Debit, digital, and trust: The trends transforming tax payments in 2026

As tax season returns, one thing is clear: digital tools are now essential for filing, paying, and getting tax refunds. But not everyone is moving at the same pace. The 2026 ACI Speedpay Income Tax Payment Trends report shows that what people want varies widely by generation.

Key report findings:

• Digital is the starting point. Most Americans expect to file and pay taxes online, valuing speed and reliability over paper forms.
• Debit is gaining ground, especially with younger groups. Nearly 68% of Gen Z, 65% of Millennials, and 71% of Gen X would choose debit to skip higher fees.
• Age matters more than tech. How people choose to file, pay, get refunds, or worry about fraud depends mostly on their generation.
• Gen Z is the least certain about the tax process. About 30% haven’t filed, and 20% aren’t sure how they’ll get their refund, showing a real need for better guidance and reassurance.
• Electronic account withdrawal is the norm for many. Millennials (31.9%) and Gen X (31.36%) are leading the way in using this method to pay taxes owed.

These nationwide findings highlight where digital experiences make life easier, where they don’t, and how smarter payments design can help more people feel confident and file their taxes correctly.