The 2026 tax season is set to be a challenging one for taxpayers, according to the national taxpayer advocate. With a 27% reduction in the IRS workforce, leadership turnover, and complex tax law changes, the agency faces significant obstacles. Despite the IRS's efforts to process returns in 2025 without major disruptions, the landscape entering 2026 is vastly different. The success of the filing season will depend on the IRS's ability to assist the millions of taxpayers who may encounter problems. While most taxpayers should be able to file their returns and receive refunds without delay, the challenges faced by the IRS could impact the overall efficiency of the tax filing process. The tax filing season began on Monday, and agency leaders have expressed confidence in a smooth season. However, other IRS watchdogs have raised concerns, highlighting the agency's staffing issues and the potential impact on taxpayer refund claims. With more than 165 million individual income tax returns processed in 2025, the IRS is under pressure to ensure a successful tax filing season for the American public.
