IRS announces when tax filing season will begin. Steps to prepare.

Prepare for Tax Season: Key Steps for Early Filers

The IRS recommends that Americans organize their tax paperwork in the coming weeks to be ready for the start of tax season on January 26. Filing early can help you receive your refund sooner.

This year, taxpayers have until April 15 to submit their 2025 tax returns and pay any outstanding taxes. The IRS anticipates processing around 164 million individual returns, with electronic filing being the most common method.

According to a survey, about one in three Americans depend on their tax refund to cover essential expenses. With this year’s refunds expected to be larger than normal due to President Donald Trump’s recent tax legislation passed in July, experts recommend preparing your return early to take advantage of these changes.

Lisa Greene-Lewis, CPA and tax specialist at TurboTax, notes that “many taxpayers may see a higher refund or owe less—sometimes by as much as $1,000.” In 2025, the average refund was $2,939.

How to Get Ready for Tax Filing

The IRS website offers a range of online resources to assist taxpayers before, during, and after filing. You can also find details about how the latest tax laws may impact your return and potentially increase your refund here.

Frank Bisignano, the IRS chief executive, assures that the agency is fully prepared for the 2026 filing season, with updated systems to reflect new tax regulations and ensure efficient processing.

Taxpayers are encouraged to set up an individual online account to access information such as balances, payment history, and tax records.

To receive your refund quickly, the IRS strongly recommends opening a bank account for direct deposit, as paper checks are being phased out.

New Features and Forms for This Tax Year

This year’s tax and spending bill introduced several changes, some of which apply retroactively to 2025. Here are some updates to watch for:

• Schedule 1-A: Claim new deductions, including exemptions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and enhanced senior deductions.
• Trump Account Enrollment: Parents and guardians can open a Trump account for their children.
• Form 1099-K: Report payments from credit cards, payment apps, and online marketplaces.
• Form 1099-DA: Report digital asset proceeds from broker transactions.

Why File Your Taxes Early?

Filing your return as soon as possible offers several advantages, according to San Francisco CPA Richard Pon:

• Receive your refund sooner
• Have more time to plan for any taxes owed by April 15
• Protect yourself from tax fraud by locking in your return before scammers can use your Social Security number
• Get more personalized attention from tax professionals if you need assistance

Where to Find Tax Assistance

If you need help with your taxes, consider these IRS-recommended options:

• Look for answers and support on the IRS website
• Hire a tax preparer, but first review the IRS’s guidelines for choosing a reputable professional
• Eligible individuals can access free basic tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs
• Military personnel and some veterans can use the Department of Defense’s MilTax program for free filing and e-filing software
• Try tax preparation software that guides you through the process; simple returns may be filed at no cost

After You File: What to Expect

If you’re anticipating a refund, use the Where’s My Refund? tool to track your refund status. You’ll need your refund amount, Social Security or ITIN, and your filing status.

For e-filed returns, status updates are usually available within 24 hours. Paper returns may take about four weeks before information appears in the system.

The IRS updates refund information once daily, typically overnight. The system is unavailable for updates between 4 and 5 a.m. Eastern Time.

If you prefer, you can also check your refund status using the IRS2Go mobile app.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Refund?

The time it takes to get your refund depends on how you file. Electronic returns that are accurate and complete are usually processed in less than three weeks, and direct deposit can speed up the process even more.

If you submit a paper return, expect your refund within six to eight weeks after the IRS receives your documents, provided everything is correct.

Medora Lee covers personal finance and markets for USA TODAY. Contact her at and for financial tips and business news each weekday morning.

Original article published by USA TODAY: When does 2026 tax filing season start? Here's what to do first