The IRS began accepting 2024 tax returns on January 29, 2025

The IRS opened its filing season on January 29, 2025, for the 2024 tax year. This is the date when the agency's systems are ready to receive and process returns from tax software companies, tax professionals, and people filing on their own. The filing deadline itself — when your return must reach the IRS — is April 15, 2025.

The gap between the start of filing season and the deadline gives you over two and a half months to file. However, the IRS does not process all returns at the same speed. Returns filed earlier in the season are typically processed faster, and refunds are issued sooner.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS began accepting 2024 tax returns on January 29, 2025, but the filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
  • Filing early in the season can mean your refund arrives weeks or months sooner than if you file in March or April.
  • You can file through tax software, a tax professional, or by mailing a paper return to the IRS.
  • If you need more time, you can request an extension, which moves your deadline to October 15, 2025, but does not extend the time to pay taxes owed.

Why the IRS does not accept returns on January 1

The IRS needs time to update its systems after the previous tax year ends. Employers, banks, and other organizations send the IRS copies of forms like W-2s (wages), 1099s (interest, dividends, freelance income), and mortgage interest statements. The IRS waits for most of these documents to arrive before opening the filing season, so it can cross-check your return against what employers and financial institutions reported about you.

The exact start date shifts slightly each year depending on when the IRS finishes its technical setup and when it receives the bulk of third-party documents. January 29 is typical for recent years, but the date can fall anywhere from late January to early February.

How filing early affects your refund timeline

If you file in early February, the IRS typically processes your return and issues your refund within 21 days. If you file in late March or early April, the same return may take six to eight weeks to process because the IRS is handling millions of returns at once.

The 21-day timeframe assumes your return is complete, accurate, and does not trigger additional review. Returns that claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are held until at least February 15 by law, even if filed earlier. This delay is a fraud-prevention measure and applies regardless of when you submit your return.

Where to file your 2024 return

You have three main routes: tax software, a tax professional, or paper mail. Tax software — such as IRS Free File partners, TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct — lets you file electronically from your computer or phone. Electronic filing is faster and produces fewer errors than paper returns. The IRS began accepting electronic returns on January 29, 2025.

A tax professional (CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer) can file on your behalf. They submit your return electronically as well. Paper returns can be mailed to the IRS, but they take longer to process — typically four to six weeks for the IRS to receive and scan your return, plus additional time to process it. The postmark date counts as your filing date, so mail your return by April 15 if you want to meet the deadline.

What to have ready before you file

Gather your W-2s from all employers, 1099s for any other income (freelance work, interest, dividends, rental income), and receipts or records for deductions you plan to claim. You will also need your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. If you are claiming dependents, have their Social Security numbers and dates of birth.

If you filed a return in 2023, you can often import that information into tax software to speed up the process. Have your prior-year return handy or access to your IRS account online at IRS.gov to retrieve it.

Requesting an extension if you are not ready by April 15

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an automatic extension using Form 4868. This moves your filing deadline to October 15, 2025. You can file Form 4868 electronically through tax software, by phone, or by mail. The IRS grants the extension automatically — you do not need a reason.

Important: an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe taxes, they are due on April 15 even if you file your return later. Paying by April 15 avoids penalties and interest. If you cannot pay the full amount, the IRS offers payment plans and other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my 2024 return before January 29, 2025?

No. The IRS does not accept 2024 returns before January 29, 2025. If you attempt to file through software or a tax professional before that date, the system will reject it. You can prepare your return in advance, but you cannot submit it until the filing season opens.

What if I file on April 14 instead of April 15?

Filing on April 14 meets the deadline. The deadline is April 15, so any return postmarked or electronically filed by the end of April 15 is on time. If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline shifts to the next business day.

Do I have to file by January 29 to get a refund?

No. You can file anytime between January 29 and April 15 and still receive a refund. Filing earlier usually means your refund arrives sooner, but there is no penalty for filing later in the season.

If I owe taxes, does the extension give me more time to pay?

No. An extension gives you until October 15 to file your return, but taxes owed are still due on April 15. If you do not pay by April 15, you owe penalties and interest on the unpaid amount, even if you file the return later.