As the 2026 U.S. tax-filing season gets underway, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has introduced important new rules and changes that seniors and immigrants should know before they prepare their tax returns. These updates are especially significant because they affect income thresholds, deductions, credits, and who must file — potentially saving you money or avoiding costly mistakes.
The IRS began accepting tax returns on January 26, 2026, for income earned in 2025. This season, many rules reflect provisions from the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and annual inflation adjustments.
1. Big Tax Benefits for Seniors
Enhanced Standard & Senior Deductions
For taxpayers age 65 and older, the IRS now allows a special additional deduction on top of the regular standard deduction:
- You may claim up to $6,000 extra if you’re 65+ (or up to $12,000 for a married couple where both spouses are 65+).
- This deduction directly reduces your taxable income, which can significantly lower your tax bill.
This new benefit is designed to help retirees and seniors on fixed incomes, especially those who depend on Social Security and retirement savings.
👉 Important: The senior deduction phases out for taxpayers with higher incomes. For single filers, the phase-out begins around $75,000 of adjusted gross income (MAGI), and for joint filers around $150,000.
Increased Filing Thresholds
If you’re a senior, you also benefit from higher income thresholds before you must file a federal return:
- For single seniors, you generally don’t need to file unless your income exceeds a higher limit than prior years.
- For joint filers with one or both spouses 65+, the threshold is even higher.
These adjustments mean some seniors who had to file taxes before might not have to this year — or may owe less tax than in prior seasons.
2. Key IRS Tax Filing Rules for Immigrants
Tax Residency and Filing Requirements
Whether you’re a Green Card holder, visa holder, or otherwise an immigrant taxpayer, your IRS filing obligations depend on your tax residency status:
- If you meet the Substantial Presence Test or have a Green Card, you’re usually treated as a U.S. tax resident — and must report worldwide income.
- If you are a nonresident alien, you may still have to file a return if you earned U.S.-source income.
Many immigrants also rely on an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) if they aren’t eligible for a Social Security number (SSN). Make sure your ITIN is valid — expired ITINs must be renewed before filing. (IRS Pub. 519 explains these rules in detail.)
Self-Employment & Estimated Tax Rules
If you earn income in the U.S. as a self-employed immigrant, remember:
- You may owe Self-Employment Tax (Social Security & Medicare) if net earnings exceed $400.
- Estimated tax payments are due quarterly in 2027 for your 2026 income. Missing these deadlines can trigger penalties and interest.
This matters especially for immigrants working in gig work, consulting, or small business roles — so prepare early and track deadlines closely.
3. General 2026 Filing Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss
Tax Season Dates
- Filing opens: January 26, 2026
- Regular deadline: April 15, 2026
- Extended deadline (if requested): October 15, 2026
Tip: An extension to file does not extend the deadline to pay taxes due — so estimate and pay any taxes owed by April 15 to avoid penalties.
Standard Deduction and Bracket Changes
The IRS annually adjusts income brackets for inflation. For the 2026 filing season:
- The standard deduction is higher across the board — helping reduce taxable income for millions.
- Tax brackets (10%–37%) shift slightly each year to keep pace with inflation.
These adjustments benefit seniors, immigrants, and other taxpayers by keeping more income out of higher tax brackets.
Credits to Know
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is still available and worth more in 2026 due to inflation adjustments — but you need a valid SSN or qualifying ITIN and to meet income limits to claim it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting to file paper returns (which take much longer to process due to IRS staffing challenges).
- Missing estimated tax payments for self-employment income.
- Failing to renew expired ITINs before filing.
- Overlooking new senior deductions or income thresholds.
Final Word
2026 is shaping up to be one of the most consequential IRS filing seasons in years — with new deductions for seniors and clarifications for immigrant taxpayers. Preparing early, checking your eligibility for benefits, and knowing what’s changed can make a big difference in your refund or taxes owed.