What is the Earliest Date I Can File My Taxes for 2011?

Posted by on Oct 13, 2011 in Tax Questions, Taxes | 4 comments

Eager to get those tax forms filled out? Ready to get your tax refund now? With new online tools, you may be able to get started early on your tax returns and get your tax refund sooner than you think. Traditionally, in order to file taxes, you must have all your tax forms from your employer in hand — that is any W2s or 1099s from all jobs you worked in the past year. Generally, you can start filing your taxes as early as January 1. It’s unlikely that you will have received these forms by January 1, as they are not required to be mailed out to employees until the end of January.

But, even without these forms in hand, there is a solution —- If you’re looking to get ahead of the game, consider using online software tools such as Turbo Tax or H&R Block at Home which will allow you to begin your tax return before you receive all necessary forms from your employer.  You can even get started before the end of the year. Using their software, you can compile and explore possible tax deductions so you’re ready to go when the tax forms arrive. Then it’s just a matter of a quick efile, and your tax rebate is on the way!

We recommend TurboTax which includes a free federal efile. See our other expert reviews on tax efile software.

Please also see our 2012 Tax Calendar for more important tax filing dates including tax due dates and when you should expect to receive tax forms from your employer.

Best Free eFile Tax Programs

Now that you’re ready to begin your taxes, the next step is to choose an tax eFile program. Many are free for Federal returns, and charge a fee for state tax filing. We recommend the following tax software:

Both TurboTax and H&R Block at Home offer great solutions no matter the complexity of your tax returns. For basic filers with limited deductions, the free versions of these programs will be acceptable. But if you run a small business, have a lot of investments, or a lot of deductions, you will want to upgrade to a more comprehensive package.

4 Comments

  1. 14-01-2011
    Pauline says:

    I plan to purchase my Turbo Tax software this week. When will the IRS updates be available for inclusion for the turbo tax software? Will your date for updates match with the IRS suggestion of waiting until mid-February to actually print out the completed Turbo Tax forms for filing to the IRS. I want to know this because I want to check deductions and it is my understanding that laws affecting the Schedule forms and/or deductions will not be updated or ready until mid-February.

  2. 30-01-2011
    Daniel says:

    I use a tax Co. She told me origialy Feb. 17th, then it got moved up to Feb 14.this is for a 1040A
    Deductions like home tax,interest.
    I alsobthought it had to do with. My children, but one of my inployees
    Filed and she has 2 children also and did not have to wait.
    I do difference is only I claim the house. Hope this helps

  3. 12-02-2011
    Richard Edwards says:

    My mother is a CPA and does personal and small business tax returns and other financial services. For those with deductions, the earliest to file is 2/14/11. If you have it direct deposited into your acct, it will take 5-7 business days. By mail it will take 14 – 30 days to reach you.

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