Tax season isn’t anybody’s favourite, however having clear expectations makes it simpler to plan. Yearly, we get taxpayers asking when the IRS will start accepting their tax returns. Sadly, we’ll have to attend a bit longer to know the reply for the upcoming tax yr — the IRS opening date 2026 hasn’t been introduced but. Within the meantime, let’s have a look at what a delayed begin may imply, and the way it may (or won’t) have an effect on you as a taxpayer.

At a look:

• The IRS opening date 2026 hasn’t been introduced but.
• Even when there’s a delayed begin to tax season, you’ll nonetheless be capable to prep your return early with TaxAct®.
• A later begin may imply a slight tax refund delay for these used to submitting early, however the tax submitting deadline shouldn’t change.

When does the IRS begin accepting tax returns?

The IRS usually proclaims an official opening date in January. Most tax years start someday in late January (in 2025 it was Jan. 27), however the IRS often proclaims a later begin date.

Why may the IRS open late in 2026?

The IRS often pushes again its begin date on account of huge adjustments in tax regulation, updates to tax varieties, or system changes wanted for brand spanking new laws. For 2026, it’s doable the company might have further time to implement guidelines from the One Huge Lovely Invoice (OBBB) tax reform package deal. That doesn’t imply you’ll be able to’t put together forward — it simply means processing may begin somewhat later than traditional.

In case you’re frightened about an “IRS Delay 2026” headline you may need seen, take a deep breath — even when a delay occurs, your federal revenue tax returns and tax refund shouldn’t be affected an excessive amount of. Let’s stroll by what a possible late IRS opening means for you and how one can nonetheless get forward with TaxAct file early choices (extra on this under).

How a late IRS opening impacts taxpayers

If the IRS opens somewhat later than traditional, the most important change you’ll discover is timing. You possibly can’t submit your particular person revenue tax return to the IRS till the official begin date. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to nonetheless put together all the pieces prematurely with TaxAct, even you probably have a number of tax varieties like a Type W-2, 1099-NEC, or 1099-MISC.

Right here’s what to keep watch over if the beginning of tax season will get pushed again:

• Tax return processing occasions: The IRS doesn’t begin accepting returns till the official opening date. In case you are accustomed to submitting early, you may need to attend a bit longer for the IRS to start processing your return.
• Tax refund delay 2026: Refund dates aren’t assured, however the IRS usually points them inside 21 days of acceptance (learn extra concerning the IRS refund schedule). Your tax refund quantity received’t be affected by a later opening — at greatest, it received’t impression your refund in any respect, and at worst, it would end in a slight delay.
• Tax submitting deadline 2026: The due date to file your return received’t doubtless change, even when the IRS opens late. For many filers, Tax Day is often April 15 (or the subsequent enterprise day if it falls on a weekend or vacation), until you request an extension.

Can you continue to file early?

Sure! In case you use TaxAct, you’ll be able to full your revenue tax return early and e-file it by our platform earlier than the IRS begins accepting returns. Then, as soon as the IRS opens, we’ll submit your return to them ASAP.

How quickly can I file with TaxAct?

TaxAct usually opens for the submitting season in early January. For instance, in 2025, you can full your 2024 tax return with us as early as Jan 2. We haven’t introduced our 2026 opening date but; maintain checking again for extra particulars!

Does a late begin have an effect on different tax deadlines?

Nope. The tax submitting deadline usually stays the identical no matter a late opening, until you file for an extension or have been impacted by a catastrophe. This implies:

• Estimated tax funds for self-employment tax, underpayment changes, or estimated revenue tax should nonetheless be paid on schedule, until the IRS proclaims in any other case.
• You continue to have to request an extension (file Type 4868) and pay any tax due by the April deadline.
• State revenue tax guidelines don’t routinely comply with IRS dates. Every state units its personal tax deadlines, so ensure to test in case your state has distinctive guidelines.

How TaxAct helps you put together

You don’t have to attend for the IRS to open to file taxes. With TaxAct, you’ll be able to enter all of your info early (usually beginning in early January), and we’ll securely transmit all the pieces to the IRS when the time comes.

For instance, we may help you:

• Enter your gross revenue, AGI, and any eligible tax deductions.
• Declare tax credit just like the Little one Tax Credit score or Earned Earnings Tax Credit score (EITC).
• Put together tax varieties for dependents, self-employed revenue on Schedule C, or small enterprise taxes (together with partnerships, S firms, and C firms).
• Assessment your cost deadline choices and calculate any submitting penalty dangers for those who’re frightened about late submitting.
• Deal with particular conditions like Social Safety revenue, capital beneficial properties, IRA contributions, and different difficult tax regulation particulars.

So, sure — in case you are somebody who likes to get their taxes over with ASAP, TaxAct may help you handle the heavy lifting early. That method, when the IRS is prepared, your return is already in line for digital submitting and sooner processing.

FAQs

The underside line

Don’t let headlines a couple of potential 2026 IRS delay stress you out. Even when the IRS opens later than traditional (and we nonetheless don’t know if it’s going to), you’ll be able to nonetheless get forward with early tax submitting. The tax submitting deadline 2026 received’t doubtless be affected, your tax refund will nonetheless be out there as soon as processed, and TaxAct will ensure your revenue tax return will get handed to the IRS the second the company is prepared.

This text is for informational functions solely and never authorized or monetary recommendation.

All TaxAct provides, services are topic to relevant phrases and situations.