How early can you start filing taxes for 2025?

According to the IRS website (https://www.irs.gov/filing), tax filing season for the 2024 tax year (filing in 2025) typically opens in late January. Last year, the IRS began accepting and processing returns on January 23rd. While the exact date for 2025 hasn't been announced yet, it's usually around the third or fourth week of January. You can certainly prepare your return earlier using tax software or with a tax professional, but the IRS won't begin processing until the official start date. Some preparation services allow you to complete your return and have it queued up for submission as soon as the filing season opens. This can be especially helpful for those expecting refunds who want to be first in line.

Fwiw I always prep mine in Dec/Jan so I can file on day 1 when IRS opens. Need that refund ASAP lol. Most tax software lets u fill everything out early and just hits submit when the system opens. Just make sure u have all ur docs (W2s, 1099s, etc) before u submit or you'll have to amend later which is a PITA.

I've been working remotely for 7 years now and I've learned the hard way about filing too early. Last year I filed the second day the IRS opened (January 24th) because I was eager to get my refund. Turns out my investment firm didn't send a corrected 1099 until February 15th and I had to file an amended return. The amendment took FOREVER to process - almost 5 months! Now I wait until at least mid-February regardless of when the IRS opens filing.

I was in your exact situation last year - remote worker with big spring deadlines. I started gathering all my docs in December, but when I tried calling the IRS in January to confirm some deduction questions, it was impossible to get through. Spent 3 hours on hold before giving up. Then I found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) which got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 30 minutes. Totally worth it to get my specific questions answered before filing. Saved me from making a costly mistake on my home office deduction that would have delayed my refund.

While it's generally possible to prepare your return as early as December, there are several important factors to consider before submitting: 1. The IRS typically announces the official filing season start date in early January, usually opening around January 20-25th. 2. Many tax forms, particularly investment-related documents like 1099s, might not be available until February, and some may be corrected later. 3. If you're claiming certain credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit), your refund will likely be held until mid-February regardless of when you file, due to the PATH Act requirements. 4. Software providers sometimes update their systems in January as last-minute tax law changes are implemented. It's potentially advantageous to prepare early, but perhaps wait until at least February 1st to actually submit unless you have a very simple return with only W-2 income.

I filed on January 27th this year using direct e-file through the IRS Free File program. My Adjusted Gross Income was under the threshold, so I qualified for completely free filing. Had my refund via Direct Deposit on February 8th - exactly 12 days later. The key was having all my documentation ready in advance and double-checking my filing status and dependent information. The IRS typically begins accepting returns in the last week of January, but they don't announce the exact date until early January.