when do we do taxes

Taxes for the 2025 tax year in the US are typically filed starting late January 2026, with the main deadline on April 15, 2026.
Key Deadlines
Individual income tax returns are due April 15, 2026, but extensions push filing to October 15, 2026—payments are still due April 15 to avoid penalties. Estimated tax payments for self-employed or those with significant non-wage income follow quarterly schedules: January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15 in 2026. Businesses like C corporations and sole proprietors also face April 15 deadlines, with extensions available.
Filing Timeline
The IRS usually opens e-filing around late January, such as January 26–30 based on patterns, allowing early filers to get refunds quicker. W-2 forms from employers arrive by January 31, 2026, giving you time to gather documents like 1099s. Refunds for early electronic filers often arrive within 21 days via direct deposit.
Preparation Tips
Start now by collecting income docs, deductions like charitable contributions, and checking for 2026 changes such as potential overtime exemptions or senior deductions under current policies. Use free file options if eligible, or software like TurboTax for guidance—many offer free editions for simple returns. If owing, set up IRS payment plans to minimize interest.
Forum Buzz
On places like Reddit's r/personalfinance, folks stress starting early to beat April rushes and snag bigger refunds, with threads on software comparisons running January through April. Common advice: Double-check eligibility for credits like EITC before filing.
TL;DR: File 2025 taxes starting late Jan 2026, due April 15; prep docs now for smooth sailing.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.