The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the 2026 filing season will open on January 26, 2026, and encouraged individuals to take steps now to prepare for filing their 2025 federal income tax returns. The IRS emphasized that early preparation could help reduce errors, avoid delays and make the filing process less stressful. Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the IRS’s “Get Ready” page on IRS.gov, which offers updated checklists, tools and no-cost filing options.

The deadline is Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file and pay any tax due. If a taxpayer needs additional time to file, an extension to file request must be made by the April deadline. One of the most important steps taxpayers can take is to access an IRS Individual Online Account. The account allows taxpayers to view account balances, review tax records, make and manage payments and manage communication preferences. Online accounts also allow taxpayers to securely protect their tax information and streamline interactions with the IRS. The online accounts permit taxpayers to view their refund status as well.

1. Direct Deposit – In addition, the IRS continues to encourage taxpayers to use direct deposit for refunds. Pursuant to a presidential executive order modernizing federal payments, the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks. Taxpayers without a bank account are encouraged to open one to avoid refund delays and ensure timely receipt of funds.
2. Tax Law Changes – Taxpayers should also review new tax law changes for 2025 before filing. Recent legislation introduced new deductions and credits that may reduce tax liability or increase refunds. Beginning in 2025, eligibility for certain credits for other dependents requires that the taxpayer and their spouse, if filing jointly, possess valid Social Security numbers or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers issued on or before the return’s due date, including extensions.
3. Disclose All Income – Income earned through payment apps and online marketplaces remains fully taxable. Payment card companies must issue Form 1099-K for any payment amount, and payment apps and online marketplaces must issue Form 1099-K when payments exceed $20,000 and involve more than 200 transactions during the year. The IRS reminds taxpayers that all income from part-time work, gig activities or online sales must be reported even if no form is received.
4. Digital Assets – Taxpayers engaged in transactions involving digital assets, including cryptocurrency, stablecoins and non-fungible tokens (NFTs), must report those transactions. Some taxpayers may receive Form 1099-DA from brokers, but all taxpayers are required to answer the digital asset question on Form 1040 and report any related income, gains or losses regardless of whether a form is issued.

The IRS encouraged taxpayers to begin preparing now by reviewing tax law changes, gathering necessary documents and using available online tools to ensure a smooth filing experience. Early preparation can help taxpayers file accurately, avoid common mistakes and reduce delays during the 2026 filing season. Military members, veterans and other qualified individuals may obtain free tax return preparation assistance through MilTax. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs also offer assistance at no cost to taxpayers.