The IRS began accepting 2024 tax returns on January 27, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service opened its filing season for 2024 tax returns on Monday, January 27, 2025. This is the official start date each year when the IRS systems are ready to receive and process returns. If you file electronically, you can submit your return as soon as that date passes. If you file by mail, you can send your return at any time, though mailing it early means it arrives during the heaviest processing period.

The filing deadline itself is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. That is the last day to file your return or request an extension without penalty. The IRS does not grant automatic extensions — you must file Form 4868 (Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return) by April 15 to get until October 15, 2025.

Filing early has practical advantages. The IRS processes returns in the order they arrive, so filing in late January or February usually means your refund arrives faster than if you file in March or April. Early filing also gives you time to gather documents and correct any mistakes before submitting.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS began accepting 2024 returns on January 27, 2025, and the filing deadline is April 15, 2025.
  • You must file Form 4868 by April 15 to get an automatic extension to October 15; the IRS does not grant extensions without a filed request.
  • Electronic filing is faster than paper returns and usually results in refunds arriving within 21 days if you choose direct deposit.
  • The IRS processes returns in the order received, so filing in late January or February typically means a faster refund than filing closer to the deadline.
  • You will need your prior-year tax return, W-2 forms from your employer, and records of any other income, deductions, or credits you claim.

What documents you need before you file

Gather these documents before you start your return. Your employer should send you a W-2 form by January 31 each year — this shows your wages and taxes withheld. If you are self-employed or had other income, you will need records of that income and any business expenses. Keep receipts, invoices, or bank statements that show what you earned and what you spent.

If you paid mortgage interest, property taxes, or made charitable donations, collect those records too. The same applies if you paid student loan interest, had medical expenses, or paid for childcare. You do not send these documents with your return, but you need them to fill out the correct forms and to back up your claims if the IRS asks questions later.

If you received a refund last year, have that return handy. Many tax software programs ask for information from your prior return to speed up the process. If you filed jointly with a spouse and are now filing separately, or vice versa, tell your tax software that change upfront.

Electronic filing versus paper returns

Electronic filing is faster and more reliable than mailing a paper return. The IRS confirms receipt of an e-filed return within 24 hours. A paper return can take weeks to arrive and be processed, and there is a real risk it gets lost in the mail. The IRS also catches errors in e-filed returns immediately and tells you what to fix before you submit, whereas a paper return with errors may be rejected or processed incorrectly.

If you choose direct deposit for your refund, an e-filed return usually results in a refund within 21 days. A paper return takes much longer — often six to eight weeks or more. You can file electronically for free through the IRS Free File program if your household income is below a certain threshold (this varies by year, so check IRS.gov for the current limit). If your income is above that limit, you can still e-file through a tax software company, though most charge a fee.

Paper returns are an option if you prefer to mail, but there is no advantage to doing so. The deadline is the same, the processing is slower, and errors are harder to catch and fix.

How to file your return

You have three main routes: use the IRS Free File program if you may have access to by income, use commercial tax software, or work with a tax professional. The IRS Free File program is available through partners like TurboTax, H&R Block, and others — you can find the full list on IRS.gov. You create an account, answer questions about your income and deductions, and the software walks you through each section. When you are done, you review the return, sign it electronically, and submit it. The IRS confirms receipt within 24 hours.

If you do not may have access to for Free File, commercial tax software costs between $60 and $200 depending on the complexity of your return and which company you use. The process is the same: you enter your information, the software calculates your tax or refund, you review and sign, and you submit electronically.

A tax professional — a CPA, enrolled agent, or tax preparer — will gather your documents, prepare your return, and file it for you. This costs more (typically $150 to $500 or more depending on complexity) but removes the work from you and may catch deductions or credits you would miss on your own. If your situation is complicated — you own a business, have rental income, or have significant investment income — a professional is often worth the cost.

What happens after you file

If you file electronically, the IRS sends a confirmation within 24 hours. This confirmation includes an acceptance number — save this. If you chose direct deposit, your refund typically arrives within 21 days. If you requested a check, it takes longer, usually four to six weeks.

The IRS processes returns in batches. If you filed in late January, your return is in the first batch and moves through the system quickly. If you file in April, your return is in a much larger batch and takes longer to process, even if there are no errors.

If there is a problem with your return — a missing document, an error, or a discrepancy — the IRS will mail you a letter. Do not ignore it. The letter explains what is wrong and what you need to do. You have a deadline to respond, usually 30 days. If you do not respond, the IRS will process your return based on what they have, which may result in a smaller refund or a bill you owe.

If you need an extension

You must file Form 4868 by April 15, 2025, to get an automatic six-month extension. This form is simple — it asks for your name, address, and estimated tax liability. You can file it electronically through tax software or by mail. Filing the form does not mean you do not owe taxes; it only extends the deadline to file your return. If you owe taxes, you should pay as much as you can by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest on the unpaid amount.

An extension gives you until October 15, 2025, to file your return. This is useful if you are waiting for documents, if your situation is complicated, or if you simply need more time. However, if you are due a refund, filing early is better — you get your money sooner and there is no reason to wait.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is entering your Social Security number or your spouse's number incorrectly. Double-check these before you submit. Another frequent mistake is claiming a dependent who does not have a valid Social Security number or who is claimed by another taxpayer. The IRS cross-checks this information, and errors here delay your refund.

Do not round numbers. Enter exact amounts from your W-2 and other documents. Rounding can trigger an IRS review. If you are claiming deductions, keep your receipts and records — the IRS may ask for proof later, and you need to be able to show what you spent.

If you are filing jointly with a spouse, both of you must sign the return (electronically if you e-file). If only one spouse signs, the return is incomplete and will be rejected. Make sure both of you review the return before submitting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my 2024 return before January 27, 2025?

No. The IRS does not accept 2024 returns before January 27, 2025. If you try to file before that date, your return will be rejected. You can prepare your return and have it ready to submit, but you cannot send it to the IRS until the filing season opens.

What if I do not have all my documents by April 15?

File Form 4868 by April 15 to get an extension to October 15. This gives you six more months to gather missing documents and file your return. Remember that an extension to file is not an extension to pay — if you owe taxes, you should pay what you can by April 15 to avoid penalties.

How do I check the status of my refund?

Use the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov. You will need your Social Security number, filing status, and the exact refund amount from your return. The tool updates once a day and tells you whether your return has been received, is being processed, or has been approved.

Do I have to file electronically?

No, but electronic filing is faster and more reliable. Paper returns take much longer to process and are more likely to have errors that delay your refund. If you mail a paper return, send it early and keep a copy for your records.

What if I owe taxes instead of getting a refund?

You still must file your return by April 15 (or by October 15 if you filed an extension). You can pay the amount you owe when you file, or you can set up a payment plan with the IRS if you cannot pay in full. Paying by the deadline avoids penalties and interest.