The 2026 tax season is about to start in the U.S., and the IRS has already announced the filing dates and some changes that will affect millions of taxpayers this year. Here, we are going to tell you when you can file your tax return, what you should do, and which are the new deductions for this year. So, let’s get started.
IRS announces key dates
The official season to file your tax returns has an official date: January 26. From that day, anybody can submit their tax return. When will it end? The deadline to submit it and pay your taxes is on April 15.
The IRS calculates that it will receive about 164 million tax returns this year, and that most of them will be done online. What’s more, those earning $89,000 or less per year can use the IRS Free File program, which allows them to submit their tax return for free.
Also, as the tax season starts this month, the IRS recommends using digital tools before, during and after filing your tax return.
How to prepare for the tax season
The IRS explained that the first thing you should do is to access or create an IRS Individual Online Account (you only need an ID with a picture). This account is available 24 hours of the day and allows you to:
- See their balance.
- Check payments made or scheduled.
- View tax records.
- Make payments.
- Protect personal tax information.
- Manage how they receive IRS messages.
This year, there will be some changes and the IRS recommends taxpayers to prepare ahead, just in case.
Bye to paper refund checks
One of the changes is that the IRS will no longer send paper refund checks. This happens because of an executive order signed by former president Donald Trump to modernize how payments are sent. Basically, from now on, refunds will be sent electronically—meaning direct deposit only.
The IRS explains that this change is meant to protect taxpayers because:
- Paper checks can be stolen.
- They can get lost.
- They can be delayed.
- They can be altered.
- Electronic payments are much faster and safer.
This is why taxpayers who have no bank account should open one. The IRS offers tools like the FDIC website or the Credit Union Locator Tool to help taxpayers find a bank or credit union.
Deductions
The One Big Beautiful Bill introduces some new deductions for this tax season. These deductions help reduce the amount of income that’s taxed. Here are the main deductions:
- Deduction for people older than 65 years old: those 65-year-old people or older can deduct $6,000, which phases out for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $75,000. Also, married couples filing jointly, where both spouses are 65 or older, can deduct $12,000, phasing out above $150,000 MAGI.
- No tax on tips: employees and independent workers who normally received tips until December 31, 2024, can deduct up to $25,000 per year in ‘’qualified tips’’. This includes cash tips, tips paid by card, and shared tips. This deduction phases out at $150,000 MAGI for single filers and $300,000 MAGI for joint filers.
- No tax on overtime: a part of the overtime payment can now be deducted, specifically the extra portion you earn beyond your regular rate, such as the “half” in “time-and-a-half.” There are some limits, for single filers is up to $12,500 and phasing out above $150,000 MAGI; and for joint filers is up to $25,000 and phasing out above $300,000 MAGI.
- No tax on car loan interest: taxpayers can deduct interest paid on a car loan if the vehicle meets these requirements: the loan started after December 31, 2024; the vehicle was purchased by the taxpayer, the loan is for personal (not business) use, the loan is secured by the vehicle, the vehicle weighs under 14,000 pounds, and the car was finally assembled in the United States. Careful because leased vehicles do NOT qualify. This deduction is capped at $10,000, phasing out at $100,000 MAGI for single filers, and $200,000 MAGI for joint filers.
Check your refund status
The IRS states that if you file online, you can check your refund status within 24 hours. On the other hand, if you file on paper, it may take four weeks.
Taxpayers can choose to file on their own using IRS Free File Fillable Forms starting January 26, or they can hire a tax professional. The IRS provides guidance to help people choose a trustworthy preparer.
If someone needs help, the IRS recommends visiting IRS.gov first. If the issue cannot be solved online, they can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center.