As tax season approaches, many taxpayers want to get an early start on filing their returns. The IRS has officially announced the start of the 2025 tax filing season, allowing taxpayers to file their returns early.
Along with this announcement, the agency is introducing a number of technological upgrades aimed at simplifying the filing process and improving taxpayer support.
With the tax season officially beginning on January 27, here’s what you need to know about how early you can start preparing and filing, as well as what resources are available to assist.
The official start date and filing timeline
If this is your first time filing taxes, here’s what you should know about the timeline. The official start date for the 2025 tax season is Monday, January 27, 2025. That is when the IRS starts processing tax returns.
Taxpayers can file their returns at any time between January 27 and April 15, the traditional deadline. If April 15 falls on a weekend, the IRS usually extends the deadline to the next business day.
This three-month period, known as tax season, is when people prepare their tax returns and report their earnings from the previous year. It is also when taxpayers pay their bills if they owe taxes or get refunds if they overpaid.
For those who miss the April deadline, filing a late return may result in penalties and interest. Taxpayers who require additional time can apply for an extension and have until October to submit their return, even though the tax bill is still due in April.
How early can you start?
The IRS does not begin processing returns until the 27th, but taxpayers may have begun gathering necessary documents and completing their returns in advance. However, it is critical to wait until all necessary forms are received before filing.
Employers have until January 31 to issue W-2 forms, which are essential for most employees. Additionally, other documents such as 1099 forms may not arrive until later in January. Without these documents, it can be difficult to file a complete and accurate return.
Many tax software companies and professionals will allow taxpayers to complete their returns and hold them until the IRS begins processing. “Last year, the average refund was more than $3,100 for many households [and] that refund will be their biggest check of the year,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel stated during a press briefing. “Our employees know that, and they realize how important it is to deliver for the nation, and I am proud that they come through time and again for taxpayers and the tax system.”
Technology upgrades to ease the filing process
The 2025 tax season will include numerous technological upgrades to streamline the filing process and improve the taxpayer experience.
One of the most notable improvements is the increased availability of online tools, such as the Direct File system, which aims to make tax filing easier. The IRS is updating its digital resources to reduce confusion, improve security, and provide more streamlined filing options to users.
A new feature in the IRS Online Account will warn taxpayers about potential scams involving their personal information. These warnings will take you directly to detailed pages that explain how to recognize legitimate IRS communications and avoid fraudulent schemes.
“These chat bots use either guided help through choice buttons or an open text box for customized questions,” an IRS representative stated. “The use of natural language processing and understanding to help interpret the input from our taxpayers will help provide the appropriate responses.”
Taxpayers can now complete and save drafts of 67 forms on mobile devices, allowing them to work on their returns when it is most convenient.
Improvements to the IRS’s automated systems, including voice bots in both English and Spanish, will provide round-the-clock assistance with questions about filing status or refund tracking, further simplifying the process.
