The IRS Free File program is up and running for the 2026 tax season — and taxpayers can use the system even before the Internal Revenue Service officially accepts tax returns beginning Jan. 26. Individuals who qualify do not have to pay a dime for the tax software offered through this program, if they go through IRS.gov/freefile and pick one of eight tax software companies that have agreed to provide free software to someone in their situation. Free File is not Direct File, which the IRS has discontinue ...

KEY TAKEAWAYS Taxpayers using the IRS Free File can submit their 2025 tax return now, and the IRS will begin processing tax returns on Jan. 26.All W-2 and 1099 forms reporting income will be sent by Feb. 2.Taxpayers have until April 1 to file their taxes or request an extension. The 2026 tax filing season starts next week. Here are the key dates you need to know. During this filing season, taxpayers will need to use the newly created Schedule 1-A to take advantage of the new tax deductions and credits ...

The IRS on Thursday announced the start date for the 2026 tax filing season later this month, when taxpayers will be able to start filing their returns for the past year. Taxpayers may begin filing their 2025 tax returns on Monday, Jan. 26, the IRS announced. That will give taxpayers more than two months to file their returns ahead of the Wednesday, April 15 deadline to file or request an extension until the fall. The IRS Free File program will start accepting individual tax returns on Friday, Jan. 9 fo ...

April 15 is the final day to pay owed income tax, but the agency can set up installment plans for people who can’t pay the full amount they owe at once. April 15 is also the last day for taxpayers to file a return or get an extension to Oct. 15 to submit their return.“As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and e ...