The IRS has released updated federal income tax brackets and standard deductions for the 2026 tax year, which will apply to returns filed in 2027.
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- New tax laws for 2026 include deductions for tips, overtime, and car loan interest.
- The IRS has not yet announced the start date for the 2026 tax season, but it typically begins in late January.
- The deadline for employers to send W-2 forms is January 31.
- Tax returns must be filed by April 15, though an extension to file can be requested.
Several tax changes were enacted with President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, including no taxes on tips and overtime wages. The new law allows workers to deduct up to $25,000 in tips and up to $25,000 in overtime from their taxes.
Other changes this year include allowing deductions for car loan interest and offering new tax breaks for those age 65 and older, according to USA TODAY.
So when does tax season start? And when can you expect to see your return? Here’s what to know.
When will the IRS start accepting 2025 tax returns?
While the IRS hasn’t officially announced when it will start accepting tax returns, the agency typically begins in late January. Feb. 2 falls on a Monday, leading some to speculate that will be the first day of tax season in 2026, according to USA TODAY.
When has tax season started in past years?
Here is a list of start dates for the past 10 years, per IRS records:
- 2025: Jan. 27
- 2024: Jan. 29
- 2023: Jan. 23
- 2022: Jan. 24
- 2021: Feb. 12
- 2020: Jan. 31
- 2019: Feb. 2
- 2018: Feb. 2
- 2017: Jan. 27
- 2016: Feb. 2
When do W-2s come out?
Your employer has until Jan. 31 to send your Form W-2, either by mail or electronically, according to H&R Block.
What is the deadline to file taxes?
Tax returns must be filed by April 15, per the IRS, unless you file for an extension.
What is the deadline to file an extension?
According to the IRS, the deadline to file for an extension is also April 15, giving taxpayers until Oct. 15 to file without penalties.
However, you still must pay any taxes owed by April 15. The extension only applies to filing a tax return.
Where can I file my taxes for free?
The IRS offers a service to file your federal return for free. IRS Free File offers tax software or downloadable forms to fill out yourself.
According to the IRS, the program is a fast, safe and free way to do your federal tax return online. The IRS and industry-leading tax software companies deliver the program through the Free File Alliance, a public-private nonprofit organization dedicated to helping millions of people prepare and e-file their federal taxes for free.
When can I expect my tax refund in 2026?
Once you file your taxes, the wait is on for the IRS to issue your refund, if you’re owed one.
Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days, USA TODAY reports, with some coming even sooner if filed electronically.
But some face delays, such as refunds that claim the earned income tax credit. Federal law requires these refunds be issued after mid-February.
