What does the February 12th filing date mean for me?

The IRS has now issued the date that e-filing will open this year. That date is Friday, February 12, 2021. This is the official date that the tax agency will begin to accept and process 2020 tax returns. Tax return preparers are still able to file your taxes ahead of the February 12th processing date. Once the IRS accepts and acknowledges the filed tax return, then the 21 day processing time begins.