Internal Revenue Service Announces Opening of 2026 Filing Season

On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced the official opening of the nation's 2026 filing season. This marks the beginning of a new year for taxpayers to file their income tax returns and pay any outstanding taxes.

New Tax Law Provisions in the 2026 Filing Season

This year, several new tax law provisions will be implemented, which affect how individuals and businesses file their tax returns. The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to review the revised instructions and guidance for the 2026 filing season to ensure they are aware of these changes.

Key Provisions in the 2026 Filing Season

• Inflation Adjustment: The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) will continue to take effect, with adjustments made to tax brackets and rates based on inflation.
• State and Local Taxes (SALT): The TCJA limits the amount of SALT deductions to $10,000 for individual filers. This limitation remains in place for 2026.
• Child Tax Credit: The child tax credit will be increased to $3,000 per child under age 17, up from $2,000 in previous years.
• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): The EITC will continue to phase out gradually for single filers with incomes above $15,820 and joint filers with incomes above $21,710.

Changes to Filing Requirements

The IRS is also introducing changes to the filing requirements for certain taxpayers. These include:

• Form 1040-SR: The IRS will begin accepting Form 1040-SR, which is designed for seniors with income below a certain threshold.
• Form 4868: Taxpayers will need to file Form 4868 by April 15, 2026, to request an automatic six-month extension of the filing deadline.

Tips for Taxpayers

Taxpayers can take several steps to prepare for the 2026 filing season:

• Gather all necessary documents: Collect W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and any other relevant tax documents.
• Review the IRS website: The IRS website will have updated information on the 2026 filing season, including revised instructions and guidance.
• Consider hiring a tax professional: Taxpayers may want to consider hiring a tax professional to help with their tax return.

What's Next for Taxpayers

As the 2026 filing season gets underway, taxpayers can expect:

• Increased scrutiny from the IRS: The IRS will be monitoring returns for accuracy and completeness.
• Changes in audit and enforcement procedures: The IRS may use new data analytics tools to identify potential tax disputes.

Stay Informed

To stay up-to-date on the latest information about the 2026 filing season, taxpayers can:

• Visit the IRS website: The IRS website will have the latest news and updates on the 2026 filing season.
• Follow the IRS on social media: The IRS has social media accounts that provide tax-related information and updates.

By understanding these changes and taking steps to prepare, taxpayers can ensure a smooth and successful tax filing experience in the 2026 filing season.