2026 Tax Filing Season to Begin January 26: How to Prepare and What’s New
As the 2026 tax filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced that the tax returns for the 2025 tax year can be filed starting January 26, 2026. Taxpayers have until April 15, 2026, to file their returns and pay any taxes owed. With an expected 164 million individual income tax returns this year, most taxpayers will be filing electronically.
Why File Early?
Filing taxes early offers several advantages:
- Faster refunds: Early filers typically receive their refunds sooner.
- Budgeting aid: Knowing your tax position early can help manage finances before the April deadline.
- Fraud prevention: Early filing can block identity thieves who might use stolen Social Security numbers to file fraudulent returns.
- Better access to tax professionals: Tax preparers can be more available and attentive before the last-minute rush.
According to Richard Pon, a certified public accountant in San Francisco, these reasons make early preparation and filing a smart move.
Changes and New Forms This Season
The 2026 filing season reflects new changes introduced by the tax and spending legislation passed in July 2025, which affect tax returns retroactively. Highlights include:
- Schedule 1-A: Newly introduced to claim various recent tax deductions such as no tax on tips, overtime income, car loan interest, and enhanced deductions for seniors.
- Trump Account Enrollment: Parents, guardians, and other authorized parties can establish a Trump account for their children.
- Form 1099-K: For reporting payments received via credit cards, payment apps, and online marketplaces.
- Form 1099-DA: Specifically for reporting digital asset proceeds from broker transactions.
These additions aim to help taxpayers accurately report income and maximize deductions for the 2025 tax year.
Expected Refunds and Tax Benefits
An estimated one-third of American taxpayers rely on their tax refunds for crucial expenses. This year, refunds are expected to be larger than usual due to President Donald Trump’s tax and spending package enacted in July 2025. Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA with TurboTax, noted that many taxpayers could see refund increases or reduced tax balances, sometimes by as much as $1,000. The average refund in 2025 was $2,939. ### How to Prepare
The IRS recommends taking the next few weeks to organize tax documents. Helpful resources are available on the IRS website, which offer tools and guidance for before, during, and after filing. The site also includes specific information about how recent legislation may impact your tax bill or refund.
The IRS strongly encourages taxpayers to:
- Create an individual online account to track balances, payments, and tax records.
- Set up a bank account for direct deposit, as paper refund checks are being phased out.
Filing Assistance Resources
For those needing help, the IRS provides several options:
- IRS website for FAQs and tax information.
- Finding a reputable tax preparer, with IRS tips on avoiding unethical services.
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax help to qualified individuals.
- Military and veterans can access free return preparation through the Department of Defense’s MilTax program.
- Tax preparation software that guides filers through questions and can offer free filing options for simple returns.
What to Expect After Filing
Once a return is filed, taxpayers expecting refunds can use the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on the IRS website or the IRS2Go mobile app to track refund progress. Typically, information is available within 24 hours of e-filing or about four weeks after mailing a paper return. Updates are made once daily overnight.
Refund timelines depend on how the return was filed:
- E-filed returns with direct deposit typically take fewer than three weeks.
- Paper returns can take six to eight weeks once received and accepted by the IRS.
Final Thoughts
IRS chief executive Frank Bisignano reassures taxpayers that the IRS systems are fully updated with the latest tax law changes and ready for efficient processing this season. Preparing early, understanding new forms, and using available resources can help taxpayers make the most of the 2026 tax filing season.
For more information, visit IRS.gov or consult a tax professional.
Medora Lee is a money and personal finance reporter at USA TODAY. For personal finance tips and business news, subscribe to the free Daily Money newsletter.