By Swann Collins, investor and consultant in international affairs – Eurasia Business News, January 10, 2026. Article no. 1980

The 2026 U.S. tax filing season for 2025 returns opens on Monday, January 26, and the regular federal filing deadline is Wednesday, April 15. Early filers who submit electronically with direct deposit can typically expect refunds within about 21 days if there are no issues with their return

Key dates

Opening day to e-file 2025 federal returns: January 26, 2026.​

Standard federal filing/payment deadline: April 15, 2026 (extension to October 15 available to file, but tax still due April 15).​

IRS Free File partner program starts accepting some returns as early as January 9 for eligible taxpayers.

Taxpayers comfortable preparing their own taxes can use IRS Free File Fillable Forms starting Jan. 26, regardless of income.

Big changes affecting 2025 returns

New law (“One Big Beautiful Bill” / Republicans’ “big, beautiful bill”) adds or expands several tax breaks starting with the 2025 tax year, including:

a) No federal income tax on certain tips and overtime pay.

b) Higher cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, lifted from $10,000 to as much as $40,000 for some filers.​

c) A new Schedule 1‑A is used to claim several of these added deductions (for example, new deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest, and enhanced deductions for some seniors).​

How to get ready now

Set up or check your IRS online account to see balances, past payments, and transcripts, and to ensure your address and direct‑deposit details are correct.​

Gather documents you’ll need: W‑2s, 1099s, 1098 (mortgage interest), records of child care costs, medical expenses, charitable donations, and any documents related to new deductions (tips, overtime, car loan interest, etc.).​

Filing and refund tips

Filing electronically with direct deposit is strongly encouraged; paper checks are being phased down and paper returns take significantly longer to process.​

The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool usually updates refund status within about 24 hours for e‑filed returns and about four weeks for paper returns.​

U.S. citizens living abroad 

U.S. citizens living abroad must file federal income tax returns with the IRS if their worldwide gross income meets or exceeds the standard filing thresholds for their status and age, just like those residing in the U.S. They report global income on Form 1040, with automatic extensions available to ease the process.​

Read also : Tax Management strategies for Digital Nomads

All U.S. citizens and green card holders owe tax on worldwide income regardless of residence, and must file if income is at or above limits like $15,750 for singles under 65 (2025 tax year, filed in 2026)

Where to get help

IRS Free File and Free File Fillable Forms provide no‑cost options for many taxpayers starting in early January (partners) and January 26 (fillable forms).​

Read also : Gold : Build Your Wealth and Freedom

Qualifying taxpayers (including many with lower incomes and seniors) can use Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and military households can use the Defense Department’s MilTax program at no cost.

Every taxpayer can choose to get consulting service from tax experts and tax lawers.

Advertisements

Our community already has nearly 200,000 readers!

Subscribe to our Telegram channel

Follow us on Telegram, Facebook and Twitter

© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1980