The countdown is on as early taxpayers await for the start of filing season Jan. 26, but there are some changes this year that experts say people should keep in mind to receive a fast, full refund.

Trump predicts record tax refunds in 2026. Here’s how new tax laws, withholding changes, and timing could mean a bigger refund—or lower taxes—for you.

According to the order, it is “16 times more likely” for paper checks and money orders to be lost, stolen, returned undeliverable, or altered than electronically-disbursed funds. The IRS notes that every refund check it issues “costs the nation’s taxpayers more than $1,” while direct deposit refunds cost about a dime.

The IRS will start accepting 2025 tax returns on Jan. 26, marking the official start of the 2026 tax filing season

Millions of borrowers are set to have their tax refunds seized by the government due to outstanding defaulted federal student loans.