MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — The Internal Revenue Service says Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, will mark the opening of the nation’s 2026 tax filing season, when the agency begins accepting 2025 individual income tax returns. IRS

Taxpayers will have until Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to file and pay any tax due, according to the IRS. The agency said it expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most filed electronically. IRS

The IRS is urging taxpayers to use IRS.gov tools before, during and after filing, including the IRS Individual Online Account, which can show balances, payments and tax records. IRS

The agency also highlighted a new Schedule 1-A that taxpayers will use to claim certain recently enacted deductions, including provisions described by the IRS as “no tax on tips,” “no tax on overtime,” “no tax on car loan interest,” and an enhanced deduction for eligible seniors. IRS+2IRS+2

The IRS said it continues to encourage direct deposit for refunds and noted it is phasing out paper refund checks. It also reminded taxpayers to review guidance if they receive Form 1099-K or Form 1099-DA and to watch for tax scams and fraud. IRS

IRS Free File is scheduled to begin accepting returns Friday, Jan. 9, for qualified taxpayers, with Free File Fillable Forms available starting Jan. 26. IRS