Key Factors
- Tax season could begin later than common. IRS management has indicated the submitting season may open round mid-February 2026, attributable to main tax legislation modifications and operational challenges.
- Tax code overhaul is growing IRS workload. The sweeping One Huge Stunning Invoice Act (OBBBA) requires up to date varieties and steerage, complicating system programming and preparation.
- Staffing cuts and shutdown impression processing. IRS staffing has dropped sharply and a chronic federal shutdown interrupted planning, elevating the danger of slower processing and decreased customer support throughout the 2026 season.
For years, taxpayers have grown accustomed to submitting season opening in late January. However for the 2026 tax yr, present projections level to a a lot later begin.
Based on comments from IRS leadership, the company is making ready for a submitting season that might open round Presidents Day: mid-February 2026. This displays added workload from new tax legislation provisions and the necessity for added preparation time.
Should you’re anticipating a tax refund, the most typical recommendation is that it is best to file your tax return as quickly as attainable. There is no such thing as a motive to let the federal government hold your cash any longer.
Even in the event you e-file early, we estimate that the IRS will not begin processing your tax return till February 17, 2026. You possibly can see our estimated tax refund calendar to know when you’re going to expect your tax refund.
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IRS Below Pressure
The IRS is below a mountain of workload and fewer folks to do it.
Main Tax Legislation Adjustments
A central explanation for this delayed season is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted July 2025. This expansive tax legislation rewrite contains retroactive and forward-looking modifications affecting deductions, credit, brackets, and compliance guidelines. Tax professionals and preparers warn this provides complexity to varieties and software program, requiring additional time for IRS programs and steerage to catch up.
Retroactive provisions could have an effect on returns for the 2025 tax yr (those filed in 2026) which means the IRS should re-program these modifications into processing programs earlier than returns will be reliably accepted and processed.
Funds Cuts and Staffing Losses
Complicating issues additional is a big discount in IRS staffing. In 2025 the company lost greater than 25% of its workforce by means of resignations and hiring freezes, and total funding has dropped sharply in contrast with current years.
The IRS’s personal National Taxpayer Advocate and impartial watchdogs have warned that this lack of personnel, particularly amongst educated processors and cellphone help workers, may sluggish return processing and customer support in 2026 until swift hiring and coaching happen.
Shutdown and Operational Interruptions
A prolonged authorities shutdown in October and November 2025 additionally disrupted IRS preparations for 2026 submitting season work. Staffing disruptions, halted planning cycles, and delayed entry to essential programs throughout the shutdown imply the company is scrambling to catch up.
Take a look at our Tax Refund Calendar for the latest updates.
What Does This Imply For Tax Refund Delays?
So, how lengthy a delay will my tax return have? All of it relies upon…
PATH Act and Refund Holds
In years previous, taxpayers claiming the Earned Revenue Tax Credit score (EITC) or the Further Baby Tax Credit score (ACTC) have seen built-in delays due to the PATH Act, which requires the IRS to carry refunds till mid-February to cut back fraud.
This yr, these delays may disappear as a result of your complete submitting season could begin later. If the IRS doesn’t start accepting returns till round Feb. 16–17, then the PATH Act’s refund maintain interval overlaps with an already later timeline.
Processing Occasions Prone to Be Longer
Even after submitting, taxpayers ought to anticipate slower processing in contrast with current tax years.
IRS staffing cuts and new tax legislation complexity imply returns (particularly paper returns or these with errors) may take longer to course of. That might translate into slower refunds and longer wait instances for assist through cellphone or correspondence.
Trade projections recommend typical refund supply instances could also be:
- E-file + direct deposit: ~21 days
- Mail return or paper verify: as much as 12 weeks
However these estimates assume the IRS can shortly settle for returns and function at full capability — situations that will not be met early within the season.
If you’d like extra info, learn our common IRS questions and answers here for more information.
What Can You Do Now?
Listed here are a number of steps to organize forward of this compressed and sophisticated tax season:
- Collect paperwork early. Don’t await the IRS to open to get your W-2s, 1099s, and different varieties collectively.
- File electronically with direct deposit. That is the quickest option to get refunds as soon as filings are accepted.
- Take into account working with a tax skilled. Given complexity from OBBBA modifications, a preparer may help keep away from errors that set off processing delays.
- Examine IRS updates. The IRS has its personal “Get Ready” resources with suggestions and steerage for the 2026 submitting season.
If you wish to get began in your taxes early, try our picks for the best tax software for early tax filers.
Did you discover your tax refund delayed by this new legislation?
The put up Why Your 2026 Tax Return Could Be Delayed appeared first on The College Investor.
