Don’t​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Panic Last Minute: Start Your Smart Planning for the 2026 Tax Season NOW

We get what’s on your mind, it’s just 2025, and here we are talking about the 2026 tax return? In fact, it may seem implausible, but the solution to a tax meltdown next year is just to do a few simple things right now. Thus, you don’t have to make an April mess; you can file your taxes smoothly and confidently.

And the best thing about it is that you do not have to do it alone. The IRS itself tries to persuade taxpayers to take a step forward in advance. On the very first glance at the IRS Get Ready webpage, you can see a lot of info and hints concerning what to do and what to expect long before you come to pressing the “file” button.

How Starting Early Can Change the Game

Preparation in advance can actually transform a short way into a long one. The time taken to sort your paperwork, get familiar with the changes, and spend half an hour can bring rewards, freeing the coming hours from frustration and doubt. The idea is to submit a return that is not only fast but also accurate; thus, if any refund is due, it will be received without interruption. Access your cloud tax software from anywhere, anytime.

The pivotal reason to focus on this year is that the effect of newly introduced legal provisions on your income may be huge enough to warrant the dramatic single comprehensive bill, the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” as it is called, which in turn, could lead to massive changes in income tax, tax credits, and deductions at the federal level.

Three of the main things that could happen as a result of this legislative package are:

• There would be no tax on tips.
• There would be no tax on overtime pay.
• There would be no tax on car loan interest.

Introduction of a temporary senior deduction

The IRS and the Treasury are gearing up to make it happen, and they’re promising to keep their word by informing and directing everyone as soon as the details become clear. Thus, keeping abreast of the situation is your ticket to tax savvy.

3-Step “Get Ready” Action Plan

Wouldn’t it be great to learn how to prepare your tax return in the best possible way? Accomplishing three substantial tasks today can make it accurate.

1. Gather and Organize Your Tax Records (The Easy Way)

This can be considered the preparatory stage. The thing that will contribute most to a thorough and correct return is gathering all the necessary documents in one place. You can create an easy-to-use folder either online or offline and start collecting:

• Bank account and routing numbers for direct depositing of the refund.
• W-2 forms from your employer(s).
• Multiple 1099 forms from the banks, the people you did freelance work for, and whoever else gave you money.

Nevertheless, the most important thing is to keep records of any digital asset (cryptocurrency) transactions.

One expert’s advice: Don’t rush to file until you have obtained all the necessary tax documents. Performing under pressure with incomplete information is the main factor in errors that slow down your refund. By keeping everything organized now, it is also very easy to locate the receipts and records needed to claim deductions.

2. Master Your Finances with an IRS Online Account

You are missing a great opportunity if you have not yet looked into what an Online Account with the IRS online account can offer you. It is controlled at your fingertips. The user’s personal tax information is always available through a secure portal account. Now, here are the things you can take advantage of: Access to Essential Tax Records: Get to your recent tax returns, adjusted gross income (AGI), and official tax transcripts with ease.

Payment Management: The user can make, schedule, and view all required payments.

Enhance Your Security: Request or check your Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to help prevent tax-related identity theft.

Through this tool, taxpayers can:

• View tax records, including adjusted gross income and transcripts.
• Make, schedule, and view payments.
• Get or view their Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).
• Authorize a tax professional to access their tax records digitally.
• Access available Forms W-2 and certain 1099s.

3. Be Up-to-Date on the Changes

Changes are coming for tax laws, and those “in the know” can consider it as one of the ways to keep their money safe. The IRS is the source that you can rely on entirely when in need of correct and up-to-date information. ‌ ‍ ​‍​‌‍​

Speed tax refunds with direct deposit

Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund. Additionally, in accordance with Executive Order 14247, the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks on Sept. 30, 2025, which means most taxpayers must provide routing and account numbers to get their refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts.

Taxpayers without a bank account can learn how to open one at an FDIC-insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans, see the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for financial services options at participating banks.