The United States tax calendar now has a key date for millions of taxpayers. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) confirmed that the 2026 tax season will begin on Monday, January 26, marking the start of the filing period for tax returns for the 2025 fiscal year. The start comes alongside significant changes to the tax law under President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill," which could modify deductions, credits, and the size of refunds. According to the IRS, taxpayers will have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file their returns and pay any taxes owed. The agency expects to receive approximately 164 million individual tax returns, most of them filed electronically, further solidifying e-filing as the preferred method due to its speed and security. “The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 tax season,” said Frank Bisignano, IRS Executive Director. This new tax cycle will be influenced by several provisions of the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill, a law that introduces significant tax benefits for workers and families. Among the most notable changes are new deductions for tips, overtime, auto loan interest, and an improved deduction for senior citizens, which will now be claimed using the new Schedule 1-A form. “President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and to making the 2025 tax season even more successful,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent in the IRS statement. He added that, prior to the passage of the new law, the Treasury Department and the IRS were already working on updating forms and processes “for the benefit of hardworking Americans,” according to the official IRS statement. One of the topics that generates the most interest each year is the tax refund. According to the IRS, the average refund last year was close to $3,200. By 2026, some analysts anticipate that the average amount could increase by around $1,000, driven by new tax breaks included in recent legislation. The time it takes to receive your refund depends on the filing method. Those who file electronically usually receive their money in less than 21 days.This means that a taxpayer who files their Form 1040 on January 26 could receive their refund by mid-February, provided there are no errors or additional reviews. The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool allows you to track the status of your refund. Information is usually available about 24 hours after filing an electronic return. For paper returns, the process is slower and can take up to four weeks to show updates. The IRS also reinforced its recommendation to use direct deposit and have an active bank account. The agency is moving forward with phasing out paper checks as part of an executive order to modernize federal payments. In addition, taxpayers should be aware of forms such as the 1099-K and the new 1099-DA, related to income from digital platforms and digital assets. The IRS reminded taxpayers that all taxable income must be reported, even if you don't receive any of these forms. For those who need help, the IRS offers free options like Free File, military programs like MilTax, and in-person assistance through help centers and certified volunteers. As with any tax season, it's advisable to consult with an accounting expert to help you file your taxes, as they could help you with deductions and refunds. Also, with all the current changes, these benefits could multiply, and you might regret finding out later that you could have applied for a program but didn't. Good luck with your taxes! You may also be interested in:This means that a taxpayer who files their Form 1040 on January 26 could receive their refund by mid-February, provided there are no errors or additional revisions. The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool allows you to track the status of your refund. Information is usually available about 24 hours after filing an electronic return. For paper returns, the process is slower and can take up to four weeks to show updates. The IRS also reinforced its recommendation to use direct deposit and have an active bank account. The agency is moving forward with phasing out paper checks as part of an executive order to modernize federal payments. Additionally, taxpayers should be aware of forms such as the 1099-K and the new 1099-DA, which relate to income from digital platforms and digital assets. The IRS reminded taxpayers that all taxable income must be reported, even if you don't receive any of these forms. For those who need help, the IRS offers free options like Free File, military programs like MilTax, and in-person assistance through help centers and certified volunteers. As with any tax season, it's advisable to consult with an accounting expert to help you file your taxes, as they could help you with deductions and refunds. Also, with all the current changes, these benefits could multiply, and you might regret finding out later that you could have applied for a program but didn't. Good luck with your taxes! You may also be interested in:This means that a taxpayer who files their Form 1040 on January 26 could receive their refund by mid-February, provided there are no errors or additional revisions. The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool allows you to track the status of your refund. Information is usually available about 24 hours after filing an electronic return. For paper returns, the process is slower and can take up to four weeks to show updates. The IRS also reinforced its recommendation to use direct deposit and have an active bank account. The agency is moving forward with phasing out paper checks as part of an executive order to modernize federal payments. Additionally, taxpayers should be aware of forms such as the 1099-K and the new 1099-DA, which relate to income from digital platforms and digital assets. The IRS reminded taxpayers that all taxable income must be reported, even if you don't receive any of these forms. For those who need help, the IRS offers free options like Free File, military programs like MilTax, and in-person assistance through help centers and certified volunteers. As with any tax season, it's advisable to consult with an accounting expert to help you file your taxes, as they could help you with deductions and refunds. Also, with all the current changes, these benefits could multiply, and you might regret finding out later that you could have applied for a program but didn't. Good luck with your taxes! You may also be interested in:

For those who need help, the IRS offers free options such as Free File, military programs like MilTax, and in-person assistance through help centers and certified volunteers.

As with any tax season, it's advisable to consult with an accounting expert to help you file your taxes, as they could help you with deductions and refunds. Also, with all the current changes, these benefits could multiply, and you might regret finding out later that you could have applied for a program but didn't.

Good luck with your taxes.

You may also be interested in: