Although tax season usually starts in late January, this year, the tax filing season is delayed until February 12, 2021. The delayed start date for individual tax return filers allowed the IRS time to do additional programming and testing of IRS systems following the December 27, 2020, tax law changes that provided a second round of Economic Impact Payments and other benefits to many taxpayers. This programming work is critical to ensuring IRS systems run smoothly to minimize refund delays and ensure that eligible people will receive any remaining stimulus money as a Recovery Rebate Credit when they file their 2020 tax return.
File Electronically for Faster Refunds
Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,500. Once again, the IRS anticipates that nine out of 10 taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days when filing electronically with direct deposit – and there are no issues with their tax return.
More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year – the majority before the Thursday, April 15 deadline. To speed refunds during the pandemic, the IRS urges taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need. To avoid delays in processing, people should avoid filing paper returns wherever possible.
Taxpayers eligible for IRS Free File were able to begin submitting tax returns on January 15, 2021, although the returns will not be transmitted to the IRS until February 12, 2021.
Reminders
Under the PATH Act, the IRS cannot issue a refund involving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before mid-February. The law provides this additional time to help the IRS stop fraudulent refunds and claims from being issued, including to identity thieves.
The IRS anticipates a first week of March refund for many EITC and ACTC taxpayers if they file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns. This would be the same experience for taxpayers if the filing season opened in late January. Taxpayers will need to check Where’s My Refund for their personalized refund date.
Key Dates for Taxpayers Filing a Return
Important dates that taxpayers should keep in mind for this year’s filing season include:
January 2021
- January 15. IRS Free File opens. Taxpayers can begin filing returns through Free File partners; tax returns will be transmitted to the IRS starting Feb. 12. Tax software companies also are accepting tax filings in advance.
- January 29. Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness Day to raise awareness of valuable tax credits available to many people – including the option to use prior-year income to qualify.
February 2021
- February 12. IRS begins 2021 tax season. Individual tax returns begin being accepted and processing begins.
- February 22. Projected date for the IRS.gov Where’s My Refund tool being updated for those claiming EITC and ACTC, also referred to as PATH Act returns.
March 2021
- First week of March. Tax refunds begin reaching those claiming EITC and ACTC (PATH Act returns) for those who file electronically with direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax returns.
April 2021
- April 15. Deadline for filing 2020 tax returns.
October 2021
- October 15. Deadline to file for those requesting an extension on their 2020 tax returns.
