IRS Filing Season Trends Every Tax Preparer Should Know

Every year, the IRS releases weekly filing season statistics that provide valuable insight into how Americans are filing their taxes.

For tax professionals, these trends can reveal important shifts in taxpayer behavior and the tax preparation industry.

The early numbers for the 2026 filing season reveal several trends that every tax preparer should understand.

Trend #1: Fewer Early Filings

Early IRS statistics show that slightly fewer tax returns have been filed compared to the same time last year.

Possible reasons include:

This suggests that many returns may be filed later in the season.

Electronic filing remains the dominant method for submitting tax returns.

More than 90% of tax returns are now filed electronically.

Benefits of e-filing include:

For tax offices, e-filing improves efficiency and reduces administrative work.

Self-prepared tax returns continue to grow.

Many taxpayers now use online software platforms that promise fast and easy filing.

However, DIY software often struggles with complex situations such as:

This is where professional tax preparers still provide significant value.

Early IRS data indicates that refund amounts are higher compared to last year.

This may be due to:

Larger refunds can improve client satisfaction during tax season.

The tax preparation industry is evolving rapidly.

Successful tax professionals are expanding their services to include:

These services provide year-round revenue instead of seasonal income.

IRS filing season statistics are a valuable tool for understanding how the tax industry is evolving.

The key takeaways for tax professionals are:

Tax professionals who adapt to these changes will be better positioned for long-term success.