The IRS has not yet announced the exact date it will start accepting 2026 tax returns (for tax year 2025). Historically, the season opens in late January , but 2026 could shift slightly earlier or later depending on system updates and law changes.

What is known so far

  • The IRS is already telling taxpayers to get ready for the 2026 filing season , but without giving a specific opening day.
  • For past years, the IRS has typically begun accepting returns in the last third of January (for example, around January 27 in a recent year).
  • Major tax law or technology changes can push the opening later than usual , so 2026 could see a similar adjustment.

Most likely timing

While no official date is set, current guidance from tax pros and preparer sites is that:

  • The IRS will “generally begin accepting returns in late January” for the 2026 season.
  • Some commentary and videos discuss the possibility of a delay into February, but this is speculative and not an IRS commitment.

So the realistic expectation is late January 2026 , with a chance of a modest delay.

How to get the exact date

Because the date is announced close to the season, the safest way to know exactly when the IRS will start accepting 2026 tax returns is to:

  1. Watch the IRS Newsroom and tax tips page in early January 2026 for the official start-date press release.
  1. Check reputable tax-preparation companies (TaxAct, Jackson Hewitt, H&R Block) a few days after that; they usually highlight the confirmed opening date prominently.
  1. If you use a tax software product, log in in early January: most platforms display “IRS is now accepting 2025 returns” (or similar) as soon as the agency opens e‑filing.

What you can do now

  • Get documents organized (W‑2s, 1099s, records of deductions) so you can file as soon as the IRS opens the gate.
  • Consider preparing your return inside software early and just hold it ready to e‑file once the start date is announced.
  • If you expect a refund, filing as soon as the IRS begins accepting returns usually means getting money back within about 21 days of acceptance.

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