IRS Tax Season Opens January 26: What You Need to Know

CARRIE LOWE
Jan 22
2 min read

The Internal Revenue Service will officially begin accepting and processing 2025 federal income tax returns on January 26, 2026.

Taxpayers are encouraged to file as early as possible to reduce processing delays, minimize the risk of identity theft, and receive refunds sooner. The deadline to file a complete and accurate return and pay any taxes owed is April 15, 2026.

Whether you prefer to file on your own or work with a professional, this year’s process is more straightforward than ever.

Simple Ways to File Your Tax Return

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. You can choose the option that works best for you:

File It Yourself: Use IRS Free File or trusted tax software to complete and e-file your return quickly and securely from home.
Work With a Tax Preparer: A professional can:
✔ Ensure accuracy
✔ Maximize deductions and credits
✔ Handle complex situations
✔ Save you time and stress
E-File + Direct Deposit = Fastest Refund: Electronic filing combined with direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive your refund.

Helpful documents to gather before January 26:

W-2s and 1099s
Last year’s tax return
ID and Social Security numbers
Expense and deduction records

Need Your Money Sooner? Ask About a Refund Advance Loan

Many tax preparers offer a Refund Advance Loan, giving eligible taxpayers access to part of their refund within 24 hours or even the same day their return is accepted.

What to know:

Loan amount is based on your expected refund
No waiting weeks for IRS processing
Approval depends on eligibility and IRS acceptance
Offered by tax preparers (not the IRS)
Useful for bills, emergencies, or catching up financially

This option can provide short-term relief while your full refund is being processed.

File Early. File Smart.

Filing early helps you:

Receive your refund faster
Reduce identity theft risk
Avoid last-minute stress
Access refund advance options
Fix issues early if anything is missing

Don't wait until the last minute.

Whether you file yourself or work with a trusted tax professional, starting early—and staying informed about 2025 tax law updates—puts you in control of your tax season.

Ready to get started?

Prepare your documents now and choose the filing method that fits you best—or contact a reliable tax professional to file with confidence this tax season.