Tax season officially opens on January 27, 2026, and this year, filing early is more important than ever. With the IRS continuing to upgrade its processing systems, identity theft cases rising, and refund timing becoming more unpredictable, early filers enjoy faster refunds, fewer surprises, and significantly less stress.

Many taxpayers still wait until the final days before the deadline, but early filers consistently receive better outcomes. Whether you’re expecting a refund or preparing for a tax bill, early filing gives you more clarity, more time, and more control over your financial year.

Before we begin, here is one of the most common questions for 2026:

Q: How early can I file taxes in 2026?

You can officially file your 2025 return starting January 27, 2026, which is the IRS opening date. You can prepare your taxes before this date, but the IRS will not process anything early.

Now let’s explore the top six advantages of filing early this season.

Reason 1 – File Your Taxes Early and Get Your Refund Faster

If you want your refund as soon as possible, early filing is the best strategy. In 2025, early filers saw refunds approved and deposited within 10–21 days, while late-season filers often waited weeks longer due to the IRS backlog.

Last season, the average refund was more than $3,100, and most early filers received theirs in February instead of April or May.

Why does early filing matter?

• You’re ahead of millions of taxpayers
  
• IRS systems are less congested
  
• Fewer errors occur early in the season
  
• Processing is faster for electronic returns with direct deposit
  

Many people also ask:

Q: When is the earliest I can get my tax refund in 2026?

If you file electronically on opening day (January 27) and choose direct deposit, the earliest refunds are expected between February 10–17, assuming no errors or identity checks.

Another common trend from online search is:

Q: Can I file taxes before January 27?

You can prepare your return using tax software, but it will not be transmitted until the IRS officially opens on January 27, 2026.

Filing early doesn’t just help you get your refund — it gives you the freedom to use your money earlier for savings, investments, or essential expenses.

Reason 2 – File Early, Especially If You Owe Taxes

Many assume filing early only benefits those receiving refunds. However, filing early matters even more if you owe the IRS.

Filing early gives you time to:

• Know exactly how much you owe
  
• Budget for the April 15, 2026 payment deadline
  
• Avoid panic
  
• Set up an installment plan
  
• Prevent late-payment penalties
  

This connects to another common question:

Q: Is it better to do taxes early or later?

It is always better to file early. Whether you owe or expect a refund, early filing gives you more options, more time, and significantly less stress.

You can file early and still wait until April 15 to make payments — but filing early ensures you’re prepared.

Reason 3 – File Early and Protect Yourself from Tax Identity Theft

Tax-related identity theft has exploded in recent years. Between 2021 and 2022, fraudulent refund claims identified by the IRS jumped from $16 million to over $800 million.

Fraudsters often file fake tax returns early in the season using stolen Social Security numbers. If they file before you, your refund becomes delayed while the IRS verifies your identity.

Filing early protects you because:

• Your return reaches the IRS before scammers can file
  
• Fraud attempts using your SSN will get blocked
  
• You avoid long verification delays
  
• Your refund is safer
  

That’s why many taxpayers search topics like:

Q: Why are early filers’ taxes sometimes delayed?

Because early season returns undergo additional identity checks — not because early filing is risky. Even with extra verification, early filers still receive refunds faster than late filers and are far more protected.

Reason 4 – Take Advantage of Free Test Drives of Tax Software

One of the biggest advantages of early filing is that most tax software platforms allow you to:

• Start your full return for free
  
• Import documents
  
• Preview your refund or balance
  
• Compare different filing options
  
• Test several software programs
  
• Switch to another platform if needed
  

The more time you have, the more likely you’ll choose the right platform. Some software is better for business owners or investors, while others are designed for simple returns. Early filers get time to try multiple tools without any pressure.

If you wait until the final week of tax season, you won’t have the luxury of comparing options — you’ll be forced to file quickly instead of filing correctly.

Reason 5 – Get Professional Help Before Their Schedules Fill Up

Tax professionals like John Geantasio receive an overwhelming number of requests in March and April. If you start late, you may struggle to find help or get answers in time.

When you start early, you can:

• Ask questions
  
• Gather documents
  
• Schedule a consultation
  
• Fix discrepancies
  
• Optimize your deductions
  
• File with expert guidance

And here is the perfect, natural placement for your keyword:

If you want help filing accurately and avoiding IRS delays, many taxpayers search for a cpa near me for taxes to ensure their return is done right the first time.

When you start early, you’re not fighting for appointments — you’re choosing them.

Reason 6 – Don’t Let Taxes Stress You Out: File Early for Peace of Mind

Nearly 28% of Americans say they’d rather give up their phone for a week than deal with taxes. Filing taxes late creates anxiety, confusion, and rushed mistakes.

Early filing eliminates that.

When you start early, you have: 

• Time to double-check your return
  
• Time to correct errors
  
• Time to locate missing documents
  
• Time to compare filing options
  
• Time to ask for help
  
• Time to avoid penalties

You get peace of mind instead of last-minute panic.

2026 Filing Updates Every Taxpayer Should Know

To make your filing even smoother this year, here are key updates:

1. IRS opens Jan 27, 2026

No return can be accepted earlier.

2. Required documents due Jan 31

W-2s and 1099s must be issued by your employer or financial institution by this date.

3. Refund timing improved

IRS technology upgrades allow many early filers to receive refunds faster than ever before.

4. Child Tax Credit changes possible

Congress may approve CTC expansions that apply to the very returns being filed now. Early filers benefit because corrections and supplemental refunds are easier to process.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Can I file my taxes for free?
Yes…

Q2. Is there a tax return calculator?
Yes…

Q3. How do I get a tax filing extension?
File Form 4868…

Q4. How do I file my taxes?
You can file electronically…

Q5. What is the IRS website for filing taxes?
www.irs.gov…

Q6. Are there tax filing courses available?
Yes…

Q7. Do I need a form to file a tax extension?
Yes…

Q8. Is the tax filing deadline different in California?
No…

Q9. How do I file taxes for my LLC?
It depends on your structure…

Q10. When is the tax filing deadline?
Usually April 15…

Q11. What are tax filing services?
Companies or professionals…

Q12. What is a K-1 tax form?
A form issued by partnerships…

Q13. What is the tax filing deadline for 2024?
April 15, 2024… 

Q14. What is my tax filing status?
Your status depends on marital status and dependents…

Q15. What is a 1040 tax form?
The standard individual tax return…

Q16. What is an 1120 tax form?
The corporate tax return…

Q17. How do non-profits file taxes?
Using Form 990…

Q18. How do I file taxes for my business?
Forms vary by entity…

Q19. How long should I keep my tax returns?
3–7 years…

Q20. Where can I get help filing my taxes in person?
A CPA, VITA, or TCE site…

Q21. What is tax filing software?
Software that helps prepare returns…

Q22. What is a 1099 tax form?
Used to report non-employee income…

Q23. How do small businesses file taxes?
It depends on their structure…

Q24. Can I file married but separate?
Yes — but review the implications…

Work With John — File Early, File Smart, File Confidently

If you want to reduce stress, avoid mistakes, and get your biggest legal refund in 2026, John Geantasio is here to help.

John helps individuals, families, and businesses:

• File accurately
  
• Maximize deductions
  
• Avoid delays
  
• Reduce taxes
  
• Stay compliant with IRS rules
  

Book your tax filing consultation with John today — and make 2026 your smoothest tax season yet.

Website Link https://johngeantasiocpa.com/