When Does Tax Season Begin in 2026? IRS Deadlines You Should Know
Taxes aren’t due for another few months, but the IRS announced Thursday that this year’s tax season will begin on Jan. 26. And while most Americans don’t look forward to the task of filing taxes, you may be motivated to file your return sooner than usual.
A quick reminder, as the dates can get confusing: What starts on Jan. 26 tax for 2026 the season with tax a year 2025. That means, you’ll be paying taxes — or getting a refund on taxes you’ve already paid — on income earned since Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 last year.
More than 60% of taxpayers received refunds by 2025, and there could be big refunds coming for the 164 million Americans expected to file tax returns this year. According to the Tax Foundation, the tax cuts introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act could add $1,000 to the average refund, which the IRS said was $3,167 last year.
Even if you don’t file your taxes, you could be looking at a big refund this year. In its news release, the IRS highlighted a new Schedule 1-A, which taxpayers can use to claim new OBBBA deductions such as the $6,000 deduction for seniors.
When are taxes due in 2026?
The deadline for filing taxes in 2026 is April 15, but it’s best not to wait until the last minute. If you owe a refund, you will have that money soon; and, if you need help, you are more likely to get that help at the right time if you beat the rush.
If you need more time, you can file an extension using IRS Form 4868, which gives you until Oct. 15 to file your return. However, remember that this gives you more time to file, not to pay. If you owe money to the IRS and don’t pay by April 15, you’ll still owe that money in October — plus interest and penalties.
After you file, you can track the status of your refund with Where’s My Refund? online tool or mobile application. You will need to have a Social Security or taxpayer ID number, filing status and the exact amount of your refund.
How to file your taxes for free this year
The IRS announced in November that it will end its free Direct File program, but there are still other options available for some taxpayers to file for free starting Jan. 26.
If you’re comfortable doing the math and filling everything out yourself, the IRS has free forms to fill out online. People who earned $89,000 or less last year can get free guided tax preparation through the IRS Free File program, which works in partnership with for-profit tax preparation companies.
If you don’t have earned income, you technically don’t have to file a federal tax return, but tax experts recommend doing so anyway so you can claim any refundable tax credits you’re eligible for.
Finally, if you’re used to getting your tax refund with a paper check in the mail, it’s up: Starting last fall, the IRS began eliminating paper checks, meaning the easiest way to get your refund will be by direct deposit. (Don’t have a bank account? Now might be a good time to open one. Savings at major banks and credit unions have many options.)
More from Mali:
How To File Your Taxes For Free This Year
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