Tax Season 2024 Runs From January 29 to April 15
The IRS began accepting and processing 2023 tax returns on Monday, January 29, 2024. The deadline to file your 2023 return and pay any taxes owed is Monday, April 15, 2024. This is the standard filing window — about 11 weeks from start to finish.
If you file after April 15, you will owe penalties and interest on any unpaid tax, even if you are due a refund. The only exception is if you request a filing extension before the deadline; an extension gives you until October 15, 2024, to file, though it does not extend the deadline to pay what you owe.
The IRS processes returns in the order they are received during this window. Early filers often receive refunds faster than those who file in March or April, when the volume is highest.
Key Takeaways
- Tax filing opened January 29, 2024, and the deadline to file is April 15, 2024.
- Filing after April 15 triggers penalties and interest on unpaid tax, even if you are owed a refund.
- You can request a filing extension before April 15 to push your deadline to October 15, but you still owe any tax by April 15.
- The IRS processes returns in order received, so filing early typically means a faster refund.
- You will need your 2023 W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents before you file.
When You Should Receive Your Refund
The IRS aims to issue refunds within 21 days of accepting your return, but the actual timeline depends on how you file and how you receive your money. If you file electronically and choose direct deposit to your bank account, you are most likely to receive your refund within two to three weeks. If you file on paper or request a check, the wait is longer — typically four to six weeks or more.
Refunds are not processed in real time. The IRS batches returns and works through them in waves. Filing in early February means your return enters a smaller queue than one filed in mid-April, which can shorten your wait by weeks.
You can track your refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool on the IRS website. This tool updates once per day and shows you the status of your return and an estimated delivery date once the IRS has processed it.
Documents You Need Before You File
Gather these documents before you start your return. Your employer should have mailed your W-2 by January 31, 2024. If you are self-employed or a contractor, you will receive a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC from each client who paid you $600 or more. Banks and investment firms send 1099-INT (interest income) and 1099-DIV (dividend income) forms.
If you received unemployment benefits in 2023, you will get a 1099-G. If you received a student loan interest deduction or made education payments, gather those records. If you have dependents, you will need their Social Security numbers and birth dates.
Keep copies of receipts for deductible expenses if you are self-employed or itemizing deductions. The IRS does not require you to send receipts with your return, but you must have them if the IRS asks.
Filing Extensions and Late Filing
You can request a filing extension by submitting Form 4868 to the IRS before April 15, 2024. An extension gives you until October 15, 2024, to file your return. However, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you owe tax, you must pay it by April 15 or you will owe penalties and interest starting that date.
If you file after April 15 without an extension, the IRS charges a failure-to-file penalty of 5% of unpaid tax per month (up to 25%), plus interest at the current rate (which changes quarterly). If you file late but owe no tax or are due a refund, there is no penalty, though you may lose the right to claim that refund if you wait more than three years.
If you cannot pay what you owe by April 15, you can set up a payment plan with the IRS. Short-term plans (120 days or less) have no setup fee. Long-term installment agreements charge a fee that varies based on how you pay.
State Tax Deadlines
Most states follow the federal deadline of April 15, but a few differ. Check your state's tax authority website to confirm the exact date for your state. Some states do not have an income tax at all — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming do not tax wages.
If you live in one state but work in another, you may need to file in both. Some states offer credits to avoid double taxation. The rules vary widely, so review your state's guidance or consult a tax preparer if you work across state lines.
How to File Your Return
You have three main options: file electronically using tax software, file on paper by mail, or use a tax preparer. Electronic filing is faster, more accurate (the software catches math errors), and gets you your refund sooner. The IRS accepts e-filed returns 24 hours a day during tax season.
Paper returns must be mailed to the IRS address for your state, which is listed on the IRS website. Mail takes time to reach the IRS, and processing takes longer. If you mail your return, send it early enough that it arrives before April 15.
Tax preparers — CPAs, enrolled agents, or tax firms — can file on your behalf. They charge a fee, but they can also identify deductions you might miss and handle complex situations like self-employment income or rental property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have all my documents by January 29?
You can still file without every form. If you are missing a W-2 or 1099, contact your employer or the issuer and request a copy. You can also file an amended return later if you need to add income. However, do not guess at income amounts — the IRS will match your return against the forms they receive from employers and banks.
Can I file my 2023 return after April 15 if I do not owe tax?
Yes. If you are due a refund, there is no penalty for filing late. However, you can only claim a refund if you file within three years of the original deadline. After three years, the IRS keeps any refund owed to you.
Do I need to file if I did not earn much money in 2023?
It depends on your income and filing status. The IRS sets a minimum income threshold — if your income is below it, you are not required to file. However, if taxes were withheld from your paychecks, you should file to get a refund. Check the IRS website for the specific threshold for your situation.
What happens if I file my return and then realize I made a mistake?
You can file an amended return using Form 1040-X any time within three years of the original deadline. Amended returns are processed by mail and take longer than original returns. If the amendment results in a refund, the IRS will send it to you. If you owe more, you will receive a bill.