Individual income taxation

The average individual tax refund is up nearly 11% in the first 10 business days of the 2026 filing season, rising to $2,290 from $2,065 last year.

An IRS fact sheet explains when overtime compensation qualifies for the H.R. 1 deduction and how Fair Labor Standards Act rules apply, including for federal employees.

The IRS acknowledged that new tax provisions could affect federal taxes, credits, and deductions. The start of filing season is in line with previous years.

Among other changes, the guidance explains that bronze and catastrophic plans are considered HSA-compatible under Sec. 223.

During a session at the AICPA National Tax Conference, the national taxpayer advocate said the IRS will start applying first-time abatements automatically next year.

The IRS also is updating some income tax forms and instructions to help taxpayers claim the deductions.

The IRS published annual inflation adjustments for more than 60 tax provisions for tax year 2026, in addition to changes to the standard deduction for tax year 2025.