Tax Filing Season

Filing Season Status

January 11, 2019. IRS opens Free File program (but is not yet ready to process returns).

January 28, 2019. IRS begins processing returns. The Free Fillable Forms service becomes available.

February 27, 2019. Earliest date IRS expects refunds to be available for returns claiming the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit.

More News on 2019 Filing Season

Free Filing from Software Providers
Our practical guide to finding free online tax prep software explains how the new tax law will allow many people who previously paid for the “deluxe” version will qualify for the free version this year.

Estimated Tax Penalty Waiver
The IRS announced that taxpayers who fell short of the usual 90% payment requirement can obtain a waiver the estimated tax penalty if they paid at least 85%.

Free File Enhancements
The IRS has announced enhancements to the Free File program, through which many taxpayers can obtain free tax preparation services from commercial software companies.

Refunds During Shutdown
The Office of Management and Budget has changed its initial position and declared that the IRS will not have to wait until after the government shutdown ends to pay tax refunds.