I figure out if I need to pay or I get money back ASAP. If I expect money back, I file as quickly as possible. If I owe, stall.

Somewhere around now I try to get like 80% of things entered – then I procrastinate on the last %20.

If you use the free software do it soon before Edolph Muskler cancels it.

I would do it soon before they gut IRS and have a government shutdown.

If you’re doing them, any time before the deadline from here is fine.

If you’ve got complex stuff going on and are using a tax service or accountant, I’d say the best window is the back half of February through the first half of March. This misses all the people on the front end who rush to get them done the femtosecond they have all of their documents, and also misses the people on the back end scrambling for the late-season rush.

Ideally? Now.

In reality? 5 days before the extension deadline ends.

I’d like to get started as soon as possible, but a lot of places seem to like to wait until the last possible second to send me my information.

I think we’re finally at the point where I should have everything I need, so I guess I should get started.

Probably this weekend. I need to double check that I got all necessary documents. It’s cold outside, I have a cold, in a lul for sports and entertainment and hobbies, so now is the time for me to get taxes over and done with.

Ah shit, thanks for reminding me.

i did it like january 5th

Depends on how many investment transactions I have and the dollar amount they represent. I didn’t make very many sell trades last year, so not having to wait for 1099’s meant I have already filed mine.

If I’m getting a refund I file in late Feb or early March. If I owe then I file close to Apr 15. Why pay sooner than you need to?

I file them the moment I get my W-2. Why wait? You aren’t paying less if you owe, and you won’t be refunded more

Did it a couple weeks ago and already received my refunds.
Ideally, I would balance by tax withholding such that I owe a small amount some tax time. And that payment would then be delayed as late as possible to provide the largest marginal value for that money. But, I’m lazy and instead have gone mostly with the defaults and that results in me getting a refund regularly. So, why let the government hold onto my money any longer than necessary? As soon as I have my documents in hand, I file.

Before January 20th of this year would have been a strategically smart move.