How to Prepare for the 2026 Tax Season: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide | The Taxman 59
The new tax season is right around the corner, and at The Taxman 59, we officially begin preparing returns on January 12. Because early preparation can save you time, stress, and money, this guide will walk you through everything you need to get ready.
1. Gather All Your Income Documents
Before your appointment, make sure you have every form that reports income. This step is essential because missing documents can delay your return. Collect the following:
- W‑2 forms from employers
- 1099‑NEC or 1099‑K for contractors, freelancers, or gig workers
- 1099‑INT or 1099‑DIV for interest and dividends
- 1099‑R for retirement distributions
- Social Security SSA‑1099
- Any additional income documentation (rental income, tips, cash earnings, etc.)
Tip: Always wait until you have all your forms before filing. Otherwise, the IRS may hold your return for review.
2. Collect Your Deduction and Credit Records
Deductions and credits can significantly reduce your tax bill. Therefore, it’s important to bring documentation for:
- Mortgage interest (Form 1098)
- Property taxes
- Medical expenses
- Education expenses (Form 1098‑T)
- Childcare expenses (with provider info)
- Charitable donations
- Business expenses (if self‑employed)
If you’re unsure whether something qualifies, bring it anyway. We will review everything carefully.
3. Organize Your Business or Self‑Employment Records
If you run a business or work independently, organization becomes even more important. To ensure accuracy, prepare:
- Income and expense summaries
- Bank statements
- Mileage logs
- Receipts for supplies, equipment, and software
- Home office expenses (if applicable)
Because well‑organized records lead to better results, this step can directly impact your refund or tax liability.
4. Bring Identification and Personal Information
To file your return smoothly, you’ll need to bring:
- Valid photo ID
- Social Security cards for all dependents
- Proof of address
- Bank account and routing number for direct deposit
Even if you’re a returning client, double‑checking these items helps avoid delays.
5. Review Any Major Life Changes
Life events often affect your taxes. For that reason, let us know if you:
- Got married or divorced
- Had a child
- Bought or sold a home
- Started a business
- Moved to a new state
- Received an inheritance
These changes may qualify you for new deductions or credits, so mentioning them is crucial.
6. Schedule Your Appointment Early
Since tax season gets busy quickly, booking early ensures:
- Faster turnaround
- More availability
- Personalized attention
- Less stress as deadlines approach
Because we begin on January 12, now is the perfect time to secure your spot.
7. Let The Taxman 59 Handle the Rest
Once you bring your documents, we take care of everything else. This includes:
- Preparing your return
- Checking for every possible deduction
- Ensuring accuracy
- Filing electronically
- Providing guidance for next year
Ultimately, our goal is simple: make tax season easy, fast, and stress‑free.
