IRS announces tax filing start date
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The Internal Revenue Service announced Thursday, Jan. 8, that the first day of filing would be Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. According to the IRS, taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, to file and pay any taxes due. Taxpayers have until Oct. 15 to file without penalties, but taxes owed must still be paid by April 15.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taxpayers can get a head start on preparing their 2025 federal tax returns as the IRS Free File program is now available ahead of the official start of the tax filing season, with free filing available at IRS.gov/FreeFile.
The IRS will start accepting 2025 tax returns on Jan. 26, marking the official start of the 2026 tax filing season. The filing deadline is April 15.
Tax professionals say missing filing deadlines can quietly disqualify taxpayers from key IRS relief programs, even when
IRS urges taxpayers to prepare now for the 2026 filing season with new rules, filing tips and major changes that could save time and stress.