ARTICLE | February 10, 2026
If you typically file your taxes around the deadline or rely on the mail to submit payments, this year's filing season presents some new challenges worth your attention. Between IRS workforce reductions, updated postal service rules, and a push toward electronic payments, now is the time to adjust your approach and avoid unnecessary delays or penalties.
Here's what's changed and what you can do about it.
The IRS is Operating with Significantly Reduced Staff
The IRS workforce has dropped from over 102,000 employees in January 2025 to approximately 74,000 by year's end. This isn't just about numbers—many experienced employees with deep institutional knowledge have departed. Combined with leadership turnover and new tax law implementation requirements, the agency is facing serious capacity constraints.
What this means for you: Expect longer wait times for phone assistance, delayed responses to mailed correspondence, and potential refund delays, especially for paper returns or amended returns requiring manual processing.
Your action steps:
- File electronically whenever possible to avoid processing backlogs
- Submit your return early rather than waiting until the April deadline
- If you need to contact the IRS, be prepared for extended hold times and consider using online tools first
Postmark Rules Have Changed—And It Could Affect Your Deadline
The U.S. Postal Service quietly updated its postmark definition in late December 2025. The official postmark date now reflects when mail undergoes its first automated processing at a USPS facility—not when you dropped it in the mailbox. This means a return or payment mailed on April 15 might receive an April 16 postmark if processing is delayed.
What this means for you: Under IRS rules, the postmark date determines whether a mailed filing is timely. A delayed postmark could result in late-filing penalties even if you mailed everything on time.
Your action steps:
- Mail returns and payments at least 3-5 business days before the deadline and use certified mail with return receipt requested
- Consider electronic filing and payment methods to eliminate postmark uncertainty entirely
- Keep documentation of when you mailed important documents and share it with your tax preparer
The Federal Government is Moving to Electronic Payments
Executive Order 14247 is pushing federal agencies, including the IRS, toward electronic payment methods. While this transition is happening gradually, it affects both how you receive refunds and how you make payments to the IRS.
What this means for you: Paper checks for refunds will become less common, and eventually, electronic payments to the IRS will become the standard. For now, checks and money orders are still accepted, but transition is underway.
Your action steps:
- Provide accurate direct deposit information when filing your return this year
- Verify that your bank account details are current with the IRS
- Explore IRS Direct Pay, EFTPS, or other electronic payment options for estimated taxes and balances due
- Watch for official IRS letters (never phone calls or texts) requesting updated banking information
Processing Backlogs are Growing
The combination of reduced staffing and delayed hiring has created significant inventory backlogs. Paper returns awaiting processing jumped from 52,293 in December 2024 to 294,052 in December 2025—a 462% increase. Amended returns and taxpayer correspondence are also piling up.
What this means for you: If you file a paper return, submit an amended return, or need the IRS to respond to correspondence, expect substantial delays beyond normal processing times.
Your action steps:
- File electronically with direct deposit to receive your refund as quickly as possible
- Avoid filing amended returns unless absolutely necessary; if you must, file early and expect extended processing times
- Monitor your IRS account online rather than calling or mailing inquiries
- Plan your cash flow assuming refunds may take longer than previous years
Moving Forward Together
These changes don't have to derail your tax filing experience. With early preparation and a shift toward electronic methods, you can navigate this filing season smoothly. The key is acting now rather than waiting until the deadline approaches.
If you have questions about how these changes affect your specific situation, we're here to help you develop a strategy that protects your interests and ensures compliance.