First Day to File 2026 Taxes: Key Date to Begin Filing

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is set to launch the 2026 tax filing season on January 26, 2026. This date marks the first day individuals can file their 2025 tax returns. IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano confirmed that the agency is prepared to assist taxpayers throughout the season.

Key Information for the 2026 Tax Filing Season

Here’s what you need to know for a smooth tax filing experience in 2026:

• Start Date: January 26, 2026, marks the beginning of tax return submissions.
• W-2 Availability: Employers are required to provide employees with W-2 forms by January 31, 2026.
• Standard Tax Filing Deadline: The last day to file your federal income tax return is April 15, 2026.

Understanding the W-2 Form

The W-2 form, officially known as the Wage and Tax Statement, details how much an employee earned in the previous year. It also indicates the federal, state, and other taxes withheld. Employers must distribute these forms to both employees and the IRS.

Most workers can expect to receive their W-2s by early February. This form is crucial for filing both federal and state income tax returns.

Extending Your Filing Deadline

If additional time is needed, individuals can file for an extension before the April 15 deadline. By submitting this request, the new filing deadline extends to October 15, 2026. However, any tax owed must still be paid by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.

Tracking Your Tax Refund

After filing your return, taxpayers can monitor their refund status using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. Required information includes:

• Your Social Security number or your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
• Your filing status
• The exact refund amount from your return

Once this information is submitted, you may receive one of several status updates, indicating if your return has been received, approved, or sent.

Cost of Filing Taxes

Filing taxes generally incurs a fee, though several free options are available. For instance, TurboTax offers a free filing option until February 18 for users filing independently. This offer is valid as long as the user didn’t file with TurboTax in the prior year. However, TurboTax Live users do not qualify for this promotion.

Regardless of the platform, tax filing costs can vary widely, so it’s wise to explore multiple options to find the most suitable choice for your needs.