Presidents Day 2026 and the IRS: 4 Tax Tips You Need to Know

the words February 16 on a wooden background — (Image credit: Getty Images)

With Presidents Day around the corner and the 2026 tax season officially underway, millions are preparing to file their federal income tax returns. And as you would expect, this time of the year is also particularly busy for the IRS.

Adding to the business, the IRS is operating under a new leadership structure this year. While Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent currently serves as the acting IRS Commissioner, the agency's day-to-day operations are being led by its first-ever chief executive officer (CEO), Frank Bisignano.

Bisignano, who also oversees the Social Security Administration, recently emphasized the agency’s focus on 'modernization through efficiency' as it processes returns following the landmark 2025 tax legislation."

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(Bisignano is referring to the massive tax and spending bill (known by some as the "big, beautiful bill) signed into law by President Trump last year.)

It's also worth noting that the IRS will navigate filing season with a significantly leaner staff and budget.

A recent FY26 budget deal includes about $1.1 billion in reductions to the IRS’s base budget and claws back an additional $11.6 billion in supplemental funding.
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)-led 26% workforce reductions last year, and an ongoing federal hiring freeze has left the agency operating this tax season with a small staff.

This is notable, since past commissioners have noted the increase in phone calls the agency typically receives around Presidents Day and the importance of providing efficient taxpayer service.

So, with that in mind, here’s more of what you need to know about dealing with the IRS in the weeks around Presidents' Day to navigate the 2026 tax season more smoothly.

#1. Is the IRS open on Presidents Day?

First, the IRS isn't open on Presidents Day. This year, Monday, Feb. 16, is a federal holiday, and IRS employees are federal employees who have the day off.

However, the period surrounding Presidents Day is a busy time for the agency due to the influx of people preparing and filing their taxes. As mentioned, historically, in the weeks following the Presidents Day holiday, the IRS has experienced a significant surge in taxpayer phone calls.

As a result, the tax agency typically encourages taxpayers to leverage online tools and resources available on IRS.gov. From step-by-step filing guidance to personalized assistance, these digital offerings are designed to provide quick solutions and alleviate pressure on IRS phone lines.

You can also access your personal tax account information by signing into your IRS online account.
From there, you can get virtual assistance for payment-related questions, view your payment history, and manage communication preferences for tax-related issues.

#2. How to track tax refund status

Did you know that according to the IRS, nearly 99% of taxpayers file their federal income tax returns electronically? The IRS points out that e-filing expedites the refund process and minimizes errors, thanks to built-in error checks and tax software calculations. Additionally, opting for direct deposit ensures faster refunds.

You can also track the status of your refund using the "Where's My Refund?" tool on IRS.gov.

Note: Kiplinger also has details on the 2026 IRS Refund Schedule. Check out our guide to learn when to expect your refund based on filing method, credits claimed, and more.

#3. You can find a good income tax preparer

If you’re looking for professional assistance to prepare your taxes, the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers is a resource. Choosing the right preparer, who is qualified and trusted, can help ensure accurate filings.

A tax professional or financial advisor can also provide guidance tailored to your circumstances.

For more information, see our report: Should I DIY My Taxes or Go Pro?

#4. Ways to file taxes for free

The IRS offers free online tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers through programs like IRS Free File and in-person assistance via Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE). The IRS usually announces special Saturday hours for the next few months for face-to-face help at taxpayer assistance centers across the U.S.

These initiatives are designed to ease the financial burden of tax preparation, especially for individuals and families with low-to-moderate income. (This filing season, IRS Free File is available for people with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025.)

However, a newer program, IRS Direct File, is no longer available for taxpayers.

For more information, see our report: Ways to File Taxes for Free in 2026.

Bottom line: 2026 tax season

Although many opt to file early, Tax Day 2026, when taxes are due for most, is April 15. However, throughout tax season, the IRS may extend tax deadlines for people in areas impacted by natural disasters.

It’s also important to be aware of scams and identity theft. The IRS provides Identity Protection PINs (IP PINs) as a proactive measure against tax-related identity theft.
The six-digit code, known only to you and the IRS, helps verify identity and prevent fraudulent tax filings.

Additionally, as Kiplinger has reported, several new tax deductions impacting everything from tip income and overtime pay to car loan interest and bonus tax breaks for filers over age 65 could make tax filing more complex this year than last.

Kelley R. Taylor is the senior tax editor at Kiplinger.com, where she breaks down federal and state tax rules and news to help readers navigate their finances with confidence. A corporate attorney and business journalist with more than 20 years of experience, Kelley has helped taxpayers make sense of shifting U.S. tax law and policy from the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), to SECURE 2.0, the Inflation Reduction Act, and most recently, the 2025 “Big, Beautiful Bill.” She has covered issues ranging from partnerships, carried interest, compensation and benefits, and tax‑exempt organizations to RMDs, capital gains taxes, and energy tax credits. Her award‑winning work has been featured in numerous national and specialty publications.