When Can You Start to File Taxes?
Understanding the tax filing process can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to knowing when you can start. The IRS has specific guidelines and deadlines that you need to be aware of. Let’s dive into the details to help you determine when you can start filing your taxes.
Understanding Tax Filing Deadlines
The IRS sets a deadline for tax filing each year, typically April 15th. However, this date can change due to holidays or weekends. It’s important to keep an eye on any announcements from the IRS regarding changes to the filing deadline.
| Year | Original Filing Deadline | Actual Filing Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | April 15, 2021 | May 17, 2021 |
| 2022 | April 18, 2022 | April 18, 2022 |
| 2023 | April 18, 2023 | April 18, 2023 |
As you can see from the table above, the filing deadline for the year 2021 was extended to May 17th due to the Emancipation Day holiday in Washington, D.C. It’s crucial to stay updated with any changes to the filing deadline to avoid missing out on important tax benefits.
When Can You Start Filing Taxes?
Now that you know the general filing deadline, let’s discuss when you can actually start filing your taxes. The IRS typically opens the tax filing season in early February. This means you can start preparing your tax return and e-filing as soon as the IRS systems are ready to process your return.
Here are some key points to consider:
- IRS System Availability: The IRS will only start accepting tax returns once their systems are fully operational. This usually happens in early February.
- Software and E-filing Services: Tax preparation software and e-filing services will also be ready to process your return as soon as the IRS systems are open. Make sure to choose a reputable software or service to ensure the accuracy of your return.
- Direct Deposit: If you’re planning to receive a tax refund, it’s important to note that the IRS will only start processing direct deposits once their systems are open. This means your refund may take longer to receive if you file early.
It’s worth mentioning that the IRS has a specific timeline for processing tax returns. Generally, they aim to issue refunds within 21 days of receiving a tax return, but this can vary depending on the complexity of your return and the volume of tax returns being processed.
What If You Can’t File by the Deadline?
What if you can’t file your taxes by the April 15th deadline? The IRS offers an automatic extension of time to file your taxes. This extension gives you an additional six months to file your return, bringing the deadline to October 15th.
Here’s what you need to know about the extension:
- Requesting an Extension: You can request an extension by filing Form 4868 with the IRS. This form is available on the IRS website and can be e-filed or mailed in.
- No Tax Payment Required: When you request an extension, you’re only extending the time to file your return, not the time to pay any taxes owed. It’s important to estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original filing deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
- Penalties and Interest: If you don’t file your return by the extended deadline, you may be subject to penalties and interest on any taxes owed. It’s crucial to file your return as soon as possible to minimize these penalties.
Remember, an extension to file is not an extension to pay. It’s essential to estimate and pay any taxes owed by the original filing deadline to avoid additional penalties and interest.
Conclusion
Understanding when you can start filing your taxes is crucial to ensure you meet the IRS deadlines and
