Tax Season 2026 Starts Jan. 26: New IRS Deductions, Deadlines and the End of Direct File
The IRS will begin accepting 2025 federal tax returns on Jan. 26, with an April 15 deadline. The new Schedule 1-A allows deductions for tips, overtime, car-loan interest, and adds a $6,000 senior bonus. The standard deduction rises to $15,750 for singles and $31,500 for joint filers. IRS Direct File is unavailable this year; free filing remains through other programs.