You’ve likely read a lot about how tax laws changed this year, including increased deductions and credits, inflation adjustments, and overtime pay being exempt from taxation. However, it isn’t just the laws that are changing in 2026; there have been updates regarding the tax filing process, too. 

Here are four ways filing your tax return will be different in 2026: 

1. You need to establish an ID.me account. We’ve fielded dozens of calls from clients asking if the direction to create an ID.me account is legitimate, and yes, it is. ID.me acts as a digital identification card that can be used across multiple websites, and it is now the government’s preferred method for secure online identity verification. You must create and verify the ID.me account yourself; this is not something a tax professional can do for you. Once you’ve completed the verification process, which usually requires uploading a driver’s license or passport and sometimes taking a selfie, your verified login can then be used to sign into various U.S. government agencies, such as the IRS, VA, and Social Security, without re-verifying each time. 
   
   
2. You need to make payments to the IRS electronically. Executive Order 14247 was signed on March 25, 2025, and aims to modernize how payments are made to and from the IRS. Estimated tax payments and balances due can no longer be paid by check. In fact, we are seeing many checks from January 15 payments that have yet to be cashed—although the IRS website states that payments made via check will still be accepted and processed as of January 27. With staffing shortages at the IRS, it could take 12 months or more to reconcile check payments with taxpayer accounts, and unfortunately, it is not a process we can speed up on your behalf. Going forward, all payments to the IRS should be made electronically via IRS.gov/payments. 
   
   
3. You must receive tax refunds electronically. Under the same Executive Order, paper checks for tax refunds began phasing out on September 20, 2025 and continues into this year. You will no longer receive your tax refund via check. Refunds will only be distributed via direct deposit, which makes it critical to ensure your bank information is accurate and up to date when completing your tax preparation intake forms. For taxpayers without a bank account, the IRS and U.S. Treasury Department are working to provide solutions for free or low-cost accounts or alternate electronic payment methods, such as prepaid debit cards. More frequently asked questions can be found on the IRS website. 
4. You should file your tax return electronically. The United States Postal Service now defines a postmark as the date your mail is first processed at a USPS facility rather than the day you drop it off. That means if you mail your tax return on April 15, but it isn’t processed until April 16, it may be considered late and incur penalties. Unless you have a special exception, we encourage all taxpayers to opt for electronic filing to ensure confirmed submission by the deadline. 

The regulations and procedures for taxation in the U.S. can be confusing and constantly changing. At Thielen & Associates, Inc., our goal is to help you stay informed, compliant, and take advantage of all opportunities to improve your financial situation. If you have questions, we’re here to help.