When Is Tax Season? Start Date, How Early You Can File

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.

» Need to back up? How income tax returns work

The tax season opening date, which usually falls in late January, marks the time when the IRS begins to accept and process tax returns for the previous tax year.

Returns that are filed after tax season ends in mid-April 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 season 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.

» MORE: See NerdWallet’s picks for the best tax software

The IRS doesn’t begin processing returns until the tax season officially starts, but taxpayers can begin preparing their tax returns ahead of the official start date.

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 that 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.

» MORE: Is your W-2 late? Take these steps

The start date for the 2025 tax season is yet to be announced, but it is likely to be in late January based on previous years’ trends. The IRS typically announces the date in early January.

The last day to timely 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 of course, such as in 2020 and 2021, when the tax deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

» MORE: 7 ways to file your taxes for free

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 have until Oct. 15 to file their return.

» MORE: What happens if you pay taxes late?

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.