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

Key 2026 IRS dates

  • IRS opening date (start of tax season): Monday, January 26, 2026.
  • Regular filing deadline for 2025 returns: Wednesday, April 15, 2026, for most taxpayers.
  • Extended filing deadline (if you file for an extension): October 15, 2026.

Quick Scoop: What this means

  • You can e-file or mail your 2025 return starting January 26, 2026; returns submitted earlier to tax software are typically held until that opening date.
  • Refunds are generally issued within about 21 days for correctly filed e-filed returns with direct deposit, though timing can vary.
  • The IRS has highlighted expanded online tools and resources to help taxpayers get ready for the 2026 filing season ahead of the January 26 opening.

Forum-style notes & trending context

“Late January again? At least it’s one of the earlier start dates we’ve seen in years.”

  • The January 26 start continues the recent pattern of late‑January openings , but commentary notes this is still relatively early compared with some past seasons that started closer to the end of the month.
  • News coverage in early January 2026 is tying the start of the season to the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax changes, which could affect refund sizes and filing strategies for many households.

Mini FAQ

Q: Is January 26, 2026 the same for everyone?

  • Yes, it is the nationwide start date for the IRS to accept 2025 individual federal returns, whether you use software, a tax pro, or Free File.

Q: Do states follow the same date?

  • Not always; many states open around the same time, but state start and deadline dates can differ, so state revenue or tax department sites should be checked separately.

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