The IRS typically begins accepting 2025 tax returns in late January

The IRS has not yet announced the exact date it will start accepting 2025 returns, but based on recent years, you can expect filing to open sometime between January 27 and January 31, 2025. The agency usually waits until mid-to-late January to begin processing, partly to allow time for employers and financial institutions to send out W-2s, 1099s, and other income documents that you need to file accurately.

The opening date varies slightly year to year depending on IRS staffing, system readiness, and the calendar. For reference, the IRS opened for 2024 returns on January 29, 2024, and for 2023 returns on January 23, 2023. You can check the IRS website (irs.gov) closer to the end of January for the official announcement of the exact date.

If you file before the IRS opens, your return will be rejected. There is no benefit to submitting early — the IRS processes returns in the order they are received once filing opens, not in the order they were submitted before that date.

Key Takeaways

  • The IRS will likely open 2025 filing between January 27 and January 31, 2025, though the exact date has not been announced yet.
  • You cannot file before the IRS opens; any return submitted early will be rejected by the system.
  • The IRS waits until mid-to-late January to allow employers and banks time to send W-2s, 1099s, and other documents you need to file correctly.
  • Filing early after the IRS opens does not speed up your refund; returns are processed in the order received once filing begins.

Why the IRS does not open earlier

The IRS needs time to receive income documents from employers, banks, investment firms, and other sources. W-2s must be sent to employees by January 31, and 1099s (for freelance income, interest, dividends, and other sources) have the same deadline. If the IRS opened before those documents were in circulation, you would have to file without them and likely amend your return later.

The agency also uses the weeks before filing opens to test its systems, train staff, and prepare for the volume of returns. The IRS processes millions of returns during tax season, and opening too early without full readiness creates delays and errors.

What happens when you file on the first day

Filing on the day the IRS opens does not give you any advantage. The IRS processes returns in the order they arrive, regardless of whether you file on day one or in March. A refund that takes three weeks to process will arrive in three weeks whether you file January 27 or February 15.

Filing early can actually create problems if you do not yet have all your documents. If you file without a W-2 or 1099 that arrives later, your return may be rejected or flagged for review, which delays your refund. It is safer to wait until you have received all income documents, then file.

How to know when filing opens

The IRS announces the opening date on irs.gov, usually in early January. You can also check the IRS social media accounts (X, formerly Twitter, and YouTube) or call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 to confirm the date.

Tax software companies (TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and others) also announce when they will begin accepting returns. Most software opens on the same day as the IRS, though some may open a day or two later. Check your software's website if you plan to file electronically.

Deadlines after filing opens

Once the IRS opens for 2025 returns, the tax deadline is April 15, 2026. You must file or request an extension by that date. Filing electronically is faster than mailing a paper return, and the IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days of accepting an electronic return.

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request an automatic six-month extension by filing Form 4868. The extension gives you until October 15, 2026, to file, but it does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed. If you owe money, you should pay as much as you can by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file my 2025 return before the IRS opens?

No. If you submit your return before the IRS opens for filing, it will be rejected. You must wait until the IRS announces that filing has begun, which is typically late January. There is no advantage to filing before that date anyway.

What if I do not have all my documents by the time the IRS opens?

You can wait to file until you receive all your W-2s and 1099s. The deadline is April 15, 2026, so you have several months. Filing without all your documents can cause your return to be rejected or delayed, which slows your refund.

Will my refund come faster if I file on the first day?

No. The IRS processes returns in the order received, not in the order filed. A refund takes the same amount of time whether you file on day one or in March. Filing early only helps if you need the money urgently and have all your documents ready.

Where do I find the official opening date?

The IRS announces the opening date on irs.gov in early January. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 or check the IRS social media accounts. Tax software companies announce their opening dates on their websites at the same time.