Changes Coming for the 2026 Tax Filing Season: 6 Things to Know

White House officials have projected larger refunds this year.

The top of a form 1040 individual income tax return for 2005 is seen atop a stack of the same at the Des Plaines Public Library in Des Plaines, Ill., on March 23, 2006. Tim Boyle/Getty Images

The 2026 tax filing season is due to start in January as Trump administration officials have predicted that it will lead to significant tax refunds for most Americans.

However, several other changes will be coming as taxpayers start to file their taxes in the coming weeks. The tax filing start date has not yet been officially announced, although it’s expected to start in late January.

Direct File No More

The IRS Direct File, an electronic system for filing tax returns established under the Biden administration, will not be offered in 2026, officials have said.