Overview
- Filers can submit 2025 returns starting Jan. 26, with a federal deadline of April 15 and an optional extension to Oct. 15 if taxes due are paid by April 15.
- The IRS will implement major provisions of the Republican ‘One Big Beautiful Bill,’ altering deductions, credits and some retirement rules, and it expects about 164 million returns.
- The agency is phasing out paper refund checks under a 2025 executive order and says direct deposit with e-filing typically yields refunds in under 21 days, while mailed refunds can take six weeks or longer.
- Employers must provide W‑2 forms by Jan. 31, and taxpayers can track refunds through IRS tools including online accounts.
- IRS leaders say systems are updated for the new law, but the National Taxpayer Advocate cites a roughly 26% workforce decline and warns of potential processing and customer service strains.