Tax season is officially underway, and the deadline to file your return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is April 15, 2026. If you want to avoid last-minute stress, now is the time to get organized and understand what has changed this year.
Filing your taxes does not have to be overwhelming. With proper preparation and awareness of new rules, the process can be smooth, accurate, and financially beneficial.
Start Early — But File Carefully
Tax professionals recommend gathering all necessary documents before starting your return. Being organized helps reduce errors and speeds up processing.
Essential Documents Checklist
Most taxpayers will need:
- Social Security number
- W-2 forms (if employed)
- 1099 forms (self-employed, freelance, contract work)
- 1099-G (if you received unemployment benefits)
- Savings and investment records
- Documentation for deductions (education, medical expenses, charitable donations, mortgage interest, etc.)
- Records for tax credits (Child Tax Credit, retirement savings contributions credit, etc.)
Keeping a copy of last year’s tax return nearby can also be helpful.
Important Tax Law Changes for 2026
Recent legislation introduced several updates that may impact your return.
Increased Standard Deduction
For 2026:
- Single filers: $15,750
- Married filing jointly: $31,500
- Head of household: $23,625
A higher standard deduction may lower your taxable income without requiring itemized deductions.
Higher SALT Deduction Cap
The State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap increased from $10,000 to $40,000 under new legislation.
This is particularly beneficial for taxpayers in higher-tax states. If you previously did not itemize, it may be worth reconsidering this year.
Consider whether you:
- Paid state income taxes
- Paid property taxes
- Have mortgage interest
- Made charitable contributions
If so, itemizing may provide greater tax savings than the standard deduction.
Deduction for Qualified Tips
There is now a capped deduction for qualified tips, subject to income limitations and industry eligibility.
- Maximum annual deduction: $2,500
- Phases out above $150,000 (single) or $300,000 (joint)
- Applies to industries where tipping is customary
- Requires filing Schedule 1-A
This is not a full exemption but a limited deduction for eligible taxpayers.
Additional Schedule 1-A Deductions
Schedule 1-A also includes:
- Adjusted SALT deductions
- Qualified tip deductions
- Car loan interest deduction
- Senior deduction for individuals 65 or older
Review eligibility criteria carefully before claiming these deductions.
Child Tax Credit Overview
The current Child Tax Credit provides:
- $2,200 per qualifying child
- Up to $1,700 refundable (Additional Child Tax Credit)
Income limits:
- $200,000 for single filers
- $400,000 for married filing jointly
To claim the refundable portion, you must have at least $2,500 in earned income.
Filing Options and Free Resources
Although IRS Direct File is not available this year, there are still free and low-cost options:
- IRS Free File (for incomes $89,000 or less)
- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
- Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE)
- Licensed CPAs and professional tax preparers
These services can help ensure accuracy and compliance.
Avoid Common Tax Filing Mistakes
Double-check your legal name and Social Security number, especially if you changed your name recently. Ensure you report all income, including second jobs or freelance work. If you opted for paperless statements, log in to online accounts to retrieve tax documents. Keep copies of your tax returns and supporting documents for five to seven years in case of an audit.<
Protect Yourself from Tax Scams
Tax season is a common time for fraud attempts. The IRS does not initiate contact via phone, text, email, or social media. Be cautious of preparers promising unusually large refunds, and always review your completed return before filing.
At The Rascon CPA Firm, we proudly serve as a trusted tax advisor in The Woodlands, helping individuals and businesses navigate tax season with clarity and confidence. Our team stays ahead of changing federal and state tax laws to ensure our clients maximize deductions while remaining fully compliant. Whether you need assistance with personal tax returns, small business filings, or proactive year-round tax planning, we provide strategic guidance tailored to your financial goals.
If you are ready for stress-free filing and expert support, contact us today and schedule a consultation with our experienced tax advisors in The Woodlands.
