01/08/2026
IRS Announces the Official Start of the 2026 Filing Season
The Internal Revenue Service has announced Monday, Jan. 26, 2026 as the official start date of the nation's 2026 tax season when the agency will begin accepting and processing 2025 individual tax returns.
Several factors can influence the timing of a refund after the IRS receives a tax return. While the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, taxpayers are advised not to depend on receiving a 2025 federal tax refund by a specific date for major purchases or bill payments. Some returns may require additional review and take longer to process if there are possible errors, missing information, or indications of identity theft or fraud. Also, returns including a request for a refund to be disbursed by paper check from the IRS may be delayed for up to an additional 6 weeks. See here for more information.
Additionally, under the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue refunds for tax returns claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The IRS must hold the entire refund — not just the portion associated with these credits — until the review is complete.
Business e-File for 2025, 2024 and 2023 is expected to be available on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.
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