01/11/2026
The 2026 tax filing season, which covers income earned during 2025, officially begins on Monday, January 26, 2026. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) expects to process approximately 164 million individual returns during this period, which ends on Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
Key Filing Dates
January 9, 2026: IRS Free File begins accepting returns for qualified taxpayers (AGI of $89,000 or less).
January 26, 2026: Official start date; the IRS begins accepting and processing all individual 2025 federal tax returns.
April 15, 2026: Standard filing and payment deadline.
October 15, 2026: Deadline for those who requested an automatic six-month extension.
Significant New Deductions and Provisions
Following the passage of the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" in 2025, several major new tax breaks are now effective. These are claimed using the new Schedule 1-A:
No Tax on Tips: Individuals in service industries can deduct qualified tips up to $25,000 annually.
No Tax on Overtime: Workers may deduct the portion of qualified overtime pay that exceeds their regular rate, with a maximum deduction of $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
New Senior Deduction: Taxpayers age 65 and older can claim an additional $6,000 bonus deduction on top of the standard deduction. For married couples where both qualify, this is $12,000.
Car Loan Interest: Interest paid on loans for qualified vehicles for personal use is now deductible, up to $10,000 annually.
"Trump Accounts" (Child IRAs): A new tax-advantaged savings vehicle for children. Parents can establish these accounts, which may receive a one-time $1,000 federal contribution and up to $5,000 in annual authorized contributions.
Expanded SALT Deduction: The cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction has increased from $10,000 to $40,000.
Standard Deduction Adjustments (2025 Tax Year)
For the returns filed in early 2026, the standard deduction amounts are:
Single or Married Filing Separately: $15,750.
Married Filing Jointly: $31,500.
Head of Household: $23,625.
Note that most taxpayers should use the IRS Direct Deposit system, as the agency is phasing out paper refund checks.