The 2026 tax season is approaching fast. People living in America who have taxes to pay and are planning to file taxes electronically should know the opening date. You can find the expected tax season and e-file opening date for the 2026 tax season here, along with other details.
The IRS will shut down its e-file servers annually before the tax season to prepare the system for the next tax season and increase efficiency. Generally, the IRS accepts e-file returns till November and opens them early for business returns only.
Individuals can expect the e-filing of the tax return to start when the official tax season begins. So, if you are an individual taxpayer, be ready to prepare for the 2025 tax year return and meet your tax responsibilities.
What will be the IRS e-file open date in 2026?
The IRS opens the tax season generally in the last week of January, and in the 2025 tax season, the agency started accepting tax returns on 27 January 2025. The agency opened the IRS e-file method for business returns on 15 January 2025 for the 2024 tax year, while for individuals, it was opened on the tax season date.
The IRS announces the tax season date in the first two weeks of January of the tax season. Now, with the 2026 tax season approaching fast, many of you must be questioning the tax season or e-file open date. The current federal shutdown and the changes in the tax laws may delay the tax season.
Even if a delay happens, you should start preparation for filing the tax returns on time whenever the tax season or e-filing portal is open. However, you can complete your tax return on tax software before the season starts and submit it later whenever the tax season opens.
What will be your tax deadline for 2026?
The IRS stops accepting tax returns on the tax day, 15 April, every year. So for the 2026 tax season, too, your tax deadline will be 15 April 2026. However, the disaster-affected area may get an extension on the tax deadline.
The tax extension deadline for the tax season will be 15 October 2026 if you can’t pay the taxes on time; apply for the extension before the tax day.
| Tax Event | Important Dates |
| Tax Return (for individuals) open | Last week of January 2026 |
| E-file open (businesses) | 10 days earlier than the tax season |
| Tax Deadline | 15 April 2026 |
| Tax extension deadline | 15 October 2026 |
What should you do to prepare for the IRS e-file?
If you are preparing to file your IRS e-file, you should start your preparation to file a valid tax return. You can learn about your preparation for the tax return e-filing below:
- You should first gather the documents you will need to file the tax return, such as the income statement (Form W-2), Form 1099, unemployment compensation, and others needed to support your claims in the tax return.
- You should see what tax credits and deductions apply to you as per your situation, such as the child tax credit, the standard deduction, and others.
- You should ensure you have a valid taxpayer identification, such as SSN, ITIN, or EIN (if you are filing for your business).
- You should ensure your bank information is valid if you are planning to select direct deposit as the payment method for the tax refund.
How to file an IRS tax return through e-file?
When you are prepared to file your tax return through e-file, you can file it in the following ways:
- IRS Direct File:
- IRS allows taxpayers to prepare and file taxes online for free directly with the IRS in a few minutes.
- The IRS has allowed the Direct file option in a few states only, which may be extended to more states in the 2026 tax season.
- IRS Free File:
- IRS partnered with tax software and provides the Free File option to taxpayers with a gross income $84,000 or less.
- The agency enables free tax software access to low-income earners to file their tax returns accurately.
- The IRS Free File allows you to file your tax return early, and the system will hold the return till the tax season officially begins and file it immediately as soon as the agency starts accepting the return.
- IRS Certified volunteers:
- If you’re 60 years or older, have a disability, or earn $67,000 or less, you can take the certified volunteers’ help in filing your tax return through e-file or other filing methods.
The tax law changes and reforms may affect the IRS tax season opening in 2026, but taxpayers are advised to be prepared and file the return early as soon as the agency starts accepting the returns, because you can expect the refund on time.
Disclaimer: Information about the IRS E-file Open Date is for general awareness only. Official dates are confirmed by the Internal Revenue Service.
