INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have officially opened the gates for the 2026 tax filing season. As of Monday, Jan. 26, both agencies began accepting individual income tax returns for the 2025 tax year.
State officials are urging Hoosiers to mark their calendars and begin organizing their financial documents early to avoid the mid-April rush.
For the majority of taxpayers, the window to file and settle accounts is now open. Unless an official extension is filed, the primary deadline for filing and payment is Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Taxpayers considering an extension should note a critical distinction in the law: an extension grants more time to submit paperwork, but it does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed. Any projected tax balance must still be paid by the April 15 deadline to avoid potential interest and penalties.
Recommendations for Faster Refunds
The DOR is heavily encouraging the use of digital tools to ensure the most efficient experience. To minimize wait times and secure faster refunds, the department recommends three primary steps:
- Electronic Filing: Use certified software to file returns electronically.
- Online Payments: Use the DOR’s secure portal for any taxes due.
- Direct Deposit: Opting for direct deposit is the most reliable way to receive a refund quickly, often shaving weeks off the processing time compared to paper checks.
Taxpayers looking for forms, instructions, or to check the status of a refund can visit the official Indiana Department of Revenue website or the IRS portal. Local residents may also seek assistance through authorized tax preparers or community-based filing programs for eligible individuals.
The United States Postal Service changed how postmark dates are determined. The change now reflects the date of the first automated processing operation, rather than when the piece of mail was dropped off.
The change could affect the timeliness of mail-in tax payments. DOR encourages taxpayers to utilize INTIME to ensure all payments are received on time. Refer to the USPS Postmark Change information to learn more.
