3 things taxpayers should know before filing in 2026
Before you file your 2025 tax return, make sure you know the changes that could put more money back in your pocket.
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April 14, 2026 / 12:01 PM EDT / CBS News
Filing taxes rarely feels like a straightforward process, but this year's tax filing season is shaping up to be particularly nuanced. With inflation now ticking up rapidly — recently clocking in at 3.3% , the highest it's been in nearly two years — and household debt levels hovering at new record highs, taxpayers are feeling the weight of the extra financial pressure, and many are now focused on maximizing their refunds or lowering the balances they owe to the federal government this year.
At the same time, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has continued to adjust thresholds, deductions and enforcement priorities this year in response to both economic pressure and policy shifts. That means taxpayers filing their 2025 returns may find that what were once familiar tax rules don't apply in quite the same way, especially when it comes to deductions, credits and reporting requirements. And, these tax changes could have an outsized impact on the refunds or balances owed.
All of this comes as many filers look to maximize returns or minimize what they owe amid rising living costs. But understanding what's changed, and what hasn't, will be critical before submitting a return . Below, we'll outline three key things taxpayers should know before filing in 2026.
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