Core Points - The IRS will begin accepting tax returns on January 26, allowing taxpayers to file early and potentially receive refunds sooner and avoid fraud [1][7] Group 1: Tax Filing Benefits - Filing taxes early can lead to receiving tax refunds sooner, which can be beneficial for those with holiday debt or other financial needs [3][5] - Early filing can help avoid tax fraud, as the IRS only accepts one tax return per Social Security number, reducing the risk of duplicate filings due to fraudulent returns [4][5] Group 2: Important Dates - Taxes are due on April 15, but the deadline may shift slightly if it falls on a weekend or holiday [1][7] - The IRS's acceptance of tax returns starting January 26 provides an opportunity for early filers [1][7]