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The IRS began accepting federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025 on January 26, 2026. The filing and payment deadline announced for most taxpayers was April 15, 2026; both dates have passed. The season also brought tax-law changes, including a new Schedule 1-A for certain deductions, but eligibility depends on the applicable rules and each taxpayer’s circumstances.
What the IRS announced about the 2026 filing season
In an announcement dated January 8, 2026, the IRS said it would begin accepting 2025 individual federal income tax returns on January 26 and set April 15, 2026, as the deadline to file and pay tax due. The agency expected to receive about 164 million individual returns for tax year 2025; that was a forecast, not a final count. Read the IRS announcement, IR-2026-02.
IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano said, “The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season.” That statement described the agency’s position, not an independent assessment of service quality.
Which tax-law changes were highlighted?
The IRS said provisions of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill could affect federal taxes, credits and deductions. It called attention to a new Schedule 1-A for certain deductions associated with tips, overtime, car-loan interest and seniors. The IRS announcement identifies those categories but does not establish that every taxpayer qualifies or explain every eligibility limit.
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A deduction’s existence does not by itself mean a filer can claim it. Eligibility, definitions, limits, documentation and how a deduction interacts with other tax provisions depend on the applicable IRS instructions and the filer’s facts. Check the relevant IRS guidance for the return being prepared rather than relying on a general description of the new schedule.
What filing options were available?
IRS materials described several ways to prepare and file. The right route depends on eligibility, how much help the filer wants and the provider’s current terms.
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| Option | Who it may suit | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File | Eligible taxpayers seeking guided online preparation through participating providers. | Partner eligibility terms vary. Check whether state return preparation is included and whether any provider conditions apply. |
| Free File Fillable Forms | People comfortable preparing their own return using online forms. | This option is for self-directed preparation; confirm that it supports the forms and filing needs involved. |
| MilTax | Eligible members of the military community. | Confirm eligibility and the service’s current scope. |
| VITA or TCE | Taxpayers who qualify for volunteer tax-preparation assistance under program rules. | Check local availability, eligibility and the types of returns a site can handle. |
The IRS described these options in its January 26, 2026, filing-season release. Free options do not necessarily mean every return or state filing is covered under the same terms. Review the current program or provider details before choosing.
What records should taxpayers gather?
The IRS recommended accessing an Individual Online Account and collecting tax documents before preparing a return. Its preparation guidance lists examples including W-2s; Forms 1099 from banks and other payers; unemployment compensation records; dividend statements; pension or annuity distribution forms; and records of gig-economy income.
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- Access your IRS Individual Online Account if available, and review the information there.
- Collect income forms and records from employers, banks, benefit programs, retirement payers and other sources.
- Gather records for income that may not arrive on a W-2, including gig-economy earnings.
- Keep documents organized in one place so you can refer to them while preparing the return. A folder or organizer is optional; it is not an IRS requirement.
What to do if you are reading this after April 15, 2026
The April 15 date in the IRS announcement is a past deadline. If you still need to file a 2025 federal return, consult current IRS guidance for your situation and file as soon as you can. The announcement’s deadline applied to filing and paying tax due; it does not resolve how a specific taxpayer’s circumstances affect their obligations.
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