A public statement from Commissioner Billy Long that the next tax filing season would begin around Presidents Day is facing pushback from the Internal Revenue Service, which said Tuesday it has not set a date. The conflicting messages leave taxpayers, preparers, and software firms waiting for clarity as they plan for the opening weeks of the new season.
Long made his comment last week. The agency’s response suggests an official announcement is still pending. Filing season start dates matter for refund timing, staffing, and software rollout, especially for millions of early filers.
Conflicting Signals on Timing
“Commissioner Billy Long said last week that the next filing season would start around Presidents Day, but the IRS said Tuesday that it has not set a date.”
The agency’s statement indicates no internal decision has been finalized or released. That means taxpayers should be cautious about planning around a mid-February start. Presidents Day falls in mid-February, later than the late-January launches seen in many recent years.
Any movement to a later start could delay refunds for early filers who count on quick processing. It could also shift workloads for accountants and volunteer assistance programs that staff up based on the official opening day.
What History Suggests
In most years, the filing season has opened in late January. There have been exceptions, often tied to system updates or changes in tax law that require programming checks and testing. When dates move, the IRS usually gives public notice several weeks in advance.
For taxpayers and professionals, that notice helps schedule client appointments, fine-tune software updates, and time submissions for the earliest possible processing window. A later start typically pushes early refunds further into February or March, depending on workload and statutory identity checks for certain credits.
Why the Start Date Matters
Even small changes in timing ripple through the system. E-filing systems, refund fraud screens, and customer service staffing all ramp up to match the launch date. Tax software firms coordinate version releases and updates. Volunteer tax assistance sites set training and opening days based on that timeline.
- A later opening can delay refunds for early filers.
- Preparers may face compressed calendars and heavier peak weeks.
- Taxpayers waiting on forms or corrected statements might benefit from more time before the rush.
Preparing Without a Confirmed Date
With no official date, taxpayers can still organize documents, verify employer and bank information, and check that names, addresses, and direct deposit details are current. Preparers can complete client intake, review 2024 changes that may apply, and ensure security measures are in place for e-filing.
Software providers will likely continue testing and patching until the IRS sets a start date. Once announced, most systems shift from testing to live submission within hours or days.
Competing Priorities and Caution
Agency timelines often balance multiple priorities: smooth processing, fraud prevention, and the need for accurate returns. If additional validation is needed, the start date can move to allow for readiness. That caution usually reduces filing day glitches, though it may extend the wait for early refunds.
Given the uncertainty, those who rely on refunds for bills should avoid planning around any unofficial date. Direct deposit and e-filing still remain the fastest path once the season begins, according to the IRS in past guidance.
The bottom line is simple: A claim about a Presidents Day start is not confirmed. The agency says no date is set. Taxpayers and professionals should watch for an official announcement, which typically arrives with instructions for e-filing, refund schedules, and reminders on identity verification. Until then, preparation can proceed, but filing plans should stay flexible.
