Topics in the news

Here you'll find items of current interest — new programs, recent guidance or timely reminders.

Dirty Dozen tax scams for 2026

The IRS announced its annual Dirty Dozen list of tax scams for 2026 that threaten the tax and financial information of taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals.

IRS Individual Online Account

The IRS encourages all taxpayers to create an IRS Individual Online Account to access their tax account information securely online and to help protect against identity theft and fraud.

2026 filing season

The IRS began accepting and processing federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025.

The agency offers free online and in-person tax preparation options for eligible taxpayers through IRS Free File, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs.

Taxpayers are encouraged to use online tools and take simple steps to prepare for claiming new and expanded tax benefits under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill by visiting IRS.gov/getready for checklists, updates and no-cost filing options.

Members of the military have free filing options for their federal tax returns. The available programs offer online tax preparation, electronic filing and direct deposit of refunds at no cost.

Tax fraud and scam reporting

The IRS launched a new web page that allows taxpayers to confidentially report suspected tax fraud, scams, evasion, or other tax-related illegal activities. The web page consolidates multiple IRS fraud-reporting options into a single, centralized location, making it easier for taxpayers to report suspicious activity.

FAQs about Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account

The IRS issued frequently asked questions to help taxpayers, businesses, and other stakeholders understand the changes to transitioning federal payments to and from the government to electronic methods under Executive Order 14247: Modernizing Payment To and From America’s Bank Account.

One, Big, Beautiful Bill

Standard mileage rates for 2026

The optional standard mileage rate for business use of automobiles will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026, while the mileage rate for vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, reflecting updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments.

401(k) limit increase for 2026

The IRS announced that the amount individuals can contribute to their 401(k) plans in 2026 has increased to $24,500, up from $23,500 for 2025. The agency also issued technical guidance regarding all cost‑of‑living adjustments affecting dollar limitations for pension plans and other retirement-related items for tax year 2026.

Inflation adjustments for tax year 2026

The IRS announced the tax year 2026 annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions, including the tax rate schedules and other tax changes. Revenue Procedure 2025-32 PDF provides details about these annual adjustments.