The Internal Revenue Service isadvising taxpayers to use online resources while preparing their tax claims for new and extended tax benefits which the One Big Beautiful Bill has created. The new tax advantages provide modifications to existing tax credits for families and educational expenses. The IRS online tools deliver advantages to taxpayers who start their tax preparation work ahead of time because those tools enable them to receive their tax refunds more quickly while reducing the chances of making mistakes during their federal tax return submissions.
Taxpayers should examine new regulations while they need to organize their tax documents before claiming the Child Tax Credit or the Adoption Credit or education-related tax benefits.
Why the IRS Says Taxpayers Should Prepare Early in 2026
The IRS is working to make the filing process smoother for taxpayers who will claim new and enhanced tax benefits under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.
This guidance is important for families who plan to claim the following benefits:
- Child Tax Credit, which provides support based on the number of qualifying children in the home
- Adoption Credit, which helps offset qualified expenses when adopting a child
- Education-related benefits that may affect how you report qualifying tuition and educational costs
The IRS recommends taxpayers to file their taxes early while submitting complete returns and choosing direct deposit because these steps will help them receive their refunds on time.
How to Use IRS Online Tools to Get Ready Before Filing
The IRS provides multiple online tools which assist taxpayers in completing their tax returns and monitoring their refund status.
1. IRS Individual Online Account
Your online account with the IRS lets you:
- See your tax account details
- View refund status
- Track payments
- Access notices from the IRS
You can use this account to maintain your refund tracking process in an organized manner while protecting your personal information.
2. Refund Tracking Tools
The IRS recommends checking your Where's My Refund? tool before expected refund dates. The IRS recommends that taxpayers who filed for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) before February 21 2026 should check their refund status to receive a personalized estimate of their refund arrival date.
Tips IRS Recommends for Smooth Tax Filing Process in 2026
The IRS recommends these steps to help taxpayers avoid processing problems and complete their tax returns without delays.
- The best option for tax return filing is online submission because it enables faster processing while decreasing the number of mistakes that occur with mailed returns.
- Select direct deposit as your refund payment method. The quickest and safest method to receive your refund is through direct deposit because paper checks are no longer used.
- You must check the names and Social Security numbers of your dependents with complete accuracy. Errors in this information can slow down your refund, especially when claiming credits tied to children or dependents.
The tax return requires you to verify all details. You must ensure your tax return contains accurate information because you are responsible for all tax information even if another person prepares your return. Processing delays occur because of errors or missing information.
What Tax Breaks This Guidance Affects
The One Big Beautiful Bill which provides new or improved regulations requires users to access online resources and verify essential data. Workers should be aware that:
- Some credits have expanded eligibility rules
- Refund timing depends on the specific filing method and the timing of your submission
- Education-related benefits require students to submit more documentation and additional forms
Taxpayers should study these new regulations because they need this knowledge to prepare their tax claims effectively.
Getting the Most Accurate Refund Timing
Refund timings depend on multiple factors even when you submit your tax return through electronic filing before its official start date. The IRS states that most taxpayers who receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) and meet specific criteria, which include electronic filing and selecting direct deposit, will receive their refunds by March 2, 2026.
The processing time for your request depends on three conditions which include:
- Your return is complete and accurate
- There are no issues that require additional review
- You do not have outstanding problems on your tax account that could delay processing
Taxpayers who do not see their refund by then can check with their bank or financial institution after the IRS shows the refund as sent.
Why Direct Deposit Helps
The IRS is discontinuing its practice of issuing paper refund checks. Taxpayers who use direct deposit usually receive their refunds faster and with reduced chances of lost or stolen funds and delayed payments.
Direct deposit transfers your refund directly to your bank account after the IRS finishes processing your refund. The use of direct deposit reduces paper transactions at the IRS which leads to more efficient system operations for all users.
Confirming Identity and Dependent Information
The IRS requires you to verify your eligibility for educational and child-related credits through these requirements.
- Verify your identity through an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) which you must use
- Verify your Social Security number.
- Confirm that all Social Security numbers of your dependents match their official records.
- Show all your deductions and tax credits on your tax form so that they can be checked for accuracy.
The IRS processing system experiences delays because of incorrect information which constitutes a major problem with processing refundable credits.
Related Resources
- IRS Invites Professionals to Apply for 2026 ETAAC Roles
- IRS Expands Free Tax Help Programs With 2026 Grant Funding
- EITC Awareness Day Aims to Help Workers Claim Missed Refunds
The IRS wants taxpayers to start their tax filing process because it needs preparation for the new tax benefits that the One Big Beautiful Bill introduced. The program offers tax benefits to both families and children and educational expenditures. Your tax process will become easier when you use IRS online tools and file taxes electronically and select direct deposit. The IRS recommendations focus on preparation, accurate information, and secure access to account details. Get the latest IRS updates and stay compliant by connecting with our experts at The Fino Partners.
