2026 Tax Filing Begins: Key Date to Start Your Returns
The 2026 tax filing season is set to commence on January 26, 2026. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will begin accepting tax returns for the previous year on this date. Frank Bisignano, IRS Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the agency’s readiness to assist taxpayers during this filing period. He noted that updated information systems will effectively handle the new tax regulations.
Understanding Key Tax Documents
One crucial document for employees is the W-2 form, which reports earnings and tax withholdings for the previous year. Employers are mandated to provide W-2 forms to their employees by January 31 each year. Most individuals typically receive their forms by early February, which includes details regarding wages, tax withholdings, and retirement contributions.
Filing Deadlines for 2026
- Filing Start Date: January 26, 2026
- Final Filing Date: April 15, 2026
- Extension Deadline: October 15, 2026 (if an extension is filed by April 15)
The primary deadline for filing federal income tax returns is April 15, 2026. Taxpayers must submit their returns by this date to avoid penalties. If an extension is filed, the deadline can be extended to October 15, 2026. However, any taxes owed must still be settled by the April deadline.
Tracking Your Refund
To monitor the status of your tax refund, the IRS provides a user-friendly tool called “Where’s My Refund?” on their official website. Here’s how to use it:
- Enter your Social Security or individual taxpayer ID number (ITIN).
- Select your filing status.
- Input the exact refund amount from your return.
The tool will display one of the following statuses:
- Return Received: The IRS has received your return and is currently processing it.
- Refund Approved: The IRS has approved your refund and will issue it soon.
- Refund Sent: The refund has been sent to your bank or in the mail.
Cost of Filing Taxes
Filing taxes can incur costs, but several platforms offer free filing options. For example, TurboTax allows users to file for free until February 18 if they do not have prior filings with the service. Even users with past TurboTax accounts may access reduced fees if they choose to deduct them from their returns.
Additionally, there are various other platforms available for tax filing, and costs can vary significantly. It is advisable to review the options carefully.
