The Internal Revenue Service announced that tax season will begin on Friday, Feb. 12, 2021, when the tax agency will begin accepting and processing 2020 tax year returns.

According to a news release, the Feb. 12 start date will allow the IRS time to implement changes to its system following changes to tax law that were adopted Dec. 27, 2020. The agency usually begins accepting returns in January.

The IRS is urging individuals to file their taxes electronically, with information for a direct deposit of returns, as soon as they are able.

Tax software companies are already accepting tax returns that can then be transmitted to the IRS on Feb. 12.

Last year’s average tax refund was more than $2,500, according to the IRS. More than 150 million tax returns are expected to be filed this year, with the vast majority before the Thursday, April 15, deadline. Taxpayers will be able to check the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tracker online for their personalized refund date.