The new year is less than a month away which means the 2026 tax filing season is drawing near. The IRS encourages taxpayers to “Get Ready” and start preparing now. Taking a few steps today can save time and help taxpayers ensure they’re filing accurate returns in the coming months.
The annual IRS Get Ready campaign is a series of tips, reminders and new information for taxpayers on what they need to know in preparation for filing season. For example, the One, Big, Beautiful Bill brings several changes or additions that can significantly affect federal taxes, credits and deductions. Tax deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest and seniors are just a few of many recent updates.
Here’s some of the things taxpayers can do now:
Access or login to an existing IRS online account
An IRS online account allows taxpayers to access personal tax information, including recently filed returns, securely. 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
- Authorize a tax professional to access their tax records digitally
- Access available Forms W-2 and certain 1099s
- View and edit communication preferences from the IRS and alternative media such as Braille, large print and more
- Receive and view over 200 IRS digital notices.
- Set up or change payment plans and check their balance
Gather and organize tax records
Having organized tax records helps taxpayers file complete and accurate tax returns and avoid errors that could delay refunds. This may also help the taxpayer identify deductions or credits that may have been overlooked.
Most income is taxable, including unemployment compensation, refund interest and income from the gig economy and digital assets. Taxpayers should watch for and gather essential forms, such as Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement and other income documents, when they become available in 2026.
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