Mark Your Calendar: When You Can Start Submitting Your 2025 Tax Return

The IRS Opens Its Doors for Tax Season

The Internal Revenue Service has set January 26, 2026 as the official date when taxpayers can begin filing their 2025 tax returns. With the April 15 deadline still months away, this gives millions of Americans nearly three months to complete their filings without rushing against the clock.

Why Getting Ahead on Your Tax Return Matters

While most people wait until the last minute to tackle their taxes, there are compelling reasons to submit your tax return earlier in the filing season rather than later.

Speed up your refund timeline: If you’re entitled to a refund, filing early is one of the simplest ways to receive your money faster. The sooner the IRS processes your tax return, the quicker the funds land in your account—sometimes within weeks rather than months.

Protect yourself from identity theft: Tax refund fraud remains a persistent threat. Criminals who have stolen your Social Security number may attempt to file a fraudulent tax return under your name to intercept your refund. However, if you file your tax return first, any duplicate submissions using your Social Security number will be automatically rejected by the IRS system. This makes early filing a practical shield against this type of fraud.

Practical Considerations for Early Filing

One challenge with submitting your tax return in late January is that not all necessary documents—W-2s, 1099 forms, and other records—may have arrived yet. Rather than force the issue, it’s perfectly reasonable to wait a few weeks until you have everything in hand. The key takeaway is simply to aim for earlier submission during the season rather than procrastinating until mid-April.

This information is educational in nature and should not be considered personal tax advice. Consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.