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The Daily Insight

What is the first day you can mail in federal and state tax returns?

Author

Sarah Duran

Published May 16, 2026

Each year, the IRS issues a statement in early January with the first day to file taxes. Typically, the official date when you can file taxes falls in mid to late January. January 2021 update: The IRS announced it will start processing tax returns Feb. 12.

Does state or federal tax return come first?

Federal has always come first and the state return usually a week or two after. Did something go wrong? The timing of a federal tax return refund and one from your state can vary. The state refunds are sometimes processed quicker than the IRS depending on the individual state timing.

When is the new deadline for filing taxes?

The federal tax filing deadline for individuals has been extended to May 17, 2021. Quarterly estimated tax payments are still due on April 15, 2021. For additional questions and the latest information on the tax deadline change, visit our “ IRS Announced Federal Tax Filing and Payment Deadline Extension ” blog post.

Do you have to file your state taxes?

If you live or earn money in one of the other 41 states or the District of Columbia, you may need to file a state income tax return by the filing deadline. It is a separate and independent requirement from filing your federal tax return and failure to file it on time may result in interest and penalty charges.

What happens if I don’t file my state tax return?

Filing after the deadline. If you fail to file a state income tax return by the due date, it’s still better to file late than to not file at all. Generally, the penalties charged on the tax you owe increase over time, but you can minimize them by filing your state return as soon as possible.

Can you file an extension on your federal tax return?

Several states allow automatic extensions of time to file your personal income tax return only if you first obtain an extension to file your federal tax return. However, in most cases, you must make a separate request for it by the filing deadline.