WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2026 — The 2026 U.S. tax filing season officially opened Monday, ushering in a period when tens of millions of Americans begin submitting their federal income tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service.
Taxpayers can now file their 2025 returns electronically or by mail, with the IRS accepting submissions through the traditional mid‑April deadline. The agency forecasts that around 160 million individual returns may be filed this year, though actual counts could vary depending on economic conditions and taxpayer behavior.
For many Americans, Tax Day — typically observed on April 15 — looms as a central date in their financial calendar. Filing early can speed refunds for those owed money, while those who owe taxes can plan accordingly to meet their obligations without incurring penalties.
This year’s filing season comes in the wake of significant tax law changes enacted in 2025 under legislation known colloquially as the “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” which introduced a range of deductions, credits and adjustments affecting how returns are calculated and refunds are issued. Many of these provisions are reflected in new forms and schedules taxpayers will encounter when preparing their documents.
Among the most notable changes are enhanced deductions for overtime pay, no federal tax on tips up to certain thresholds, and increased standard deductions for various filing categories. Senior citizens may also benefit from special deductions on Social Security income, while some deduct car loan interest in a first for federal tax law.
“American taxpayers have new rules and opportunities to explore this season,” said a senior IRS official. “Our systems are updated and ready to support taxpayers as they navigate filing requirements.”
The IRS has made several tools available to make filing easier, including online resources on IRS.gov and partnerships with tax preparation platforms that offer free filing options for eligible individuals. Taxpayers earning below specified income thresholds can use IRS Free File services, while others may choose paid preparers or software to assist with complex returns.
However, the opening of tax season has also drawn attention to ongoing challenges. Reduced staffing at IRS offices — a result of budget cuts in recent years — has prompted concerns about call wait times and in‑person support. Still, officials emphasize that online resources and automated systems are designed to alleviate bottlenecks.
Taxpayers are also urged to be vigilant against scams and identity theft, which historically spike during filing periods. The IRS recommends ensuring personal data remains secure and verifying any unexpected communications purportedly from the agency.
“It’s important to guard personal information and only provide details through secure, official channels,” said a consumer protection expert.
Preparers and tax professionals say that early planning — including gathering W‑2s, 1099 forms, and documentation of deductions and credits — will help taxpayers avoid errors that could delay refunds or trigger reviews.
Beyond individual returns, tax season also touches small businesses and contractors, who may face additional reporting requirements for income, expenses and employee wages.
Some employers have already distributed necessary forms, such as W‑2s, but others remind workers to expect them soon as deadlines approach for reporting compensation and tax withholding.
The IRS reminds filers to take advantage of direct deposit for refunds, a faster and more secure option than paper checks, which are being phased out. Estimated refund timelines generally see electronic refunds issued within a few weeks of filing.
As the tax season unfolds, analysts will watch trends in filing patterns and refund sizes — which can be influenced by changes in tax law, economic activity, and household income dynamics.
Whether seeking returns or preparing payments, millions of Americans now have the green light to complete their tax responsibilities, marking the start of a major annual financial milestone.
