Upcoming Tax Season Details Revealed

We now have the confirmed start date for when the Internal Revenue Service will begin processing tax returns this year.

Officials have announced that the tax filing season will kick off on Monday, January 26. While you can submit your return before this date, it won’t be processed until January 26.

If you choose to file electronically and set up a direct deposit—since paper checks are being phased out—the IRS typically issues your refund within 21 days if everything goes smoothly.

This year’s tax season brings several significant changes, largely stemming from President Donald Trump’s “One, Big, Beautiful Bill.”

IRS Acting Commissioner Scott Bessent emphasized, “Before the passage of this bill—which aims to provide tax relief for working families—both the Treasury Department and the IRS have been hard at work updating forms and processes to help hardworking Americans. I’m optimistic about our capacity to yield positive results for businesses and consumers alike.”

Remember, taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, to file their 2025 tax returns and pay any due taxes or request an extension. The IRS anticipates processing around 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with a significant majority being filed electronically.

Notable Changes for This Tax Season

Introduction of Schedule 1-A

Taxpayers will need to utilize the new Schedule 1-A form to claim recently introduced tax credits, such as exemptions related to tips and overtime, auto loan interest, and additional deductions for seniors.

Setting Up Accounts for Kids

Parents, guardians, and authorized individuals can create accounts for their children, with some eligible participants possibly receiving $1,000 in initial funds. More details can be found on the IRS website.

No More Paper Checks

If you don’t have a bank account, it might be time to consider opening one. The IRS is completely moving away from paper checks, meaning refunds will only be issued via direct deposit. You can explore refund options on their site.

How to Track Your Refund

For checking the status of your refund, the IRS has tools available online. Typically, you can find refund status about 24 hours after filing electronically or roughly four weeks post-paper submission.

Free Filing and Fillable Forms

The IRS Free File program will begin accepting individual tax returns for eligible taxpayers starting January 9. From January 26 onward, you’re free to use the IRS Free File Fillable Forms to prepare your taxes, regardless of your income level.