Tax season opens Jan. 26 as new tax rules kick in
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The IRS will kick off tax season later this month as major new tax provisions take effect, potentially changing how millions of Americans file — and what they owe.
Why it matters: It's the first filing season reflecting changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which could affect taxpayers' refund amounts, credits and deductions compared with last year.
- The biggest changes include new tax breaks for seniors and tipped workers, as well as the extension of tax provisions from President Trump's first term.
When does tax season start in 2026?
Driving the news: The Internal Revenue Service said Thursday that it will begin accepting 2025 tax returns on Jan. 26, a day earlier than last year.
IRS tax deadline 2026: When are taxes due
April 15 is the federal tax filing deadline for most taxpayers to file their personal federal tax returns, pay any taxes owed or request an extension.
- The IRS projects about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, up from last year's estimate of more than 140 million ahead of the tax deadline.
IRS Free File program starts Jan. 9
Zoom in: The IRS Free File program will begin accepting individual tax returns starting Friday, Jan. 9 for qualified taxpayers, the federal agency said.
- Taxpayers can use IRS Free File Fillable Forms starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.
Yes, but: The Trump administration ended the Direct File program, which allowed taxpayers in select states to file their taxes online for free.
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