The IRS will start processing electronic returns (Form 1040 and 1040-SR) for the 2025 tax year on January 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.

Official Timeline

This marks the official opening of the 2026 filing season, as announced by the IRS, allowing both electronic and paper submissions to be accepted and processed starting that Monday. Business returns open earlier on January 13, 2026, via the Modernized e-File (MeF) system. The standard deadline remains April 15, 2026, for most individual filers, with electronic filing plus direct deposit recommended for fastest refunds.

Key Dates Table

Return Type| IRS Opens (ET)| Notes 135
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Individual (1040)| Jan 26, 9 a.m.| Most common; refunds fastest via e-file + direct deposit
Business (All)| Jan 13, 9 a.m.| Partnerships/S-Corps due Mar 16; C-Corps Apr 15

Trending Forum Chatter

On platforms like Reddit's r/IRS, users are buzzing about past processing efficiency despite IRS challenges, with hopes for smooth 2026 updates like website tweaks and direct deposit progress—though these posts predate the official announcement. No major delays reported yet for this season; early filing urged to dodge identity theft risks.

Pro Tips for Filers

  • E-file early : Reduces errors and speeds refunds; paper checks phasing out.
  • Check status : Use IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool post-filing.
  • Expats note : Prior e-file shutdown was Dec 26, 2025, but new season restarts fresh.

TL;DR : E-returns process from Jan 26, 2026—file soon for quick refunds.

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