The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a cornerstone of the U.S. financial system, and understanding its filing schedule is key to a smooth tax season. If you're eager to file your taxes and perhaps get that refund sooner rather than later, you're in the right place!
The Annual Tax Filing Season: When Does it Begin?
The IRS generally opens its tax filing season and begins accepting individual income tax returns for the previous tax year in late January. For the 2024 tax year (the taxes you'll file in 2025), the IRS officially began accepting tax returns on Monday, January 27, 2025.
It's important to differentiate between preparing your taxes and filing them. You can certainly start preparing your tax return well before the IRS officially opens, but you cannot submit it to the IRS until they begin accepting returns. Tax software providers and tax professionals often allow you to complete your return beforehand and will then hold it for electronic submission once the IRS systems are ready.
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| How Early Is The Irs Accepting Tax Returns |
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Early Tax Filing
Are you ready to get a head start on your taxes? Let's dive in!
QuickTip: Reread tricky spots right away.
Step 1: Gather Your Documents (The Sooner, The Better!)
- Hey there, proactive taxpayer! The absolute first and most crucial step in filing your taxes early is to gather all your necessary documents. Without these, you can't accurately complete your return, no matter how early the IRS opens.
- W-2 Forms: These are vital if you're an employee, showing your wages and the taxes withheld. Employers typically have until January 31st to send these out.
- 1099 Forms: If you received income from sources other than a regular employer (e.g., freelance work, interest from savings accounts, dividends, retirement distributions), you'll receive various 1099 forms (1099-NEC for non-employee compensation, 1099-INT for interest, 1099-DIV for dividends, etc.). Like W-2s, these are generally due to you by January 31st.
- Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement: If you purchased health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you'll need this form to reconcile any advance premium tax credits.
- Other Income Documents: This could include K-1s from partnerships or S-corporations, records of rental income, or any other income not reported on the above forms.
- Deduction and Credit Documentation:
- Itemized Deductions: If you plan to itemize, collect receipts and records for medical expenses, state and local taxes paid, mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and casualty/theft losses (if applicable).
- Tax Credits: Gather documentation for credits like education credits (Form 1098-T), child and dependent care expenses, or energy-efficient home improvements.
- Previous Year's Tax Return: This can be a valuable reference, especially for carrying over information like prior year capital losses or estimated tax payments.
Step 2: Choose Your Filing Method (E-file is King for Speed!)
Once you have your documents in hand, it's time to decide how you'll file.
- Electronic Filing (E-file): This is by far the fastest and most accurate way to file your return. The IRS strongly encourages e-filing, and most refunds from e-filed returns are issued within 21 days.
- Tax Software: Popular options like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and FreeTaxUSA allow you to prepare and e-file your federal and often state returns. Many offer a "hold" feature, meaning you can prepare your return before the IRS opens and they will automatically submit it on the official start date.
- IRS Free File Program: If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is below a certain threshold (which was $84,000 for tax year 2024), you can use free, guided tax software through IRS Free File partners. This is a great option for many taxpayers.
- IRS Direct File (Pilot Program): For tax year 2024, the IRS expanded its Direct File pilot program to 25 states, allowing eligible taxpayers to file their federal taxes directly with the IRS for free. Check the IRS website to see if your state is participating.
- Tax Professional: A qualified tax professional (like a CPA or Enrolled Agent) can prepare and e-file your return for you. This is ideal if your tax situation is complex. They will also typically hold your return until the IRS is ready to accept it.
- Paper Filing: While still an option, mailing a paper return to the IRS significantly slows down the processing time. If you're looking for an early refund, this is not the method to choose. Paper returns can take weeks, or even months, to process.
Step 3: Prepare Your Return (Even Before the Official Start)
- Utilize "Hold" Features: Most tax software programs allow you to begin preparing your return and even "submit" it to the software company before the IRS officially begins accepting returns. They will then securely hold your return and transmit it to the IRS on the opening day. This ensures you're among the first in line for processing.
- Double-Check Everything: Before submitting, carefully review all your entries. Common errors like incorrect Social Security numbers, bank account information for direct deposit, or math errors can significantly delay your refund. Take your time and verify every detail.
Step 4: Submit Your Return on Opening Day (Or Soon After!)
- Automatic Transmission: If you used tax software or a tax professional with a "hold" feature, your return will be transmitted to the IRS on January 27, 2025, or whichever day the IRS officially begins accepting returns.
- Manual Submission (if applicable): If you prepared your return independently and planned to e-file yourself, ensure you transmit it as soon as the IRS e-file system opens.
Step 5: Monitor Your Refund Status (Patience is a Virtue, But Knowledge is Power!)
After you've successfully filed, you'll want to keep an eye on your refund.
- "Where's My Refund?" Tool: The IRS offers a fantastic online tool called "Where's My Refund?" (IRS.gov/refunds). You'll need your Social Security Number (or ITIN), filing status, and the exact refund amount shown on your return to access this.
- Updates: The "Where's My Refund?" tool is updated once daily, usually overnight.
- Timing: You can generally start checking the status of your refund within 24 hours after your e-filed return has been accepted by the IRS.
- IRS2Go Mobile App: You can also check your refund status using the IRS2Go app on your mobile device.
- Direct Deposit for Speed: If you're expecting a refund, choosing direct deposit is the fastest way to receive your money. The IRS typically issues most refunds in less than 21 days for electronically filed returns with direct deposit.
Key Considerations for Early Filing
- Accuracy Over Speed: While filing early can lead to a faster refund, accuracy is paramount. Submitting an incomplete or incorrect return will lead to delays and potentially further issues with the IRS. Wait until you have all your necessary documents before filing.
- EITC/ACTC Refunds: By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. This is a measure to help prevent fraud. Even if you file early, you won't see these refunds until after this period.
- Identity Theft Prevention: Filing early can also be a proactive measure against identity theft. If a fraudster tries to file a fraudulent return using your Social Security Number, your legitimate return filed earlier will often prevent their attempt.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check when the IRS starts accepting tax returns for a specific year?
You can check the IRS newsroom, official IRS website (IRS.gov), or reliable financial news outlets in late December or early January for the official announcement of the tax filing season start date.
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
How to file my taxes as early as possible?
To file as early as possible, gather all your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) as soon as you receive them, use tax software or a tax professional that allows you to prepare your return and holds it for submission, and ensure you e-file on the official IRS opening day.
How to ensure my tax refund is processed quickly?
File electronically (e-file), choose direct deposit for your refund, ensure your tax return is completely accurate with no errors, and avoid claiming complex credits like EITC or ACTC if you need the refund before mid-February, as these have statutory holds.
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How to know if the IRS has accepted my e-filed return?
After e-filing, you should receive an email confirmation from your tax software provider or tax professional indicating that the IRS has accepted your return. You can also check the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov, which typically updates within 24 hours of acceptance.
QuickTip: Skim the intro, then dive deeper.
How to get my W-2 and 1099 forms if I haven't received them by the end of January?
First, contact your employer or the payer directly to request the missing form. If you still cannot obtain it, you may contact the IRS for assistance, but only after you have tried to get it yourself.
How to avoid common mistakes that delay tax refunds?
Double-check all personal information (name, SSN/ITIN), verify all reported income and deductions against your documentation, ensure all calculations are correct (tax software usually handles this), and provide accurate bank account information for direct deposit.
How to file an amended return if I realize I made a mistake after filing early?
If you discover an error after filing, you'll need to file an amended return using Form 1040-X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. Do not file another original return. Wait until your original return has been fully processed before filing the amendment.
Tip: Slow down at important lists or bullet points.
How to track the status of my tax refund after it's been accepted?
Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app. You'll need your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact refund amount.
How to file my state taxes if I file my federal taxes early?
Many tax software programs allow you to file both federal and state taxes simultaneously. If your state's tax department also opens for filing around the same time as the IRS, your state return will likely be transmitted then. Be aware that state filing dates and processes can vary.
How to get free tax filing assistance if my income is low?
Explore the IRS Free File Program on IRS.gov if your Adjusted Gross Income is below the threshold, or look for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites in your community, which offer free tax preparation services.
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