Tax Season
Tax season in the United States runs from January through mid-April each year, when individuals file their federal income tax returns for the previous calendar year. The Internal Revenue Service typically begins accepting returns in late January and sets a deadline around April 15, though the exact date shifts if it falls on a weekend or holiday.
When does tax season officially start and end?
The IRS opens e-file in late January—usually between January 20 and January 29—and accepts returns for the prior tax year until the April deadline, which is April 15 in most years. If April 15 falls on a weekend or a legal holiday (such as Emancipation Day in Washington, D.C.), the deadline moves to the next business day.
You can file as soon as you have all required documents—typically your W-2 from employers, 1099 forms for contract or investment income, and records of deductible expenses. Filing early reduces identity-theft risk and speeds up refunds.
What documents do you need before you file?
Gather income statements first: W-2s from every employer, 1099-NEC or 1099-K for freelance or gig income, 1099-INT and 1099-DIV for interest and dividends, and 1099-B for investment sales. Employers and financial institutions must send these by January 31, though brokerage statements may arrive in mid-February if your account had complex transactions.
Next collect deduction and credit records: mortgage interest (Form 1098), property tax receipts, student loan interest (Form 1098-E), charitable donation receipts, medical expense records if you itemize, and childcare provider tax IDs if you claim the Child and Dependent Care Credit. If you paid estimated taxes quarterly, note those amounts and dates.
Keep last year's return handy—you'll need your prior-year adjusted gross income (AGI) to verify your identity when e-filing.
How do you choose between standard deduction and itemizing?
Take the standard deduction unless your itemized deductions exceed it. For 2023 returns filed in 2024, the standard deduction is $13,850 for single filers and married filing separately, $27,700 for married filing jointly, and $20,800 for heads of household.
Add up your itemizable expenses: state and local taxes (capped at $10,000), mortgage interest, charitable contributions, and medical expenses exceeding 7.5 percent of your AGI. If the total is higher than your standard deduction, itemize on Schedule A.
Run both calculations if you're close. Tax software does this automatically and selects the method that lowers your tax bill.
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What filing status should you use?
Your filing status on December 31 of the tax year determines your rates, standard deduction, and credit eligibility. Single applies if you were unmarried and don't qualify as head of household.
Qualifying surviving spouse status applies for two years after a spouse's death if you have a dependent child and meet other tests; it uses the same rates as married filing jointly. If multiple statuses seem to fit, the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant at IRS.gov can clarify which saves the most.
What are the most common mistakes that delay refunds?
Math errors and mismatched names slow processing. Double-check Social Security numbers for yourself, your spouse, and dependents—they must match Social Security Administration records exactly.
Missing signatures reject paper returns. Both spouses must sign a joint return.
How do you track your refund or payment status?
Use the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov or the IRS2Go mobile app, available 24 hours after the IRS accepts your e-filed return or four weeks after mailing a paper return. You'll need your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount.
E-file with direct deposit is fastest—most refunds arrive within 21 days. Paper returns take six to eight weeks, and refunds by check add another week for mail delivery.
FAQ
Can you file taxes before receiving all your forms?
No, wait until you have all income and deduction documents. Filing before a W-2 or 1099 arrives leads to an incorrect return, triggering IRS notices and requiring an amended return on Form 1040-X.
What happens if you miss the April deadline?
You owe a failure-to-file penalty of 5 percent of unpaid tax per month, up to 25 percent, plus interest on any balance. File as soon as possible to stop the penalty.
Do you need to file if your income is low?
You must file if your gross income exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status and age. For 2023, single filers under 65 must file if income is at least $13,850; the threshold is higher if you're 65 or older.
Should you use tax software or hire a professional?
Use free or low-cost software if your return is straightforward—W-2 income, standard deduction, basic credits. The IRS Free File program offers brand-name software at no cost if your AGI is $79,000 or less.
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