The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released a national statement this Tuesday (2) recommending that all American taxpayers immediately begin organizing documents and financial information for the 2025 filing season, which will be presented in 2026. The guidance highlights the entry into force of changes foreseen in the One Big Beautiful Bill, in addition to the gradual elimination of paper checks for refunds.
The agency emphasizes that advance preparation reduces errors, speeds up processing and ensures maximum use of new deductions and credits. Entre the main changes are the exemption from taxes on tips, overtime and interest on vehicle loans, as well as a temporary deduction for retirees.
The deadline for submitting declarations for 2025 remains April 15, 2026, with no general extension announced to date.
Key changes announced by the IRS
One Big Beautiful Bill introduces significant changes to the US tax code. The legislation eliminates federal taxation on tips received by service sector workers.
Pay for overtime in any professional category is also exempt from tax. Outra new feature is the total deduction of interest paid on vehicle financing.
The measure also includes a temporary deduction aimed at taxpayers aged 65 or over, regardless of income.
Gradual end to paper checks
Starting in late 2025, the IRS will begin phasing out refunds issued by physical check completely. The change affects millions of annual declarations.
All processing will now exclusively use direct deposit into a bank account. Contribuintes who do not yet have an account registration need to do so urgently.
The transition occurs gradually, but the agency reports that the majority of reimbursements in 2026 will already follow the new model.
Checklist recommended by the agency
- Create or access the account online on the official IRS portal
- Gather all W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and proof of income for the year
- Verify bank information (routing number and account number) for deposit
- Organize receipts for deductible expenses, donations and medical expenses
Advantages of advance preparation
Taxpayers who organize documents in advance can identify possible missed deductions from the previous year. The practice also makes it easier to correct discrepancies before official submission.
Using the online account allows you to view past statements and track processing status in real time. Profissionais accounting professionals report a reduction of up to 70% in the most common errors when clients submit complete documentation by December.
Next steps until January
The IRS plans to release detailed guidance on each new deduction in the coming days. Contribuintes who changed jobs, got married, had children or bought a property in 2025 should immediately review the impact of these changes.
The agency reinforces that direct deposit remains the fastest and safest method for receiving refunds. Average processing drops from six weeks to up to 21 days when the statement is submitted electronically with correct banking information.
Easy access to digital services
The IRS online account provides immediate access to payment histories and tax transcripts. Registration requires identity verification through official documents.
Once created, the account eliminates the need to request information by phone or mail. The service is available 24 hours a day and receives constant updates on new rules.
Advance preparation avoids the concentration of demands at the beginning of 2026, the traditional period of greatest movement in the agency’s service channels.
