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If you want a smoother tax season with fewer surprises, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the paperwork and changes coming your way.
I want to walk you through a few simple steps you can take right now so you feel confident and prepared long before tax season arrives. The IRS released an early reminder encouraging taxpayers to start getting organized, especially since the One Big, Beautiful Bill is bringing several major changes to federal taxes, credits, and deductions.
These include new deductions like no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, no tax on car loan interest, and a temporary deduction for seniors and others. More details will come as the IRS and Treasury roll out additional guidance, but taking a few minutes to prepare now will save you time and stress later.
Start by gathering and organizing your tax records. When your documents are in one place, filing becomes faster and far more accurate. Look for your bank account information, Forms W-2 from your employer, any Forms 1099 from banks or other payers, and any records of digital asset transactions.
You will want to wait until you have every document in hand so nothing gets missed and your refund is not delayed. Keeping your documents organized also helps you find the information you need to claim any deductions or credits you are entitled to.
Next, consider setting up or checking your IRS online account. This secure tool gives you access to your personal tax information anytime you need it. You can view your tax records, including transcripts and adjusted gross income, make or schedule payments, get your Identity Protection PIN, authorize a tax professional to access your tax information and even view available Forms W-2 and certain 1099s. It is a simple way to stay on top of your tax information before filing season begins.
If you want your refund as quickly as possible, direct deposit is the way to go. The IRS has been phasing out paper checks since September 30, 2025, so most taxpayers will need to provide routing and account numbers for direct deposit. If you do not currently have a bank account, the FDIC and National Credit Union Locator Tool can help you find one.
Veterans can look into the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for options at participating banks. If you use a prepaid debit card, digital wallet, or mobile app, many of those can work with direct deposit, too, as long as you have the correct routing and account numbers. Make sure to check with your provider so you know which numbers to use.
Taking these steps now can make your tax season feel lighter and far more manageable. A little preparation today can save you hours of frustration later, and you will head into filing season with clarity rather than stress.
