Summary
The IRS will begin accepting and processing 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026, marking the start of the 2026 tax filing season, with the deadline set for April 15. The agency expects to handle about 164 million individual returns this year. Experts warn the season may face challenges due to significant IRS workforce cuts and major tax law changes that could create confusion and require updated forms. Taxpayers should prepare early and be ready for potential service delays as the IRS implements new provisions from recent legislation while managing reduced staffing across the agency.
ABC News
