IRS will accept 2025 tax returns starting January 26

The 2026 tax filing season officially begins on January 26, with the deadline to file set for April 15. Tax experts and the IRS's independent watchdog have expressed concerns that this filing season could face significant challenges. A substantial loss of tens of thousands of tax collection workers, due to layoffs and buyouts, is a primary reason for these concerns. The IRS is also tasked with implementing major provisions from a recent Republican tax and spending package. Several of these new provisions will retroactively affect the 2025 tax year, requiring the IRS to update tax forms and anticipate more taxpayer questions. Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent expressed confidence in the agency's ability to deliver results despite these challenges. The IRS anticipates receiving approximately 164 million individual income tax returns, similar to the previous year. A report indicated that the IRS workforce has significantly decreased from over 102,000 to around 75,700 employees. Employees involved in the prior tax season were only permitted to accept buyout offers after the April 15, 2025, filing deadline. These workforce reductions and upcoming tax law changes pose significant risks to the smooth operation of the upcoming filing season.