...
By Sam Stevenson
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has urged taxpayers to use online tools and follow specific steps to claim new and expanded benefits created by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) during the 2026 filing season.
Why It Matters
The OBBB, signed July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, changed multiple credits and deductions affecting families, education, and health coverage, expanding eligibility and adjusting timing for refunds.
Read More on U.S.
With several provisions retroactive to tax year 2025, taxpayers filing in early 2026 could see larger refunds, making accurate filing and the use of IRS tools important to avoid delays, the Bipartisan Policy Center advises.
...
Refund Timing for Early EITC/ACTC Filers
Most early filers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) can expect refunds by March 2, 2026, if they e-file, choose direct deposit, submit complete and accurate returns, and do not trigger additional IRS review, according to an IRS press release.
Filers can check the Where’s My Refund? tool by February 21, 2026, for a personalized refund date, noting banks may take extra time, and weekends or holidays can create delays.
Direct Deposit and the End of Paper Checks
The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks and said direct deposit remains the fastest and most secure way to receive a refund, while mailed checks may take six weeks or longer.
Use IRS Online Accounts and Verify Key Data
Taxpayers can use an IRS Individual Online Account to view account information, check refunds, manage payments, and interact with the agency at any time.
Before filing, the IRS urged filers to confirm their Identity Protection PIN and Social Security numbers (SSN), ensure each dependent’s name and SSN match Social Security cards when claiming EITC or ACTC, verify each dependent’s credit selection, and review the entire return even if prepared by someone else.
New and Expanded Benefits To Review
The IRS directed families planning to claim the Child Tax Credit, the Adoption Credit, or education-related benefits to review changes under the law before filing.
The law expanded Health Savings Account eligibility, including permanent telehealth relief starting in plan years on or after January 1, 2025, and treating bronze and catastrophic plans as HSA-compatible starting January 1, 2026, which can affect families’ health-related tax planning.
Beginning in 2027, individuals may claim a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for cash donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations, provided their state opts into the program and the organization appears on the state’s certified list submitted to the IRS.
The Act also recognizes Indian tribal governments for determining a child’s special-needs status for the Adoption Credit, providing parity with states.
What People Are Saying
Senior Policy Analyst at the Bipartisan Policy Center Andrew Lautz: "The 2026 federal tax filing season, scheduled to open in late January and end on April 15, is one of the most anticipated in years.
"Tens of millions of taxpayers are expected to receive larger refunds due to the 2025 OBBB, which increased the standard deduction and the CTC. Millions more can claim new deductions for tips, overtime income, and auto loan interest, while Americans 65 and older can claim a $6,000 seniors deduction."
John Horton and Katherine Rodriguez, Head of North America Public Policy and Interim Head of Federal Affairs at DoorDash: "Since President Donald Trump introduced the concept last year, ‘No Tax On Tips’ has earned widespread and bipartisan support because it gives tax relief and fairness for millions of hard-working Americans."
President and CEO of the SBE Council Karen Kerrigan: "The OBBB offers a powerful mix of tax relief and incentives that will supercharge American entrepreneurship, investment, innovation, and opportunity... It will bolster small business competitiveness and growth, and boost economic development in every corner of the country."
What Happens Next
Taxpayers are encouraged to use standard IRS tools—such as e‑filing and direct deposit—to receive refunds as quickly as possible, although specific refund timelines for EITC or ACTC claims were not addressed in recent IRS guidance.
The IRS cautioned that news items may not be updated after release and advised taxpayers to verify dates and check the OBBB provisions page for the latest guidance.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines