The first week of the 2026 tax filing season shows a slower start for tax returns and IRS processing, but early filers are receiving larger refunds than a year ago.

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WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service opened IRS Free File on Jan. 9, allowing eligible people to prepare and submit their federal tax returns early. The main IRS filing season begins on Jan. 26 ...

With just a few days before the end of the filing season, the number of tax returns received dipped again, a trend that hasn’t changed since the season opened on January 27, 2025. IRS numbers from the ...

January brings the new year, which means the month is filled with resolutions, settling into routine, and – whether you’re excited about it or not – tax season. Although it’s probably not your ...