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IRS Sets Jan. 26 Start for 2026 Tax Season, Pushes Direct Deposit Under New Rules

The agency is steering filers to e-file with direct deposit to speed refunds under new rules.

Overview

  • The IRS said it will begin accepting and processing individual 2025 returns on Monday, January 26, with most taxpayers’ filing deadline on April 15.
  • Officials say systems are updated for the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes, though experts warn a smaller IRS workforce and some lagging forms or software could slow parts of the season.
  • Paper refund checks have been largely phased out, so taxpayers are urged to set up bank accounts and use direct deposit for faster, more secure payments.
  • New provisions for 2025 filings include tax-favored treatment for tips and overtime, an extra deduction for seniors, and deductible auto-loan interest, with many taxpayers potentially seeing larger refunds because withholding tables were not fully updated.
  • Reporting rules tighten for digital assets and gig or online sales, and a pilot “Trump Accounts” program offers a $1,000 government seed for eligible children born 2025–2028.