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As we step into 2026, the anticipation of tax season looms on the horizon. It’s essential to mark your calendars with a few key dates that the IRS has outlined for this year’s tax filing process.
The official curtain rises on tax season on Monday, January 26, as the IRS begins accepting and processing federal tax returns for 2025. With this date in mind, now is the time to start organizing your financial documents to ensure a smooth filing experience.
When does the 2026 tax season start?
Employers are obligated to distribute W-2 forms by January 31, so be sure to watch your mailbox for these crucial documents. Likewise, 1099 forms, which detail income from non-employer sources, should also arrive by the end of January.
It’s a good idea to start getting your paperwork in order. The IRS requires employers to send out W-2 forms no later than Jan. 31, so keep an eye on your mailbox.
1099 forms, which report payments that typically don’t come from an employer, are also common. Most get mailed by the end of January.
Some people qualify to file their tax returns early. The IRS began accepting tax returns on Jan. 9 for those who have an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less through the IRS Free File program.
Tax Day 2026: When is it?
The federal tax filing deadline, Tax Day, is Wednesday, April 15. In fact, Tax Day is always on April 15 unless it falls on a weekend or holiday.
Your return is considered on time if your envelope is properly addressed, postmarked and deposited in the mail by the due date.
You can also file electronically, which will help you get your refund faster. If you go that route, the date and time in your time zone when your return is transmitted controls whether your return is filed on time.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
It’s important to file by the deadline because there are financial consequences if you don’t. The standard penalty for failure to file is 5% of the unpaid taxes for every month that a tax return is late, up to 25% of the unpaid balance. The IRS also charges interest on penalties.
You can learn more about late-filing penalties here.
For individual tax return filers, April 15 is also the last day to make contributions to your individual retirement account or health savings account for 2025.
Taxes: What is the deadline to file an extension?
If you need more time to file your taxes, you can request an extension, but you need to do so by April 15. That will give you an extra six months, until Oct. 15, to file without penalties.
It’s important to note that you must pay any taxes you owe by the April deadline. The extension is only for filing your return.
Filing an extension is free, and there are a few ways to do it, according to the IRS:
- Pay online and check the box: Pay what you owe using an online payment option, and check the box that you are paying as part of filing for an extension. You don’t have to file a separate extension form, and you’ll get a confirmation number for your records.
- Use Free File: Use IRS Free File to electronically request an automatic tax-filing extension.
- Request an extension by mail: File Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You can file by mail, online with an IRS e-filing partner or through a tax professional.
In certain natural disaster situations, the IRS automatically extends the tax deadline.
Tax refund: When will I get it?
The IRS generally issues refunds within 21 days for taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit. Paper returns take longer.
Getting your tax refund sent directly to your account is simple. Just make sure you select direct deposit as your refund method and type in the account number and routing number.
Taxpayers can check the status of their federal refund using the Where’s My Refund? tool on the IRS website. You can learn about tracking your state tax refund by contacting your state’s taxation department.
NewsNation’s Andrew Dorn contributed to this report.
