How Soon Can I File My Taxes?

Taxes can be filed as early as December of the current tax year.

Most people wait as long as possible to file their taxes. But many people who know they are due a refund want to get their money as quickly as possible. Filing taxes early also relieves the tax-filing burden from your mind.

Refund Anticipation Loans

To receive a refund anticipation loan, taxes can be filed with many professional tax-preparation companies as early as December. But you must return to the tax preparer when you have received all your Forms W-2 and Forms 1099, usually at the end of January.

Paper Forms

An individual can send in individual tax forms as soon as he has received all the relevant tax information. This can be as early as the first week of January if the person's employer sends out W-2s immediately or if a self-employed person has all the records prepared.

E-Filing Tax Returns

In general, the IRS begins accepting e-filed tax returns around January 9. This date is subject to change if the IRS computer system is not updated and ready at that time.

January 31

Employers and contractors have until January 31 to mail out W-2s and 1099s. It is best to wait for this date before filing unless you are sure you have all the necessary information.

Reasons to File Early

Filing early ensures that your refund will be sent out quickly. Because most people wait until February or later, filing early in January means the IRS is likely to review your information in a timely manner.

References

• EFile.com: Tax Refund Dates

Resources

• IRS.gov