When Can I Start Taxes? Important Filing Dates to Know

Determining the earliest moment you can file your annual income tax return involves two primary factors. The first is the official date the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins to accept and process returns for the new tax season. The second, and equally important, component is when you have personally received all the official documents detailing your income and any deductible expenses from the prior year. Understanding how these two elements interact is the key to identifying your personal tax filing start date.

Key Dates in the Tax Filing Season

The Internal Revenue Service designates a specific day each year, typically in late January, as the official start of the tax filing season. For the 2024 tax year, the IRS will begin accepting and processing returns on January 27, 2025. This period is necessary for the agency to update its processing systems, finalize tax forms, and implement any new tax law changes enacted by Congress.

While the season starts in January, the most recognized date on the tax calendar is the filing deadline, which is traditionally April 15. If this date falls on a weekend or an official holiday, the deadline is pushed to the next business day. An extension to file can be requested by submitting Form 4868, which pushes the due date to October 15. This is an extension of time to file, not an extension of time to pay any taxes owed.

Gathering Your Necessary Tax Forms

Even though the IRS may be ready to accept your return, you cannot accurately file until you have collected all your tax documents. The critical date for this part of the process is January 31. Federal law requires employers and other financial institutions to send out most necessary forms to individuals by this date. Waiting for every document ensures your tax return is complete and accurate.

Common forms you will need to collect include:

• Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement, which you receive from your employer detailing your annual wages and the amount of tax that was withheld.
• Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, if you are self-employed or an independent contractor who earned $600 or more from a client.
• Form 1099-INT for interest income earned from bank accounts.
• Form 1099-DIV for dividends and distributions from investments.

It is advisable to track the arrival of each document from your expected income sources. Once you have every W-2 and 1099 in hand, you can be confident that the income reported to the IRS on your behalf matches what you are reporting on your return. This alignment helps prevent automated notices or delays from the IRS.

Preparing Your Return Before the IRS Opening Date

Many tax software companies and tax professionals begin offering their services well before the IRS’s official start date. This allows you to get a head start by inputting your financial information as soon as you have received your necessary documents. This early preparation is helpful for those anticipating a refund and wishing to submit their return at the earliest possible moment.

When you complete your return with a software provider before the IRS opening day, the software doesn’t immediately transmit it. Instead, it holds your completed return in a queue. The system is designed to securely store your information and then automatically send it to the IRS the moment the agency’s electronic filing systems go live.

This capability is a feature of the electronic filing, or e-file, system, which the IRS recommends for its accuracy and speed. By preparing your return early, you can take your time to ensure all information is correct and explore all potential deductions and credits. Once transmitted on the opening day, electronically filed returns are processed much faster than paper returns, with most refunds being issued within 21 days.