Can't wait to file for a refund? Qualified taxpayers can start today, says the Internal Revenue Service. Using Free File can help.

We compared the top free tax software options to help the do-it-yourself tax filers find the cheapest option in 2026.

The IRS just announced that it will begin accepting 2025 tax returns on Jan. 26 this year. The official tax-filing deadline is April 15. Image source: Getty Images.

The IRS has announced the official start date for the 2026 tax season, providing taxpayers with a clear timeline to prepare and file their returns. Starting January 26, 2026, individuals can submit their federal tax returns for the 2025 fiscal year.

Every tax season millions of taxpayers will spend money to file their return when they may not have to. The National Taxpayer Advocate has estimated around 70% of taxpayers are eligible to use IRS Free File. Only about 2% do. Read on for options tax filers ...

Angelica Leicht is the senior editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com, where she writes and edits articles on a range of personal finance topics. Angelica previously held editing roles at The Simple Dollar, Interest, HousingWire and ...