As President’s Day nears, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a warning to taxpayers about a surge in call center demand. This particular week is historically one of the busiest during the tax filing season.
To help avoid long wait times, Americans are urged to utilize the various online tools that provide answers to numerous questions. Next week, phone lines are expected to experience heavy traffic.
Why It’s Important
This year’s tax return season appears significantly busier than last year. When the IRS kicked off the tax season on January 26, 2026, it projected around 164 million individual income tax returns to be submitted this year, with most taxpayers opting for electronic filing.
The agency previously indicated it anticipated over 140 million individual returns for the 2024 tax year due by April 15.
What You Need to Know
The IRS suggests that taxpayers start by visiting the IRS.gov page, which hosts online tools for inquiries about refunds, amended returns, payments, notices, identity verification, and more. These resources are available around the clock.
By accessing their IRS Personal Online Account, taxpayers can check their adjusted gross income and transcripts, as well as register for or obtain an IP PIN, and make or cancel payments.
Moreover, the IRS emphasizes that electronic filing and direct deposit are the quickest and safest methods for receiving refunds. Electronic payments are far less likely to face issues like theft or delays compared to paper checks.
According to Executive Order 14247, the Treasury Department is gradually phasing out paper tax refund checks, a process that started on September 30, 2025.
The IRS’s interactive tax assistant provides answers to frequently asked questions about filing status, taxable income, and credit eligibility. Taxpayers can also find guidance on recent tax law changes impacting credits and deductions.
For those hoping to track their refund, there’s a tool available that updates daily. Typically, the status is available within 24 hours after the IRS receives an e-filed return, and individuals who filed for the Earned Income Tax Credit and Supplemental Child Tax Credit usually see updates by February 21.
If you require further assistance, there are options for free basic tax return preparation offered by IRS-certified volunteers through programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Senior Tax Counseling.
The site also includes information on how to choose a tax accountant and warnings about avoiding unethical “ghost” return preparers.
People’s Opinions
The IRS has noted, “With the 2026 filing season underway and call center demand rising around Presidents Day on February 16, we encourage taxpayers to visit IRS.gov and use our online tools for fast, convenient assistance without waiting on hold. This week historically sees a spike in calls, and many common tax questions can be resolved online using our self-service resources, available 24/7.”
