How early can I file my taxes in 2025? Want that refund ASAP!

Looking to file my taxes as early as humanly possible this year! I'm expecting a pretty big refund (at least $3000 based on my calculations) and really want to get that money into my account ASAP. I've already received my W-2 from my main job, but still waiting on one 1099 from a side gig I did last summer. Anyone know how early the IRS actually starts accepting returns? Is it different if you e-file vs. paper file? Trying to get organized early this time instead of my usual last-minute panic lol.

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18 comments

Kiara Fisherman

•8M

The IRS typically starts accepting tax returns in late January or early February. For the 2025 filing season (2024 tax year), they haven't announced the exact date yet, but based on previous years, it'll likely be around January 24-31, 2025. You can prepare your return as soon as you have all your necessary documents, but the IRS won't process it until the official start date. E-filing is definitely the way to go - paper returns take much longer to process, sometimes 6-8 weeks compared to 21 days or less for e-filed returns with direct deposit. Since you're still waiting on that 1099, just remember you need ALL your tax documents before filing. Filing without reporting all income could trigger an amendment later, which would delay your refund significantly.

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Kiara Fisherman

•8M

There's a slight advantage to filing very early, as the IRS generally processes returns in the order received. However, it's not a strict queue - some returns get processed faster than others based on complexity and other factors. Filing in the first week or two of tax season might get your refund a bit sooner, but the difference is usually just a matter of days. What's most important is filing an accurate return with all your documents, rather than rushing to be first and potentially making errors that could delay processing.

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Savannah Vin

•8M

I was in the same boat last year waiting for a big refund! After trying to call the IRS multiple times and getting nowhere, I discovered https://taxr.ai which analyzes all your tax docs to give you the earliest possible filing date based on your specific situation. The tool even predicts when you'll likely receive all your forms so you can plan ahead. I uploaded my W-2 and other docs I had, and it showed me exactly when I could file to get my refund fastest. It even flagged that my employer usually sends 1099s by a specific date, so I didn't waste time checking for it earlier than that.

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Savannah Vin

•8M

It works alongside any tax software you already use - I used it with TurboTax last year with no issues. You can use taxr.ai to analyze and plan, then still file through your preferred software when you're ready. For state returns, it actually tracks both federal and state form availability based on your location. I'm in California which is notoriously slow with state forms, and it correctly predicted when my state forms would be ready and gave me separate timelines for my federal and state refunds.

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Makayla Shoemaker

•8M

Just wanted to follow up - I tried https://taxr.ai after asking about it here and wow! It actually told me that one of my investment accounts typically sends 1099-Bs in mid-February (which I didn't realize), so I would have filed too early and had to amend. Saved me from a potential audit headache! It also estimated my refund would arrive by February 18th if I file by the date it recommended. Super helpful for planning my finances instead of constantly checking the IRS "Where's My Refund" tool every day like I did last year!

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Christian Bierman

•8M

Trying to reach the IRS this time of year to check on your refund status is basically impossible - I tried calling 23 times last year! Then someone told me about https://claimyr.com which gets you through to an actual IRS agent. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was skeptical at first, but after waiting on hold for 3+ hours the previous day, I tried it and got through to someone in about 15 minutes. The agent was able to tell me exactly what was holding up my refund (a simple verification issue) and I got my money a week later.

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Christian Bierman

•8M

They don't call for you - it's a system that navigates the IRS phone tree and holds your place in line. When an agent is about to answer, it calls your phone and connects you directly. It's basically like having someone wait on hold for you. The IRS phone system actually has multiple entry points and changing wait times throughout the day. Claimyr uses technology to identify the fastest path through the system at any given moment, something most people can't do on their own. It's not about cutting in line - it's about finding the shortest line.

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Lucas Lindsey

•8M

Ok I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting that skeptical comment, I was still desperate to reach the IRS about my missing refund from last year. Tried it as a last resort and it actually connected me to an agent in about 30 minutes. The agent fixed an issue with my account where they had my old address so my refund check was sent back to them. Now my payment is being reissued. Would have never known what happened without actually talking to someone!

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Sophie Duck

•8M

The PATH Act requirements are still in effect for the 2025 filing season. There have been no changes to this law. If you claim EITC or ACTC, the earliest you would see your refund is around February 15th, regardless of when you file. The IRS uses this time to verify income reported on W-2s and 1099s against the credits claimed to prevent fraudulent refunds. While there are occasionally discussions about modifying these rules, no actual changes have been implemented yet.

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