With the 2026 tax season already underway, there’s no shortage of tax time myths and mixed advice, making it tough to know what information you can trust.
Much of the buzz comes from major tax law changes in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), signed in 2025, which take effect this tax season. The IRS says these changes affect deductions, credits, and refunds for millions of taxpayers.
Let’s break down some of the most common tax time myths and get you the facts you actually need to file with confidence.
Myth 1: Your taxes will be completely different in 2026 because major tax laws are expiring.
Truth: Some tax rules are changing for the 2026 filing season—but not everything will be different, and the impact will vary by household.
Major tax law changes passed in 2025 apply to the 2026 filing season. These include updates to the standard deduction, the Child Tax Credit, and new or expanded deductions related to overtime pay, tips, auto loan interest, and state and local taxes for some filers.
Myth 2: If you don’t usually itemize, these tax changes won’t affect you.
Truth: Even if you take the standard deduction, some 2026 tax changes could still apply to you.
Several new or expanded tax benefits for the 2026 filing season are available without itemizing deductions. This includes certain deductions related to overtime pay, tips, and auto loan interest for eligible taxpayers. That means more people, not just higher-income or itemizing filers, may be affected by the new rules.
Because these deductions are new, taxpayers may see changes to their taxable income or refund compared to prior years, even if their filing habits stay the same.
Myth 3: The IRS will automatically have all the information it needs to apply new deductions and credits.
Truth: Some new tax benefits rely on updated employer and payer reporting—and those changes may take time to roll out smoothly.
For the 2026 filing season, the IRS is implementing new rules that depend on how employers and other payers report income, such as overtime pay and tips. Because these reporting changes are new, some taxpayers may experience confusion, delays, or the need to review their tax forms more carefully than in past years.
It’s especially important in 2026 to double-check your tax documents, understand what’s being reported, and keep records that support any deductions or credits you plan to claim.
Myth 4: With all the new tax changes, you’ll need to pay for professional help to file correctly.
Truth: Many taxpayers can still file for free or get trusted help at low or no cost in the 2026 tax season.
One of the easiest and most reliable ways to file your taxes for free is through GetYourRefund. GetYourRefund is a free, nonprofit tax filing service that connects you with IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who prepare and review your return at no cost.
In addition, the IRS continues to offer Free File and IRS-certified volunteer programs like VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) provide free tax preparation help, both in person and in some cases virtually, for people with low to moderate incomes.
Myth 5: Because of the new tax changes, everyone will get a bigger refund in 2026.
Truth: Refund amounts will vary. Some people may see a higher refund, while others may see little change or even a smaller one.
New and expanded deductions and credits could increase refunds for some taxpayers, especially those who qualify for benefits related to overtime pay, tips, or the Child Tax Credit. However, refund amounts also depend on factors like withholding, income changes, household size, and how much tax you’ve already paid throughout the year.
