IRS New Rules for Refunds: As of November 2025, the next tax season is only two months away, and people are already getting ready to file their returns. The 2026 tax filing season will start under new rules brought in by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed by President Trump in July 2025.
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New Rules
The new law has changed how some taxes work, including tip income, overtime pay, and credit eligibility. This new law has made several small but important changes that many workers and retirees will notice.
For example the bill changes how tip income and overtime exemptions are taxed and also adjusts who can qualify for certain tax credits. People who receive auto loans or have retirement income may also see changes in how their taxes are calculated.
Updates for Taxpayers
The IRS has announced one major shift for 2026 it will no longer issue paper refund checks. All refunds will now be sent directly through direct deposit. This means taxpayers without bank accounts must use prepaid debit cards, but they should check all related fees before choosing this option.
Every year the CPA Practice Advisor releases its “When Will I Get My Income Tax Refund” calendar to help taxpayers estimate their refund timing. Even with all these new changes, experts say that the overall tax season calendar should stay mostly the same.
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When to Expect Refunds?
The IRS usually begins accepting tax returns by the end of January, with April 15 remaining the official national deadline. If that date falls on a weekend or holiday the deadline may move by one day or two.
People who use direct deposit usually get their refunds within 10-21 days after the IRS accepts their tax return. But sometimes the refunds can take longer if the IRS or tax software needs more time to update their systems for new rules.
Those who claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) may also have to wait a bit longer. The IRS carefully checks these claims to make sure everything is correct which can delay refunds by a month. People with many income sources, property, or complicated tax papers might even face more delays too.
IRS Acceptance Dates:
- January 26, 2026
- February 2
- February 9
- February 16
- February 23
- March 2
- March 9
- March 16
- March 23
- March 30
- April 6
