Getting Ready for Tax Season 2026: What You Need to Know About IRS Changes and Identity Protection

Tax season is coming up soon, and there are some important changes you need to know about for 2026. The IRS has made several updates that could affect how much you owe or get back on your tax return. Plus, the IRS is strongly recommending that all taxpayers use a special security tool called an IP PIN to protect themselves. Let's break down everything you need to know to file your taxes safely and correctly this year.

What's changing for tax filing in 2026?

The IRS has announced new numbers for the 2026 tax year, which means the tax return you'll file in early 2027. Thanks to the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act passed in 2025, there are several changes that could save you money.

First, the standard deduction is going up. If you're single, your standard deduction will be $16,100. If you're married and filing together with your spouse, it will be $32,200. This is the amount of money you can earn without paying taxes on it, so a higher number means you might owe less.

There are also special new deductions for certain groups. If you're 65 or older, you may be able to claim an extra $6,000 deduction on top of your regular deduction. There are also new deductions for tips, overtime pay, and car loan interest, though these have income limits.

One big change is that the IRS Direct File program, which let people file their taxes for free online, will not be available this year. This means you'll need to find another way to file your taxes, such as through tax preparation software or working with a tax professional.

What is an IP PIN and why should you get one?

The IRS is strongly encouraging everyone to use something called an IP PIN. But what exactly is it?

An Identity Protection Personal Identification Number (IP PIN) is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. Think of it like a password that only you and the IRS know. When you file your tax return, you enter this special number to prove that you're really you. Without the correct IP PIN, no one can file a tax return in your name, even if they steal your Social Security number.

Getting an IP PIN is like putting a strong lock on your tax information. Identity protection PINs stop identity thieves from filing fake tax returns. Tax thieves like to file false tax returns early in the tax season to steal people's refunds. But if you have an IP PIN, they can't do this because they won't have your secret number.

The IRS encourages all taxpayers to sign up for an IP PIN as an important step to safeguard their identity. The best way to get one is by creating an account on the IRS website. You'll need to prove who you are first, but once you're set up, you can get your IP PIN quickly. Your IP PIN changes every year, so you'll need to get a new one each January. If you can't verify your identity online, you can also mail in a form or visit an IRS office in person.

Why identity theft protection is so important

While an IP PIN is a great tool, it's just one piece of the puzzle. Identity theft happens all year long, not just during tax season. Criminals can steal your personal information in many ways, from data breaches at companies to phishing emails that trick you into giving away passwords. That's why it's so important to have identity theft protection safeguards in place throughout the entire year.

Think about all the personal information you have online. Your bank accounts, credit cards, medical records, and shopping accounts all contain details that criminals want to steal. When your information is stolen, it can take months or even years to fix the damage. You might discover that someone opened credit cards in your name, took out loans, or even filed for unemployment benefits using your identity. Having strong protection in place can help you catch these problems early and fix them quickly.

Keep your IP PIN and passwords safe with IDShield's password manager from Trend Micro

Once you get your IP PIN from the IRS, you need to keep it somewhere safe where you can find it when tax season arrives. This is where IDShield's password manager from Trend Micro becomes incredibly useful.

• This password manager allows you to create and secure strong and unique passwords. The password manager can identify weak passwords and change them with unique, tough-to-hack passwords. The IDShield Individual Plan provides one password manager license and the IDShield Family Plan provides six.
• You can save your IP PIN there in the section especially designed to secure your notes. Instead of writing your IP PIN on a piece of paper that might get lost or stolen, or saving it in an unsecured document on your computer, the password manager keeps it encrypted and safe.

Important tips for filing your taxes safely

Beyond getting an IP PIN and using good identity protection tools, there are several smart habits you should follow during tax season.

Only use secure websites for filing. When you're entering your tax information online, make sure the website address starts with "https://" and shows a lock icon. This means the site is encrypted and your information is protected as it travels over the internet. IDShield's Trend Micro ID Protect can help by alerting you if you accidentally visit a dangerous or fake website that's trying to steal your information.

Don't fall for common phone and social media scams. The IRS will never call, email, or text you to ask for your IP PIN or Social Security number. If someone contacts you claiming to be from the IRS and demands payment or threatens you, it's a scam. Hang up and don't respond. These criminals are very good at sounding official and scary, but the real IRS doesn't work that way. IDShield helps protect you from these scams by monitoring for suspicious activity and teaching you how to spot fraud attempts.

Keep all your personal information safe. Store your tax documents, W-2 forms, and other sensitive papers in a secure location. Don't leave them sitting on your desk where visitors can see them. When you're done with old tax documents, shred them instead of just throwing them in the trash. The same goes for digital files. Use strong passwords on your computer and phone, and don't share your login information with anyone. IDShield's password manager makes this easy by creating and storing complex passwords that are much more difficult for criminals to guess.

Protect yourself this tax season and beyond

Tax season can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be scary. With the right tools and information, you can file your taxes confidently and keep your identity safe. An IP PIN from the IRS is a great start, but identity theft protection from IDShield gives you protection all year long.

Don't wait until you become a victim of identity theft. Take action now to protect yourself and your family. IDShield's combination of Trend Micro ID Protect monitoring and secure password management gives you powerful tools to defend against identity thieves. Whether you're worried about tax fraud or any other type of identity crime, IDShield can help.

Ready to protect your identity this tax season? Visit https://www.idshield.com/individual-plan today to choose the IDShield plan that's right for you. Your identity is worth protecting – don't wait until it's too late.

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IDShield is a trademark of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. (“LegalShield”). LegalShield provides access to identity theft services through membership-based participation. IDShield is a product of LegalShield. Some of the services provided under the plan by third party providers are subject to change without notice. All Licensed Private Investigators are licensed in the state of Oklahoma. The information made available in this blog is meant to provide general information and is not intended to provide professional legal advice, render an opinion, or provide a recommendation as to a specific matter. The blog post is not a substitute for competent and professional advice. Information contained in the blog may be provided by authors who could be third-party paid contributors. All information by authors is accepted in good faith; however, LegalShield makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of such information. The Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten and administered by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida, an Assurant company. LegalShield is not an insurance carrier. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.

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