(The Epoch Times)—The 2026 tax filing season is due to start in January as Trump administration officials have predicted that it will lead to significant tax refunds for most Americans.
However, several other changes will be coming as taxpayers start to file their taxes in the coming weeks. The tax filing start date has not yet been officially announced, although it’s expected to start in late January.
Direct File No More
The IRS Direct File, an electronic system for filing tax returns established under the Biden administration, will not be offered in 2026, officials have said.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who is also the IRS commissioner, said in November that the service “wasn’t used very much” and “better alternatives” exist.
The Direct File pilot program was started in tax year 2023, and as of April 20, 2025, 296,531 returns were filed by users and accepted by the tax agency through the program, according to a recent Treasury Department report.
New Mileage Rates Coming
The IRS announced Monday that beginning Jan. 1, the standard mileage rate for a qualifying vehicle will be 72.5 cents per mile, up 2.5 cents from 2025.
The rate will be 20.5 cents per mile driven for medical purposes, down a half cent from 2025 and will be 20.5 cents per mile driven for moving purposes for certain active-duty members of the military and certain members of the intelligence community, a half-cent reduction from last year.
The change, meant to reflect updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments, applies to fully electric and hybrid automobiles, and gas and diesel-powered vehicles.
Larger Refunds Likely Coming, Officials Say
Officials including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have predicted that American workers will see greater spending power due to tax refunds that were included in a federal law that was passed over the summer.
Speaking to the “All-In Podcast” last week, Bessent said that workers will see changes to their tax withholdings starting next year due to a provision under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
“They will change their withholding schedule at the beginning of the year and they will get an automatic increase in real wages,” he said. “So I think that’s going to be a very powerful combo.”
The Trump administration-backed One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several income tax provisions including an increase to the child tax credit, an increase to the standard deduction, a state and local tax (SALT) deduction limit, and also deductions on auto loan interest. Other provisions include tax cuts on overtime and tip income as well as a new deduction for seniors who receive Social Security payments and have to pax taxes on those earnings.
The secretary also again predicted that households will see $1,000 to $2,000 in refunds next year.
“I think that’s going to be a very powerful combo of corporate and individuals,” he said, referring to taxes.
The CEO of the IRS, Frank Bisignano, also said in an interview with Fox Business that around 94 percent of middle-class taxpayers will see higher returns.
Roughly $800 Average Boost
The nonpartisan Tax Foundation also echoed Trump administration forecasts that many Americans will shoulder a lower tax burden next year, predicting that the average refund will be around $800 next year.
“When taxpayers file their 2025 tax returns in 2026, many will see larger refunds than in recent years. That’s due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which reduced individual income taxes for 2025 by an estimated $144 billion,” the Tax Foundation’s Erica York said in an analysis released in mid-December.
York added that because the IRS did not adjust its withholding tables after the passage of the law, “workers generally continued to withhold more taxes from their paychecks than the new law required.”
“As a result, instead of gradually receiving the benefit of the tax cuts through higher take-home pay during the year, most taxpayers will receive it all at once when they file their returns,” she said.
Less Tax on Tips or Overtime
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act says that workers who get tips will be able to deduct up to $25,000 in tips if they make less than $150,000, or $300,000 if they’re married and filing jointly. The amount workers can deduct is reduced by $100 for every $1,000 they make over $150,000.
Overtime workers can deduct up to $12,500 in overtime or up to $25,000 in a joint return. Like the tip measure, the amount workers can deduct is reduced if they make more than $150,000. And they must include a Social Security number when they file.
Trump Accounts
Also part of the tax and spending bill, so-called “Trump Accounts” will be rolled out starting next year. The program gives a $1,000 bonus to babies born during the calendar years of the Trump administration, and multiple billionaires including Michael Dell and Ray Dalio have contributed funds to the accounts so far.
During an interview in mid-December, Bessent said parents whose children are eligible for the program will be able to select a newly made IRS form to claim it as they file their taxes.
“To claim this investment, most families need merely to check a box on Form 4547,” he said, referring to the IRS form.
The Treasury hasn’t yet launched the Trump Accounts. Bessent said that they would go into effect on July 4, 2026.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.