The IRS 2026 filing season is entering one of its busiest stretches as the Internal Revenue Service warns taxpayers to expect a sharp increase in call center traffic ahead of Presidents Day on Feb. 16. The agency says the holiday week has historically brought a surge in phone inquiries, often leading to extended wait times for those seeking assistance.
With millions of Americans preparing and submitting returns, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to rely on its online self-service tools to avoid delays and get faster answers to common tax questions.
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Presidents Day Week Brings High Call Volumes
According to the IRS, Presidents Day week consistently ranks among the most active periods of the filing season. Calls to IRS phone lines often spike during this time as taxpayers check refund statuses, resolve account issues, and seek clarification on filing requirements.
“With the 2026 filing season underway and increased call center demand around the Presidents Day holiday on Feb. 16, the Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to visit Let Us Help You on IRS.gov and use online tools to get fast, convenient help without waiting on hold,” the agency said in a statement.
The IRS noted that many common tax questions and routine tasks can be handled online before, during, and after filing.
Online Tools Available 24/7
To reduce wait times and improve access to information, the IRS directs taxpayers to the “Let Us Help You” page on IRS.gov. The online platform provides guidance on:
- Refunds
- Amended returns
- Payments
- IRS notices
- Identity verification
Through an IRS Individual Online Account, taxpayers can securely view adjusted gross income (AGI), access tax transcripts, enroll in or retrieve an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN), and manage payments including scheduling or canceling them.
The agency also highlighted its Interactive Tax Assistant, which helps users determine filing status, taxable income, and eligibility for tax credits.
For those awaiting refunds, the “Where’s My Refund?” tool provides updates within 24 hours after the IRS accepts an electronically filed return for the current tax year.
Electronic Filing Remains the Fastest Option
The IRS continues to emphasize that filing electronically and choosing direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive a refund. Electronic payments are significantly less likely to be lost, stolen, altered, or delayed compared to paper checks.
Most taxpayers are expected to file electronically this year, continuing a long-standing trend toward digital submissions.
164 Million Returns Expected This Year
When announcing the start of the tax season on Jan. 26, the IRS projected it would receive approximately 164 million individual income tax returns during the 2026 filing season. That figure would mark an increase from last year.
In comparison, the agency previously estimated it would receive more than 140 million individual tax year 2024 returns by the April 15 deadline.
As filing activity accelerates in the coming weeks, taxpayers are being urged to plan ahead, use online resources, and file early to minimize stress during one of the busiest times of the year.