Release Date 
01/26/2026

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting and processing federal individual tax returns for tax year 2025 on January 26, 2026. This kicks off the period when millions of Americans prepare and submit their 2025 tax returns. 

Tens of millions will file — and 164 million returns are expected overall
The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual tax returns by the standard deadline — this includes many tens of millions of Americans who will submit their returns over the next three months before April 15, 2026, the federal Tax Day for most taxpayers.

2026 filing season starts Jan. 26

The first day of the 2026 filing season will be Jan. 26, 2026. This year, several new tax law provisions of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill become effective, which could impact federal taxes, credits and deductions.

The IRS encourages taxpayers to take steps now to prepare for filing season by visiting IRS.gov/getready for tips on what is new and what to consider before filing.

Standard mileage rates for 2026
The optional standard mileage rate for business use of automobiles  will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026, while the mileage rate for vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, reflecting updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments.

Interest rates for the first quarter of 2026
The interest rates will remain the same for the calendar quarter beginning Jan. 1, 2026. For individuals, the rate for overpayments and underpayments will be 7% per year, compounded daily.

401(k) limit increase for 2026
The IRS announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2026 has increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025. The agency also issued technical guidance regarding all cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2026.

Tax pros: Renew PTINs for 2026 tax season
The IRS reminds paid tax preparers that preparer tax identification numbers must be renewed annually, and the 2026 renewal period is now open. Also, all enrolled agents, regardless of whether they prepare tax returns, must renew their PTINs annually to maintain their active status. PTINs expire on Dec. 31 of the calendar year for which they are issued.

Inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
The IRS announced the tax year 2026 annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions, including the tax rate schedules and other tax changes. Revenue Procedure 2025-32 PDF provides details about these annual adjustments.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began accepting and processing federal individual tax returns for tax year 2025 on January 26, 2026. This kicks off the period when millions of Americans prepare and submit their 2025 tax returns.

Tens of millions will file — and 164 million returns are expected overall
The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual tax returns by the standard deadline — this includes many tens of millions of Americans who will submit their returns over the next three months before April 15, 2026, the federal Tax Day for most taxpayers.