The average 2025 tax refund was about $3,200, and analysts expect this year’s refunds to be roughly $1,000 higher on average.

Around 164 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed, with most filers anticipated to use electronic methods.

Tax forms to watch include Form 1099-K for payments from cards and marketplaces, and Form 1099-DA for digital asset proceeds from broker transactions.

A new child-focused retirement option, the Trump Account, is being discussed with details at trumpaccounts.gov.

The IRS has set January 26, 2026, as the start of the 2026 filing season, with taxpayers given until mid-April to file 2025 returns and pay any taxes due.

LiveNOW from FOX provides the article’s origin, with inputs from MarketWatch and other reporting notes.

Notable tax changes include a child tax credit boost to $2,200, an expanded vehicle loan interest deduction (up to $10,000 for U.S.-assembled cars), and a temporary deduction policy for tips and overtime tied to specific occupations and income.

Officials emphasize efforts to streamline the filing season and spur growth for businesses and consumers amid staffing and regulatory changes.

Free tax filing help remains available through VITA/TCE, AARP Tax-Aide, and MilTax for military families, with locator tools provided.

Taxpayers are advised to verify current information on Forbes resources and IRS tools, with subscriptions suggested for ongoing updates.

Annual inflation adjustments include higher standard deduction as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill’s broader tax package.

IRS Free File options generally require an AGI of $84,000 or less for 2024, with partner eligibility varying by provider.