How Early Can I File My Taxes (And When Should I)?

Financial Horizons: Insights for Building Wealth and Securing Your Legacy

By Dr. Jose G. Cardenas, Chief Tax Strategist at The C & R Group, LLC

Most people treat tax season like a last-minute sprint: scramble for documents, stress over numbers, hit “file,” hope for the best.

But here’s the question that can actually save you stress and money:

How early can you file your taxes—and when does it make the most sense to do it?

There are really two different timelines:

1. When you can prepare your return.
2. When the IRS will actually accept it.

Let’s break that down in plain English.

Step 1: When Can You Prepare Your Tax Return?

You can start preparing your return as soon as:

• The tax year ends (usually December 31), and
• You have all your relevant tax documents, such as:
  W-2s from your employer
  1099 forms (freelance income, interest, dividends, retirement distributions, etc.)
  Mortgage interest and property tax statements
  Brokerage and crypto statements
  Records of deductible expenses (charity, medical, business, education, etc.)

In practice, that means January is prime time to:

• Set up a folder for this tax year
• Gather everything that arrives in the mail or email
• Send documents to your tax professional as they come in

You don’t have to wait for the IRS to “open” filing season to start organizing and running the numbers.

Step 2: When Will the IRS Actually Accept My Return?

Even if you’re fully ready in early January, the IRS doesn’t accept returns year-round.

Each year, the IRS announces an official start date—typically in late January—for accepting electronically filed returns and beginning to process paper returns. Before that date:

• You can prepare your return.
• Your tax professional can finalize it.
• But it won’t be processed until the IRS officially opens the gate for that tax year.

The exact date changes from year to year, so the safest move is to:

• Check the IRS announcement for the current season, or
• Let your tax professional handle the timing once your return is complete.

Think of it like boarding a flight: you can get to the airport early, check your bags, and be totally ready—but the plane still leaves at its scheduled time.

Why Filing Early Is Usually a Smart Move

Once the IRS opens filing season and your return is ready, there are real advantages to filing early instead of waiting until March or April.

1. Faster Refunds

If you’re due a refund, filing early puts you closer to the front of the line. E-filing with direct deposit is usually the fastest way to get your money.

2. Less Chance of Identity Theft Problems

If someone tries to file a fake return using your Social Security number after you’ve already filed, the IRS is more likely to flag the fraud and stop it. Filing early is a built-in layer of protection.

3. More Time to Fix Surprises

If your return shows you owe money, you have more time to:

• Set up a payment plan
• Adjust your cash flow
• Avoid panicking in April

Remember: you can file early and still schedule your payment for the official due date, if needed.

4. Better Planning for the Next Year

Once your return is done, you and your tax strategist can:

• Adjust withholding or estimated taxes
• Plan for retirement contributions
• Look at business or investment strategies to reduce next year’s bill

You can’t plan effectively for the future if last year’s taxes are still hanging over your head.

When You Shouldn’t Rush to File

Filing early is great—but filing accurately is more important than filing fast. You may want to pause if:

• You’re still waiting on important forms (like late 1099s, K-1s, or corrected brokerage statements).
• You had new or complex situations—business changes, multiple states, large stock/crypto sales, or major life changes—and you want a professional to review before you commit.
• You receive a tax form after you’ve already filed—rushing can lead to amended returns and extra work.

The sweet spot: file as early as you can do it completely and correctly—not just as early as possible.

How to Get Ready to File Early (Without the Stress)

Here’s a simple game plan if you want to be an “early filer” this year:

1. Create a tax folder (physical + digital) labeled with the tax year.
2. Collect documents as they come in—W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, charity receipts, etc.
3. Track any side income or self-employment income with a basic spreadsheet or bookkeeping app.
4. Send everything to your tax professional as soon as you have the bulk of your documents.
5. Ask for a review meeting to go over any changes in your life, business, or investments.
6. Once the IRS opens filing season, give the green light to file electronically and, if needed, schedule your payment date.

You’ll feel the difference immediately—less chaos, more control.

Final Thoughts: Early Filing Is a Power Move, Not a Chore

Filing early isn’t about being a “perfect” taxpayer—it’s about taking control.

• You get ahead of identity theft.
• You avoid last-minute panic.
• You get more time to respond if you owe.
• And you put yourself in a position to plan, not just react.

If you’re ready to stop dreading tax season and start using it as a tool in your wealth-building strategy, it may be time to bring in a professional team that can keep you organized, proactive, and confident.

🔗 Read more at: www.thecrgroupllc.com/blog

📅 Book your consultation: Book a consultation with Dr. Cardenas

About the Author

Dr. Jose G. Cardenas is a retired U.S. Army Finance Officer and the Chief Tax Strategist at The C & R Group, LLC. With a Doctorate in Business Administration and over 20 years of experience in financial strategy and tax planning, Dr. Cardenas helps individuals and business owners file smarter, reduce their tax burden, and build a lasting legacy. Learn more at www.thecrgroupllc.com

📌 Disclosure

This article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as personalized legal, tax, or investment advice. IRS start dates for filing seasons, deadlines, and rules are subject to change each year. You should consult with a qualified tax professional or refer to official IRS guidance for current-year details before making any filing decisions. Dr. Jose G. Cardenas, DBA, provides tax advisory services through The C & R Group, LLC. Insurance and investment strategies may be offered through his role as a licensed financial professional affiliated with Experior Financial Group.

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