The 2026 tax season officially starts on Monday, January 26, 2026, when the IRS will begin accepting and processing individual 2025 tax returns.
Key Dates for the 2026 Tax Season
- January 9, 2026: The IRS Free File program will begin accepting returns for qualified taxpayers.
- January 26, 2026: The official start of the 2026 tax season; the date the IRS begins accepting and processing all federal income tax returns.
- January 31, 2026: The deadline for employers to send out Form W-2 and other essential tax forms.
- April 15, 2026: The deadline to file your 2025 tax return and pay any taxes owed.
- October 15, 2026: The deadline for those who filed for an automatic extension to submit their completed return (any taxes owed must still be paid by April 15).
