Tax season is officially underway, and for people in Nevada and across the country, this year comes with some notable changes.
The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday, January 26, as the first day of the 2026 filing season, meaning the agency is now accepting and processing federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year.
Taxpayers have until Wednesday, April 15, to file their returns and pay any taxes owed.
According to information published Monday on the IRS website, the agency expects about 164 million individual tax returns to be filed this year, with most people filing electronically.
Several new tax law provisions from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill take effect this filing season and could affect federal taxes, credits, and deductions. The IRS says updated forms and systems are in place to reflect those changes.
“President Trump is committed to the taxpayers of this country and improving upon the successful tax filing season in 2025,” said Acting IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent. “Prior to the passage of the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, which delivered working families tax cuts, Treasury and IRS were diligently preparing to update forms and processes for the benefit of hardworking Americans, and I am confident in our ability to deliver results and drive growth for businesses and consumers alike.”
For Nevada filers, the basics remain the same. The state does not have a personal income tax, but residents still must file a federal return if required by income thresholds.
The IRS continues to encourage electronic filing and direct deposit as the fastest way to receive refunds.
“The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano. “As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.”
Bisignano also noted this filing season coincides with milestones for the agency.
“As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the IRS and its employees are excited to once again serve American taxpayers in meeting their tax filing obligations during the 2026 filing season,” he said. “Not only does 2026 commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but it also coincides with the 40th anniversary of electronic filing.”
The IRS website, IRS.gov, offers tools people can use before, during, and after filing. Those include the IRS Individual Online Account, where people can view balances due, payments, tax records, and refund information.
This year also introduces a new Schedule 1-A. Taxpayers will use it to claim newly enacted deductions, including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest, and an enhanced deduction for seniors.
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest way to get a refund.
The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days, though some returns may take longer if they require additional review.
The agency has also been phasing out paper refund checks. Under Executive Order 14247, most taxpayers now must provide bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit.
People who qualify can use IRS Free File for no-cost tax preparation software, while Free File Fillable Forms are available for those who prefer to prepare their own returns.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs also offer free basic tax help for eligible individuals.
Refunds tied to the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit are expected to be available by March 2 for people who choose direct deposit and have no issues with their returns.
The IRS says Where’s My Refund? will begin showing projected deposit dates for most early filers by Feb. 21.
More details and filing resources are available on the IRS website.
