As the 2026 tax filing season draws near, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is advising American taxpayers to start their preparations well in advance. This call for early action comes in the wake of significant modifications introduced by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which will reshape the tax landscape for the year. From revised refund schedules to fresh deductions, here is a comprehensive overview of what you need to know for the upcoming filing period.
Key Dates and Refund Timeline for 2026
The IRS is projected to commence the 2026 tax season, which is for filing returns from the 2025 financial year, in January 2026. The agency continues to emphasise that direct deposit is the quickest method to receive your refund, noting a systematic phase-out of paper cheque payments.
For taxpayers who opt for e-filing and direct deposit, the estimated refund schedule is as follows:
- If the IRS accepts your return on January 26, 2026, expect your refund around February 6, 2026.
- For acceptance on February 2, 2026, the estimated refund date is February 13, 2026.
- An acceptance date of February 9, 2026 points to a refund around February 20, 2026.
- Returns accepted by March 2, 2026 should see refunds by March 13, 2026.
- For filings on Tax Day, April 13, 2026, the refund is estimated for April 24, 2026.
- Acceptance on April 20, 2026 leads to a refund around May 1, 2026.
- Finally, returns accepted on May 18, 2026 should result in refunds by May 29, 2026.
In general, most refunds are processed within a window of 10 to 21 days for electronic filers using direct deposit.
Major Changes Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
The 2026 filing season is marked by the implementation of several provisions from the OBBB, which could lead to larger refunds for many individuals. The key updates include:
The standard deduction amounts for the tax year 2025 (filed in 2026) have been adjusted. For those married and filing jointly, it is $31,500. Single filers and those married but filing separately can claim $15,750, while heads of households have a standard deduction of $23,625.
Furthermore, the OBBB introduces novel deductions and credits. Notably, it eliminates federal income tax on tips, overtime pay, and interest paid on car loans. There are also new, temporary deductions available for senior citizens and certain categories of workers.
Another critical change is the official move away from paper refunds. Effective September 30, 2025, the majority of taxpayers will be required to receive their refunds via direct deposit into their bank accounts.
How to Ensure a Smooth Filing Process
The IRS recommends taxpayers visit IRS.gov/GetReady to begin preparations. Organisation is crucial to avoid delays. Essential documents to gather include all W-2 and 1099 forms, records of any digital asset transactions, and correct bank details for direct deposit.
To track your refund status, use the official IRS 'Where's My Refund?' tool. It updates daily, showing stages like 'Return Received', 'Processing', 'Refund Approved', and 'Refund Sent'.
Be aware that refunds may face delays under specific circumstances. If you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Child Tax Credit (CTC), your refund will legally be held until early March. Filing a paper return, or submitting a return with errors, incomplete forms, or complex income details can also prolong the waiting period.
Your final refund amount will be a result of your total income, tax withheld throughout 2025, and the application of all eligible credits and deductions under the new rules. With the OBBB changes, inflation adjustments to tax brackets, and slightly increased federal withholding in 2025, many taxpayers might find themselves with a more substantial refund in 2026.
