2026 Tax Filing Season Opening Date and Preparation Tips

The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that the 2026 federal tax filing season will officially begin on January 26, 2026, when the IRS begins accepting and processing individual income tax returns for tax year 2025. Taxpayers should prepare now to ensure an accurate and timely filing.

When the IRS Starts Accepting Returns

The IRS will start accepting 2025 individual tax returns on January 26, 2026. This is the earliest date taxpayers can submit their federal income tax returns for processing. Most taxpayers who plan to file electronically or through tax professionals will follow this launch date.

Deadline to File and Pay Taxes

Federal individual income tax returns for the 2025 tax year are due on April 15, 2026. Filing by this date helps taxpayers avoid penalties and interest. If taxpayers cannot complete their return by April 15, they can file Form 4868 with the IRS to request an automatic extension. Note that requesting an extension extends the time to file, not the time to pay any tax owed.

Documents You Should Gather Now

To file efficiently when the season opens, taxpayers should collect:

• W-2 wage and tax statements from employers

• From the 1099 series for interest, dividends, retirement distributions, and contractor income

• Receipts for deductible expenses such as charitable contributions and qualified education costs

• Records of estimated tax payments made during 2025

You can also download our free Tax Organizer Checklist by Filing status here to help stay organized: Tax Organizers & Forms

Changes to Refund Delivery and Filing Options

For the 2026 filing season, the IRS will emphasize electronic filing and direct deposit for refunds as the agency phases out paper refund checks. Taxpayers should ensure their bank information is accurate when filing to receive refunds quickly and securely.

The IRS Free File program remains available to eligible taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes below certain thresholds, offering a free option to prepare and submit their federal returns electronically.

Plan for Estimated Payments

The fourth quarter estimated tax payment for the 2025 tax year is due January 15, 2026. Taxpayers who are self-employed or have other income without withholding should not overlook this deadline to avoid underpayment penalties.

New Client Incentive

New clients who switch to JCox CPAs & Advisors, P.C. receive 30% off their first year of services, plus a complimentary tax planning report at onboarding and a mid year tax planning review. This proactive approach helps identify tax savings opportunities early and adjust strategies before year-end.

2026 Retirement Plan Contribution and Benefit Limits

The Internal Revenue Service has released updated retirement plan contribution limits to reflect cost-of-living adjustments under the Internal Revenue Code (Notice 2025-67). These changes impact employee deferrals, catch-up contributions, employer contributions, and IRA planning and are especially important for year-end tax planning.

2026 401(k), 403(b), and 457(b) Contribution Limits

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 402(g), the maximum elective deferral limit for 2026 is $24,500. This limit applies in total across all employer-sponsored retirement plans and includes both traditional and Roth deferrals. Contributions to traditional 401(k) plans are made on a pretax basis and reduce taxable income in the year of contribution, while Roth contributions are made with after tax dollars but allow for tax free growth and distributions if requirements are met.

Catch Up Contributions for Individuals Age 50 and Older

Internal Revenue Code Section 414(v) allows individuals aged 50 or older to make additional catch-up contributions. For 2026, the standard catch-up contribution is $8,000. In addition, individuals ages 60 through 63 may qualify for an enhanced catch-up contribution of $11,250 if the retirement plan allows it.

Beginning in 2026, the SECURE 2.0 Act requires that catch-up contributions for employees with prior year wages exceeding $150,000 be designated as Roth contributions. If an employer plan does not allow Roth catch-up contributions, these individuals may not be able to make catch-up contributions at all.

Total Annual Contribution Limit

Internal Revenue Code Section 415(c) limits the total amount that can be contributed to a participant’s retirement account in a single year. For 2026, the total contribution limit is $72,000. This includes employee deferrals, employer matching contributions, profit-sharing contributions, and forfeitures. Catch-up contributions are not included in this limit.

IRA Contribution Limits

Under Internal Revenue Code Section 219, the contribution limit for traditional and Roth IRAs for 2026 is $7,500. Individuals aged 50 or older may contribute an additional $1,100 as a catch-up contribution. Eligibility to deduct traditional IRA contributions or to contribute to a Roth IRA is subject to modified adjusted gross income limits.

Income Phase Outs and Planning Considerations

Taxpayers covered by a workplace retirement plan may have their traditional IRA deduction phased out at higher income levels. Roth IRA contributions are also subject to income-based phase-outs. Taxpayers whose income exceeds Roth IRA limits may still consider a backdoor Roth IRA strategy, subject to Internal Revenue Code Section 408A.

2026 Retirement Plan Contribution and Benefit Limits Summary

Action Steps for 2026

Taxpayers should consider maximizing their retirement contributions to take advantage of tax-deferred growth and current-year tax savings.

Employers should review plan documents to ensure compliance with Roth catch-up rules and SECURE 2.0 requirements. Coordinating employer plan contributions with IRA strategies can significantly enhance long-term retirement outcomes.

2026 Tax Filing and Refund Dates: What to Expect

Our current turnaround times are as follows:

• Individual Income Tax Returns: 4 days

• Partnerships, C-Corporations, and S-Corporations: 4 days

These timeframes encompass thorough review and quality control processes, ensuring that your tax filings are both prompt and precise.

Understanding the timeline for receiving your tax refund is crucial for financial planning. The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days after accepting an electronically filed return.

To provide a clearer picture, here's an estimated timeline for 2026 tax refunds based on the IRS acceptance date of your e-filed return:

Track YOUR Federal Refund Here: IRS.gov