IRS Announces Key Dates for the 2026 Tax Filing Season
‘The Big Money Show’ panel discusses Wall Street’s bold 2026 forecasts, the A.I. boom reshaping the economy, and how President Donald Trump’s policies could drive the next major market rally.
The IRS has officially announced the start date for the 2026 tax filing season, allowing taxpayers to begin filing their returns for the previous year. Taxpayers can start submitting their 2025 tax returns on Monday, January 26, as confirmed by the IRS. This timeline provides taxpayers with over two months to file their returns before the deadline on Wednesday, April 15, or to request an extension until the fall.
For those eligible, the IRS Free File program will begin accepting individual tax returns on Friday, January 9. This program is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. Additionally, individuals preparing their own taxes can utilize the IRS Free File Fillable Forms tool starting January 26, which is accessible to all taxpayers, regardless of income level.
IRS CEO SAYS OVER 94% OF MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICANS WILL SEE TAX RELIEF
The IRS announced the tax filing season will open on Monday, January 26. (Michael Bocchieri / Getty Images)
This tax season introduces a new form, Schedule 1-A, which allows taxpayers to claim recently enacted tax deductions. These include provisions that limit taxes on tips, overtime, interest on car loans, and Social Security recipients.
Taxpayers can access their information through their individual online accounts, which provide details about any balance due, payments made or scheduled, and tax records.
IRS GUIDANCE FOR TRUMP’S ‘NO TAX ON TIPS’ AND OVERTIME DEDUCTIONS: WHAT TO KNOW
Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent said the IRS has been updating tax forms to account for OBBBA policy changes. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)
Additionally, taxpayers can enroll children under 18 in a new type of individual retirement account known as a Trump Account.
Once taxpayers file their returns, they can utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of their refunds. This information is typically available about 24 hours after submitting a current-year return via e-filing or four weeks after filing a paper return.
AMERICANS WILL GET ‘GIGANTIC’ TAX REFUND NEXT YEAR, TREASURY SECRETARY SAYS
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano said the IRS stands ready to help taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent emphasized that with recent changes in tax policies following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Treasury and the IRS have been diligently preparing to update forms and processes. This effort aims to benefit hardworking Americans, ensuring effective results and growth for both businesses and consumers.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano reassured taxpayers that the “Internal Revenue Service is ready to assist them in meeting their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season.” He added, “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public.” Furthermore, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws, ensuring efficient processing of taxpayer returns throughout the filing season.
‘The Big Money Show’ panel discusses Wall Street’s bold 2026 forecasts, the A.I. boom reshaping the economy, and how President Donald Trump’s policies could drive the next major market rally.
The IRS has officially announced the start date for the 2026 tax filing season, allowing taxpayers to begin filing their returns for the previous year. Taxpayers can start submitting their 2025 tax returns on Monday, January 26, as confirmed by the IRS. This timeline provides taxpayers with over two months to file their returns before the deadline on Wednesday, April 15, or to request an extension until the fall.
For those eligible, the IRS Free File program will begin accepting individual tax returns on Friday, January 9. This program is available to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $84,000 or less. Additionally, individuals preparing their own taxes can utilize the IRS Free File Fillable Forms tool starting January 26, which is accessible to all taxpayers, regardless of income level.
IRS CEO SAYS OVER 94% OF MIDDLE-CLASS AMERICANS WILL SEE TAX RELIEF
The IRS announced the tax filing season will open on Monday, January 26. (Michael Bocchieri / Getty Images)
This tax season introduces a new form, Schedule 1-A, which allows taxpayers to claim recently enacted tax deductions. These include provisions that limit taxes on tips, overtime, interest on car loans, and Social Security recipients.
Taxpayers can access their information through their individual online accounts, which provide details about any balance due, payments made or scheduled, and tax records.
IRS GUIDANCE FOR TRUMP’S ‘NO TAX ON TIPS’ AND OVERTIME DEDUCTIONS: WHAT TO KNOW
Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent said the IRS has been updating tax forms to account for OBBBA policy changes. (Alex Wong / Getty Images)
Additionally, taxpayers can enroll children under 18 in a new type of individual retirement account known as a Trump Account.
Once taxpayers file their returns, they can utilize the “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check the status of their refunds. This information is typically available about 24 hours after submitting a current-year return via e-filing or four weeks after filing a paper return.
AMERICANS WILL GET ‘GIGANTIC’ TAX REFUND NEXT YEAR, TREASURY SECRETARY SAYS
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano said the IRS stands ready to help taxpayers during the upcoming filing season. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent emphasized that with recent changes in tax policies following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Treasury and the IRS have been diligently preparing to update forms and processes. This effort aims to benefit hardworking Americans, ensuring effective results and growth for both businesses and consumers.
IRS CEO Frank Bisignano reassured taxpayers that the “Internal Revenue Service is ready to assist them in meeting their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season.” He added, “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public.” Furthermore, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws, ensuring efficient processing of taxpayer returns throughout the filing season.
