WASHINGTON, Jan 15, 2026, 02:09 EST
- The IRS announced it will begin accepting and processing 2025 federal income tax returns starting Jan. 26, with the filing deadline set for April 15.
- The agency is urging taxpayers to create online accounts, collect their W-2s and 1099s, and get ready for electronic refunds as paper checks are being phased out.
- A taxpayer watchdog warns that staffing cuts and recent tax-law changes may put pressure on services during the filing rush.
The Internal Revenue Service on Wednesday urged taxpayers to act now before the 2026 filing season kicks off on Jan. 26. The agency recommends setting up an online account and preparing for direct deposit, as paper refund checks are being phased out.
This is significant since filing season now overlaps with fresh tax rules and a strict deadline: many rush to file once their documents arrive, and the IRS anticipates another busy year for returns.
Tax experts and the IRS’ independent watchdog caution that the upcoming filing season could be tougher, with new forms landing and fewer staff answering help lines. “With the IRS workforce reduced by 26% and significant tax law changes on the horizon, there are risks to next year’s filing season,” said National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins. Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent pushed back, expressing confidence the agency can “deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.” Florida Realtors
The IRS set April 15 as the deadline for filing 2025 tax returns and settling any taxes owed. It anticipates handling around 164 million individual income tax submissions, roughly matching last year’s volume.
W-2s are another potential bottleneck. Employers usually need to hand out wage statements by Jan. 31, but since that day lands on a Saturday in 2026, the deadline shifts to Monday, Feb. 2, Kiplinger reported.
The IRS Free File program is now open for returns from eligible taxpayers, offering guided tax software for those with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less for 2025. Private partners behind the service include TaxAct, TaxSlayer, and TaxHawk (FreeTaxUSA).
Earlier in the filing season, IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano stated the agency “is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations.” He also noted that IRS systems have been updated to reflect new tax laws. The IRS announced a new Schedule 1-A will be introduced for taxpayers to claim recently enacted deductions, including “no tax on tips,” “no tax on overtime,” “no tax on car loan interest,” and an enhanced deduction for seniors. IRS
The IRS is cracking down on recordkeeping for side income and digital transactions. Taxpayers are urged to keep an eye out for forms like the 1099-K, which tracks payments made via cards and some apps. They must also report any “digital asset” activity, including cryptocurrency, even if they don’t receive a specific form.
Refund timing remains tricky, particularly for those claiming specific credits. The IRS is legally barred from issuing refunds linked to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until at least mid-February. This delay affects the whole refund, not just the credit portion.
The IRS rolled out inflation adjustments for tax year 2026 — that’s income earned this year and reported on returns filed in 2027. The standard deduction rises to $32,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $16,100 for singles. The top marginal tax rate of 37% kicks in at taxable income above $640,600 for singles and $768,700 for joint filers, the IRS noted.
This filing season, the IRS is pushing taxpayers to use electronic filing and direct deposit to speed up processing. However, errors, identity verifications, and missing paperwork could still delay refunds. U.S. markets remained closed.
