For the 2026 filing season, federal individual tax returns are expected to be accepted by the IRS in late January 2026 , with many tax pros estimating around January 26, 2026 as a likely start date, but this has not yet been formally announced by the IRS as of early January.

Quick Scoop: 2026 Tax Season Start

Most years, the IRS opens e‑filing in the last week of January, after updating systems and forms. For 2026, several tax professionals and refund-schedule estimators are projecting that the IRS may begin accepting 2025 tax year returns as early as Monday, January 26, 2026 , but they stress this is an estimate, not a guarantee.

News coverage of “When does tax season start in 2026?” also notes that the IRS typically begins accepting returns in late January and that the official date had not yet been posted in early January 2026. The IRS’ own “Get Ready for the 2026 filing season” guidance focuses on preparation and updates, but does not yet give a precise opening day, reinforcing that only an official IRS announcement will lock in the exact start date.

What This Means For You

  • Plan for late January 2026 as the realistic window when taxes will start being accepted, and treat Jan. 26, 2026 as a working estimate , not a promise.
  • If you file electronically and are due a refund, many filers typically receive it within 10–21 days after the IRS accepts the return, assuming no special credits or issues.
  • Returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) can face additional verification delays, so refunds may not appear until early March even if you file early.

As tax season gets closer, it is worth checking the IRS news page directly, since the agency usually publishes an official press release with the exact opening date of the filing season.