The nation’s annual tax season begins Monday, Jan. 24 when the IRS begins accepting and processing 2021 tax year returns. The IRS anticipates most taxpayers will receive their refund within 21 days of when they file electronically, if they choose direct deposit and there are no issues with their tax return. The filing deadline to submit a 2021 tax return or an extension to file and pay tax owed is April 18 for most taxpayers.