Early birds can begin filing their taxes on Jan. 26 this year

Core Points - The 2026 tax filing season will officially start on January 26, 2026, with a filing deadline of April 15, 2026 [1] - The IRS is expected to face challenges due to a significant reduction in its workforce and the implementation of new tax laws [2][5] Group 1: IRS Workforce and Challenges - The IRS workforce has decreased from 102,113 employees at the end of the Biden administration to 75,702, representing a 26% reduction [4][5] - The loss of tens of thousands of tax collection workers due to layoffs and buyouts may hinder the efficiency of the upcoming tax filing season [1][5] Group 2: Tax Filing Expectations - The IRS anticipates receiving approximately 164 million individual income tax returns in the 2026 season, similar to the previous year [3] - Major provisions of a Republican tax and spending package will retroactively affect the 2025 tax year, likely increasing taxpayer inquiries and necessitating updates to tax forms [2]