Taxes, taxes, taxes. The 2026 tax season can actually be a great chance to get back money you already worked for. So, if you’ve started noticing envelopes in your mailbox or digital files labeled “Important Tax Document,” that’s your sign that it’s time to get your tax return ready. Now, let’s talk about important deadlines, who must file their tax refund, what documents you need, what benefits you can get, and how to avoid issues this tax season.
Important deadlines
First, we are going to tell you the schedule with all the important dates you should pay attention to:
- January 26, 2026: The IRS officially opens tax season and starts processing returns.
- January 31: Last day for your employer to send you your W-2 form. If you don’t get it, request it!
- April 15 (Tax Day): Final day to file your return or pay any taxes owed.
- October 15: Final date if you request an extension. Remember, the extension is for filing your return, not for paying taxes. If you owe money, interest starts accruing from April.
Tip: File early! Submitting your taxes early helps you avoid stress, review your documents carefully, get your refund faster, and reduce the risk of someone using your information to steal your refund.
Do you must file your tax refunds?
Many people don’t know if they have to file their taxes or not. If you are one of those, here’s what you need to know:
- Single: Must file if you earned more than $15,000.
- Married filing jointly: Must file if combined income is over $30,000.
- Head of Household: Single with children; must file if income is over $22,500.
- Self-employed: Must file if you earned more than $400. This includes Uber, DoorDash, contract work, cleaning, or any independent work.
Have in mind that even if you earned less than the limits, it might still be worth filing. Imagine your employer withheld taxes or you qualify for credits like the Child Tax Credit, filing is the only way to get that money back. Not filing is like giving your money away!
How the IRS helps you during tax season
You should have some important aspects into account during this process, like:
- ITIN is not a barrier: Using an ITIN still allows you to get certain credits. Filing also helps prove good moral character for future immigration processes.
- Watch out for scammers: Fake “tax preparers” may promise huge refunds without reviewing your documents. Always be cautious—remember, the IRS holds YOU responsible, not the preparer.
- Use direct deposit: Paper checks can get lost or stolen. Direct deposit is faster and usually arrives in under 21 days.
Deductions
This year, there are new benefits due to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill reform, such as: deducting interest on auto loans, and benefits for working overtime.
If you have any doubt, you can contact your tax preparer to know if you qualify. Remember that your refund is your money, and maybe you can use it to pay off debts, save, or invest in your children. That’s up to you.
Documents for this tax season
Now, let’s focus on the documents you need to prepare to file your tax refund this year 2026:
- Identification: A valid ID or driver’s license, Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN cards for you and your family, and birthdates of everyone in your household included on the return.
- Income Records: W-2 if you work for a company, 1099-NEC / 1099-K if you work for yourself, 1099-G if you got unemployment benefits, 1099-INT / 1099-DIV if you earned interest from the bank or investments, 1099-DA if you bought, sold, or traded cryptocurrencies (new this year), any cash payments or tips you received.
- Deductions: 1098 (Mortgage interest or property taxes), 1098-T / 1098-E (Education expenses or student loan interest), childcare expenses (include the provider’s info), large medical expenses (over 7.5% of your income), donations to charities.
- Health & Banking info: 1095-A if you got insurance through the Marketplace (Obamacare), and bank account info for direct deposit of your refund.
So…
Doing your taxes is much easier when you know the steps, get organized, and don’t wait until the last minute. By following these simple guidelines and preparing the right documents, you’ll be ready to file confidently and make the most of tax season 2026.