When Can You File Taxes in 2023?

We are just starting 2023, but some people already want to know when you can file taxes this year. That's understandable, because generally, the sooner you file your federal income tax return, the sooner you will receive your tax refund--if you're due one. 

So, when can you file taxes this year? Here's information you need to know.

When You Can File 2022 Taxes

This year, the IRS started accepting 2022 tax returns at 9:00 a.m. ET on January 23, 2023. That's one day earlier than last year.

Subscribe to Kiplinger’s Personal Finance

Be a smarter, better informed investor.

Save up to 74%

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.

Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.

Sign up

If you wanted to file your return as soon as possible and made $73,000 or less in 2022, IRS Free File opened on January 13. 

It should also be noted that participating Free File providers began accepting completed returns starting on January 13 and held them until January 23, when they could be filed electronically with the IRS. Other tax preparation software companies and tax professionals may also accept or prepare tax returns before January 23 and hold them until the IRS begins accepting returns.

If you prefer to wait to file your taxes, you have until April 18, 2023, to file your 2022 federal income tax return or request a tax filing extension. 

Normally the due date is April 15, but since that day falls on a weekend this year and the next business day is a holiday in Washington, D.C. (Emancipation Day), the deadline is pushed to April 18. 

Anyone requesting an extension will have until October 16, 2023, to file their 2022 federal income tax return (although payment of any tax owed is still due on the original April 18 deadline).

Who Must File a Tax Return?

Not everyone is required to file a tax return. If your income is under a certain amount (see table below), you aren't required to file a tax return because you will not owe any tax.

However, even if your income is below the applicable threshold, you still may want to file a 2022 tax return anyway. For example, you will need to file a return to claim certain tax credits, such as the:

• Earned income credit;
• Additional child tax credit;
• American Opportunity credit;
• Credit for federal tax on fuels;
• Premium tax credit; and
• Credits for sick and family leave.

When Will Tax Refunds Arrive?

If you have a federal tax refund coming, you could get your money back in as little as three weeks. 

In the past, the IRS has issued over 90% of refunds in less than 21 days. If you want to speed up the refund process, e-file your 2022 tax return and select the direct deposit payment method. That is the fastest way. 

Paper returns and checks slow things down considerably.

However, don't expect your refund before mid-February if you claim the earned income tax credit or the additional child tax credit. 

By law, refunds for returns claiming these credits must be delayed. This applies to the entire refund, not just the portion associated with the credits. According to the IRS, its "Where's My Refund" tool should provide an updated status for your refund by February 18 if you claim one of these credits. 

The IRS also expects most refunds that are held up because the earned income tax credit or additional child tax credit was claimed to be available in bank accounts or on debit cards by February 28 if you chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with your return.