IRS Free File opened at 12:01am today for freelancers and small business owners with 2025 adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less.

Everyone else waits until Jan 26.​

If you’re owed a refund, filing today means you get paid 2-3 weeks earlier. The IRS processes returns in order.

First filed, first paid.​

70% of taxpayers qualify. If you had business expenses that dropped your AGI below $89k, you’re in.

You’re a $120k freelancer but wrote off $35k in expenses? Your AGI is $85k.

You qualify.​

Your Move

Go to IRS.gov/FreeFile right now.

Eight providers live: TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, 1040.com. Pick one. File today. Refund hits your account 21 days from now if you use direct deposit. Miss today and file Jan 26 with everyone else?

Your refund lands mid-March instead of early February.​

1099-NEC Threshold Jumped to $2,000 for 2026. You’ll Get Fewer Forms—But Still Owe Tax on Everything.

Starting with payments made in 2026, clients only have to send you a 1099-NEC if they paid you $2,000 or more.

The old threshold was $600.​