The deadline for returns and tax payments this year is April 15. However,  returns may be prepared before the start date, but processing will not begin until the announced opening date.

The IRS notes sources of help in preparing and filing taxes include IRS Free File online or free tax help from trained volunteers at community sites around the country.  Tax help is also available on IRS.gov, the official agency website. The Let Us Help You page helps answer most tax questions, and the IRS Services Guide (PDF) links to these and other IRS services.