When Can You File Your Taxes in 2025? How Early You Can Start
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When is tax season?
Tax season is a three-month period, typically from late January to mid-April, when people prepare their tax documents and report their income for the prior year to the IRS. This is also the time when people will settle their bill if they owe taxes or receive notice that a refund is coming their way if they overpaid.
Returns that are filed after tax season ends are generally considered late, which could result in penalties and fees if taxes are owed. Filers who get a timely extension have until October to file, but their tax bill is still due in April.
States set their own tax deadlines, which may or may not mirror the federal dates. Your state tax department’s website is often the best resource for up-to-date filing information.
When can I file my taxes in 2025?
The IRS will open for business on Jan. 27, 2025. This is when the agency will begin processing tax returns for the 2024 tax year.
For most people, the last day to file your taxes in 2025 will be April 15. The tax deadline stays the same year-to-year unless it falls on a weekend, in which case it’s pushed to the following business day. There are certain exceptions, such as in 2020 and 2021, when the tax deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How early can you file taxes?
Although the IRS doesn’t begin processing returns until the tax season officially starts, taxpayers can begin preparing their returns ahead of Jan. 27.
According to the agency, most tax software and many tax pros will hold onto a completed return and submit it to the IRS when tax season begins.
While it can be tempting to get ahead of the crowd, you’ll want to make sure you have all your documents in order before starting the filing process. Some documents you’ll need to file aren’t required to be sent out until after tax season has begun. For instance, a key form many filers need to reference is the W-2, which employers have until Jan. 31 to send out.
Although you can file your taxes any time during tax season, it’s worth noting that some tax software providers and tax preparers increase pricing as Tax Day approaches.
When did tax season start in 2024?
The 2024 tax season began Jan. 29. Tax Day, the last day people could submit returns without facing late penalties, was April 15. However, those with a valid extension had until Oct. 15 to file their return.
How to prep for tax season
Look into tax credits
Before tax season begins, it’s wise to figure out which tax credits or deductions you might be eligible for. Certain popular tax credits are adjusted for inflation each year, so it’s possible to qualify for ones you previously didn’t qualify for.
Good tax software should be able to determine which credits and deductions you qualify for through interview-style questions.
» Ready to get started? Check out our step-by-step tax filing guide.
Gather important information
There are a few things you’ll want to have on hand in January to make your filing process as smooth as possible. These include:
Income documents, such as a W-2 or 1099 form.
A Social Security number or tax ID.
Bank account numbers.
» Dive deeper: Read our tax prep checklist.
