2026 Tax Season Kicks Off: A Comprehensive Look at New Tools and Resources
The tax filing season for 2026 has officially begun, introducing a host of new provisions from the recently passed One, Big, Beautiful Bill. These changes could affect federal taxes, credits, and deductions, and are essential for taxpayers to grasp.
Individuals have until mid-April to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any due taxes. It is predicted that about 164 million individual income tax returns will be received this year, with the majority of taxpayers filing electronically.
Helpful Online Resources for Taxpayers
There are several online tools and resources available for taxpayers to utilize before, during, and after filing their federal tax return. One, Big, Beautiful Provisions offers valuable information that may help reduce your tax bills and potentially increase your refund.
Efforts have been made to improve the tax filing process following the successful 2025 tax season. Before the One, Big, Beautiful Bill was passed, which provided tax cuts to working families, preparations were underway to update forms and processes to benefit hardworking Americans. Confidence is high in the ability to deliver results and stimulate growth for businesses and consumers.
Ready, Set, File: IRS Prepared for 2026 Tax Season
With the new tax laws incorporated into their systems, the tax authorities stand ready to help taxpayers meet their obligations efficiently and effectively during the 2026 filing season. The dedication and vigilance of the workforce ensure that American taxpayers are served well.
Navigating Online Accounts and New Forms
Individual taxpayers can access their online account information, including balance due, payments made or scheduled, tax records, and more. The new Schedule 1-A is now available for claiming recently enacted tax deductions such as no tax on tips, overtime, or car loan interest, and the enhanced deduction for seniors.
Furthermore, a new type of individual retirement account can be established for children by parents, guardians, or other authorized individuals. Direct deposit is also being strongly recommended for receiving tax refunds, as paper checks are being phased out.
It's also important to know how to handle forms 1099-K and 1099-DA. Form 1099-K is used to report payments received from credit cards, payment apps, and online marketplaces, while Form 1099-DA is used to report digital asset proceeds from broker transactions. All taxable income must be reported on federal tax returns, even if these forms are not received.
Tracking Refunds, Avoiding Scams, and Getting Assistance
Refund status information is typically available within 24 hours of e-filing a current-year return or four weeks after filing a paper return. Taxpayers should also stay informed about how to prevent, report, and recover from tax scams and tax-related identity theft.
When choosing a tax preparer, it's crucial to review guidance on selecting a reputable preparer and how to avoid unethical ones. If taxpayers require assistance, they should first try to resolve their issue online. If that's not possible, they can schedule an appointment to visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center.
Two other programs that may be of interest are the IRS Free File program and MilTax. The Free File program starts accepting individual tax returns in early January for eligible taxpayers, while the MilTax program offers free return preparation and e-filing software for military members and some veterans.