What To Remember During Tax Season

As the holidays end, tax season begins¹. To avoid missing key deadlines, it’s best to prepare and file your tax return earlier rather than later. When you file earlier, your refund may arrive earlier. If you owe money, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you won’t have any late fees.

Three key dates to keep in mind are January 26, January 31, and April 15. Read on to learn why these dates matter and how to prepare for tax season generally.

Track down your W-2 forms

A W-2 form is a federal tax form that your employer sends you near the end of January. It summarizes your annual wages and any taxes withheld to help you file your taxes. You can file your taxes as early as January 26 for the 2026 tax season. You can check with the IRS website to see when they open the tax season for the current year.

Can I file taxes before I get my W-2?

Filing taxes before receiving your W-2 could lead to an incorrect filing, so it’s best to file only after you have the appropriate documents.

Look for W-2 forms from your employer by mail, no later than January 31. Sometimes, employers even have your W-2 documents available online to make things easy.

If you don’t receive your W-2 forms the week before January 31, contact your HR department. Updated home addresses and company confirmations make all the difference.

Where can I file my taxes for free?

While some choose to file their own taxes to save money, online tools can guide you through this complex process for little or no cost for simple tax returns. Some popular options include:

• Turbo Tax
• TaxAct
• The IRS website

To file your tax return, you’ll need to provide some personal details, applicable deductions, and W-2 information (earnings and taxes paid). If you have investment or self-employed income, your filing may be more complex, at which point hiring a tax professional may make the job easier.

If your employer withheld more taxes than you owe, expect a refund. This is another reason to file early: The sooner you file, the sooner you can receive your refund to spend, invest, or allocate toward saving for a goal like a down payment on a home or a new car.

When is the last day to file a tax return?

The importance of April 15

You have until April 15 to submit your documentation for a return so don’t feel pressured to get it done as soon as the IRS gives the green light to submit.

However, make sure to set aside the right amount of time to get this done, whether your taxes are simple or complex. The sooner you file, the sooner you could receive any potential refunds.

What if I owe money?

If your employer didn’t withhold enough of your income for taxes during the year, you may owe taxes. When this happens, promptly pay the bill or explore financing the debt with a loan. Then review your federal (and state) income tax withholding selections and adjust to ensure you won’t owe money next year.

Use a tax-withholding estimator to understand how much more you should withhold from each paycheck, and remember that withholding amounts can be changed throughout the year (e.g., if you get a raise and your income changes).

When will I get my refund?

It may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to get your refund based on how you file your taxes, according to the IRS. Most filing services will notify you when your federal and state taxes get processed, but you can always search the IRS site and check the status of your return if you don’t want to wait.

We know it’s hard, but try to have a little patience. Allow the IRS to do its part in working hard to process all the returns it receives during this time of year. And remember, the sooner ahead you are “in line,” the faster any refund will come.

If you are in a bind or have an expense that you were planning on using your return for before April, you may want to reach out to Rocket Loans for information about personal loans to help during the in-between period.

Once your funds arrive

Assuming you have a full understanding of how filing your taxes works and which days you should highlight on your calendar, now is the time to think about doing something with your refund money, like paying off debt, starting some home improvements, or buying a car. Congratulations!

Tax returns can feel draining, but it’s easier when you have a timeline to navigate. And now that you have your smarts about W-2s, filing resources, and refunds, you are all set to enjoy the next taxing phase in the cycle: paycheck withholdings.

The bottom line: Prepare early for tax filing

Mark your calendar for the key tax season dates: January 26 (earliest filing date), January 31 (W-2 deadline for employers), and April 15 (final filing deadline). When your W-2 and other tax documents arrive, store them in a safe, accessible place so you’re ready to file when the time comes.

If you discover you owe taxes instead of receiving a refund, don’t panic. Rocket Loans offers personal loans that can help you cover your tax bill and any expenses you’d planned to pay for with your expected refund. The sooner you file and address your tax situation, the sooner you can move forward with confidence into the new year.

¹ Rocket Loans does not provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.