When Can You File Taxes for 2026? (A Clear Guide)

Every year, millions of Americans prepare and file their federal income tax returns. If you’re wondering when you can file taxes for the 2026 tax season, here is a simple guide to help you understand the timeline, deadlines, and what the IRS expects.

The U.S. tax system works on a “tax year,” which is usually the calendar year from January 1 to December 31. For example, the tax year 2025 ends on December 31, 2025, and you will file that tax return in 2026. Most people file their tax returns for 2025 income during the 2026 tax filing season. Blog

1. When Can You Start Filing?

You can start filing your 2025 tax return (which you file in 2026) as soon as the IRS begins accepting returns. Traditionally, the IRS opens tax season in late January. Many tax experts expect the IRS to begin accepting electronic tax returns in late January 2026 — usually around the last week of January. Blog+1

You don’t have to wait until the IRS officially opens. You can prepare your return anytime you have all your tax documents ready (such as W-2s, 1099s, and other records). Once the IRS starts processing returns, you can submit them electronically via tax software or through a tax professional. IRS

2. Why File Early?

Filing early has several advantages:

  • Faster refunds — if you’re owed a refund, submitting early can help speed up how quickly you get it.
  • More time to fix errors — filing well before the deadline gives you time to address mistakes or missing documents.
  • Peace of mind — you avoid last-minute stress and potential IRS delays. IRS

3. When Is the 2026 Tax Deadline?

For most U.S. taxpayers, Tax Day is April 15, 2026. This means your federal income tax return for the 2025 tax year must be filed — or postmarked if filing by mail — on or before April 15, 2026. TaxSlayer Support+1

If April 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the IRS may shift the deadline to the next business day, but in 2026, April 15 is a standard weekday. Raisin

4. Extensions and Later Deadlines

If you cannot file by April 15, you can request a six-month extension using IRS Form 4868. This gives you until October 15, 2026 to submit your return. Remember: an extension gives more time to file, but does not extend the time to pay any taxes you owe. So you still should pay any estimated tax by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest. IRS

5. Special Situations

  • U.S. citizens living abroad typically get an automatic two-month extension until June 15, 2026 to file their returns, though taxes owed are still due by April 15. Expat US Tax
  • Quarterly estimated tax payments for self-employed people and others are due throughout the year (e.g., January 15, April 15, June 15, and September 15 in 2026). TurboTax

Summary: You can start filing 2025 taxes in late January 2026 once the IRS opens the tax season. The standard filing deadline is April 15, 2026. If you need more time, file Form 4868 by April 15 to extend your filing deadline to October 15, 2026 — but pay what you owe by April 15 to avoid penalties. Preparing early and organizing documents now can make tax season easier and faster. IRS