The next tax cycle could bring a positive surprise for millions of taxpayers in the United States. Recent changes to tax law open the door to higher refunds in 2026. However, the path to obtaining them will not be automatic or simple. With new deductions, new forms, and operational adjustments at the IRS, understanding when you can file your return will be key to avoiding mistakes and delays. The 2026 tax season will be marked by new rules that apply for the first time to federal tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Many households could receive more money than expected. Others, however, could miss out on benefits if they don't meet specific requirements or are unaware of the changes. When does the 2026 tax season start? As of December 31, the IRS had not announced the official start date for accepting federal tax returns in 2026. This is not unusual, as it is typically confirmed in January. In 2025, the agency began receiving returns on Monday, January 27. Tax experts anticipate there could be a slight delay this year. Monday, February 2, 2026, appears as a likely start date, according to estimates from certified public accountants. If confirmed, those who file early could have to wait longer to receive their refund.

An IRS with internal changes and possible delays

The upcoming tax season will not be just another one. The IRS is entering 2026 after staff cuts and significant changes in its leadership. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is currently serving as acting IRS commissioner. In addition, Frank Bisignano was appointed CEO of the agency, a new position that oversees daily operations.

While it is still unclear how these leadership changes may affect the upcoming tax season, the better you prepare your return and file it as soon as possible, the more time you will have to readjust if needed.

Higher refunds,But not for everyone. The White House has generated great expectations. Kevin Hassett, director of the National Economic Council, stated on Fox Business: “People are going to receive massive refund checks.” He even asserted that it will be “the largest refund cycle in U.S. history.” The reality is more nuanced. According to the Tax Foundation, base refunds have remained stable at around $3,100 per taxpayer. However, the new deductions could increase the average by an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the taxpayer's profile.

The New Deductions That Can Make a Difference

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, introduced benefits retroactive to January 1, 2025. Among the most relevant are:

“Instead of receiving the benefit throughout the year via higher net pay, many will receive it all at once when they file their return,” commented Garrett Watson, an analyst at the Tax Foundation.

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, it will be mandatory to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions. This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses. The end of paper checks. Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data. Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check only to avoid paying interest. When does the refund arrive? Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law. The upcoming season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one fraught with complications. You may also be interested in:“People are going to receive massive refund checks.” He even claimed it would be “the biggest refund cycle in U.S. history.” The reality is more nuanced. According to the Tax Foundation, base refunds have remained stable at around $3,100 per taxpayer. However, the new deductions could increase the average by an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the taxpayer's profile.

The New Deductions That Can Make a Difference

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, introduced benefits retroactive to January 1, 2025. Among the most relevant are:

“Instead of receiving the benefit throughout the year via higher net pay, many will receive it all at once when they file their return,” commented Garrett Watson, an analyst at the Tax Foundation.

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, it will be mandatory to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions. This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses. The end of paper checks. Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data. Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check only to avoid paying interest. When does the refund arrive? Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law. The upcoming season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one fraught with complications. You may also be interested in:“People are going to receive massive refund checks.” He even claimed it would be “the biggest refund cycle in U.S. history.” The reality is more nuanced. According to the Tax Foundation, base refunds have remained stable at around $3,100 per taxpayer. However, the new deductions could increase the average by an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the taxpayer's profile.

The New Deductions That Can Make a Difference

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, introduced benefits retroactive to January 1, 2025. Among the most relevant are:

“Instead of receiving the benefit throughout the year via higher net pay, many will receive it all at once when they file their return,” commented Garrett Watson, an analyst at the Tax Foundation.

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, it will be mandatory to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions. This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses. The end of paper checks. Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data. Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check only to avoid paying interest. When does the refund arrive? Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law. The upcoming season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one fraught with complications. You may also be interested in:The new deductions could increase the average tax liability by an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the taxpayer's profile.

New Deductions That Can Make a Difference

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, introduced benefits retroactive to January 1, 2025. Among the most relevant are:

“Instead of receiving the benefit throughout the year via higher net pay, many will receive it all at once when they file their return,” commented Garrett Watson, an analyst at the Tax Foundation.

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, it will be mandatory to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions. This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses. The end of paper checks. Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data. Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check only to avoid paying interest. When does the refund arrive? Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law. The upcoming season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one fraught with complications. You may also be interested in:The new deductions could increase the average tax liability by an additional $300 to $1,000, depending on the taxpayer's profile.

New Deductions That Can Make a Difference

The so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed on July 4, introduced benefits retroactive to January 1, 2025. Among the most relevant are:

“Instead of receiving the benefit throughout the year via higher net pay, many will receive it all at once when they file their return,” commented Garrett Watson, an analyst at the Tax Foundation.

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, it will be mandatory to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions. This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses. The end of paper checks. Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data. Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check only to avoid paying interest. When does the refund arrive? Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law. The upcoming season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one fraught with complications. You may also be interested in:

The New Form You Can't Ignore

To claim several of these deductions, you will be required to complete the new Schedule 1-A, an additional two-page form. Although a draft existed in late December, you cannot file a return using draft versions.

This form applies even if the taxpayer takes the standard deduction and does not itemize expenses.

The End of Paper Checks

Another key change is the method of payment for refunds. The IRS will stop issuing paper checks to most taxpayers. Only 7% received their money by mail, according to official data.

Those without a bank account will have to use prepaid debit cards or digital wallets. If banking information is not provided, the refund will be delayed. The IRS will send a letter requesting the information and, after six weeks, will issue a check just to avoid paying interest.

When does the refund arrive?

Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days if the return is filed electronically and the deposit is direct. However, taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit must wait until after mid-February by law.

The upcoming tax season will require preparation, patience, and attention to detail. Gathering documents in advance and understanding the new rules can make the difference between a quick refund and one full of complications.

You may also be interested in: