the prior tax year.

Key dates at a glance

  • Tax season typically opens in late January each year; for recent years, the IRS start date has fallen in the last week of January.
  • You can prepare your return earlier using software, but it will not actually be filed until the IRS system opens.
  • For a given tax year, the filing deadline is usually April 15 of the following year (unless that day is a weekend/holiday), with an extension generally available to October 15 if you file Form 4868.

What “start filing” really means

  • “Start filing” in practice means:
    • You have all your key tax documents (W‑2s, 1099s, etc.), and
    • The IRS has opened its systems to accept returns for that tax year.
  • Many tax prep services let you enter information and “lock in” your return early, then they submit it automatically once the IRS opens e‑filing.

Why filing early can help

  • Filing as soon as the IRS opens can help you:
    • Get any refund faster, since early‑season returns are often processed more quickly.
* Reduce the risk of tax‑related identity theft, because a scammer has less chance to file a fake return first.
  • It also gives you extra time to fix issues (like missing forms or rejected e‑files) before the April deadline.

State taxes and special cases

  • State income tax filing start dates usually track the federal calendar, opening around the same late‑January window, but exact dates can vary by state.
  • People affected by certain natural disasters or special IRS relief events may get later filing and payment deadlines announced separately for their area.

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When can you start filing taxes? Learn when tax season opens, how early you can e‑file, typical IRS dates from late January through April 15, and why filing early is often a smart move.

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