The IRS will start accepting and processing 2025 federal individual income tax returns for the 2026 filing season on Monday, January 26, 2026.

When do the IRS start accepting taxes 2026?

Quick Scoop

If you’re asking “when do the IRS start accepting taxes 2026?” you’re really asking: when can I file my 2025 tax return in early 2026? The official start date for the 2026 filing season is January 26, 2026.

That’s the first day the IRS systems open to accept and process individual e‑filed federal returns for tax year 2025.

Key 2026 tax season dates

  • IRS opening day (first day to e‑file): Monday, January 26, 2026
  • Tax filing deadline for most people (Tax Day): Wednesday, April 15, 2026
  • Extension deadline (if you file a valid extension): Generally October 15, 2026

You can prepare your return earlier with tax software or a pro, but it cannot actually be filed with the IRS until January 26, 2026.

Simple example

  • You get your W‑2s around late January.
  • You finish your 2025 return on January 20, 2026.
  • The software will hold it until the IRS opens, then transmit it on or after January 26, 2026 , when the IRS starts accepting 2026 season returns.

Quick HTML facts table

html

<table>
  <tr>
    <th>Item</th>
    <th>Date</th>
    <th>Details</th>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>First day IRS accepts 2025 returns (2026 season)</td>
    <td>January 26, 2026 (Monday)</td>
    <td>Official opening of 2026 filing season for individual e-filed federal returns.[web:5][web:7]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Standard Tax Day 2026</td>
    <td>April 15, 2026 (Wednesday)</td>
    <td>Deadline for most calendar-year filers to file 2025 federal returns and pay any tax due.[web:1][web:7][web:9]</td>
  </tr>
  <tr>
    <td>Typical extension deadline</td>
    <td>October 15, 2026</td>
    <td>Last day to file if you requested a valid extension (payment is still due by April 15).[web:1]</td>
  </tr>
</table>

Forum / “trending topic” angle

You’ll see people on forums asking if they can “file early” or if refunds will be delayed in 2026. Many are just eager to get refunds as soon as direct deposit starts hitting after that January 26 opening. Expect a lot of discussion about:

  • When the first refunds are paid out.
  • Whether new rules change refund sizes or timing.
  • Whether using Free File, Direct File, or paid software feels faster or easier in 2026.

In many forum threads, the consensus is: file as soon as you have accurate documents, e‑file with direct deposit, and watch the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool once the season opens.

SEO notes (for your post)

  • Try to naturally include phrases like “when do the irs start accepting taxes 2026” , “latest news” , and “trending topic” in headings and intros.
  • A meta description example:
    “Wondering when the IRS starts accepting taxes in 2026? The 2026 filing season opens January 26, 2026, with most returns due April 15. Learn key dates and tips.”

TL;DR: The IRS starts accepting 2025 returns for the 2026 tax season on January 26, 2026 ; most people must file by April 15, 2026.

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