02/17/2026
What Tax Pros Want You to Know About: Tax Season
What’s changing this tax season, what you should do now, and why expert guidance matters more than ever.
Tiffany Huntington, EA
Jan 21, 2026
Tax season officially started on January 26, 2026. However, that doesn’t mean it’s time to click submit just yet.
Here are a few things Tax Pros want you to know about this filing season.
Important Tax Law Updates:
This year, there is even more to be aware of, including significant tax law changes (One Big Beautiful Bill Act) that could impact your return.
Some examples include:
Auto Loan Interest - If you recently purchased or refinanced a vehicle, you could be eligible to deduct loan interest paid if you meet the requirements. Your tax pro should ask a series of questions to determine eligibility. You’ll also need to provide your VIN and the amount of interest paid in 2025.
Tips & Overtime - If you received tips and/or overtime pay, you could be eligible for pretty big deductions. Make sure to provide your last pay statement to your tax pro.
Seniors - Individuals 65+ may qualify for a deduction of up to $6,000 each.
Other - Several credits, deductions, and amounts have changed, including Tax Brackets, Standard Deduction, Child Tax Credit, State and Local Tax Deduction, Adoption Credit, and much more.
Business Owners: There are significant changes for businesses as well, including depreciation, research and development, and other provisions.
This is only a small snapshot; many changes and variations depend on your unique situation, and it’s impossible to cover it all here.
What You Should Be Doing Now:
Most tax documents aren’t required to be sent to you until January 31st (February 2nd this year). Some have later deadlines, while others may arrive late due to new reporting complexities.
Filing too early can mean missing income and deductions, having to amend, or even receiving a dreaded IRS notice.
Here’s what you can do now:
Start collecting your tax documents, but don’t file until you receive everything.
Save or locate supporting documents, such as pay stubs and interest statements.
If you own a business, make sure your books are reconciled, and all income and expenses are accounted for.
Make your 4th Quarter Estimated Tax Payment if you haven’t already (it was due January 15th).
If you paid subcontractors or employees, file 1099s and/or W-2s by the deadline.
Make sure you have a bank account for direct deposit (IRS is phasing out paper checks).
Reach out to your tax professional (or find one) early - don’t wait until April.
Be okay with filing an extension if needed. Many pros will actually recommend this. EXTENSIONS ARE NOT AUDIT FLAGS!
What Tax Pros Are Doing Right Now:
A lot is going on behind the scenes this time of year that tax pros are doing to get ready for tax season, including:
Updating tax software to ensure accuracy and carrying over prior-year data
Updating workflows and tools to serve you better
Sending out engagement letters or tax organizers
Completing LOTS of continuing education to stay current as guidance continues to come out
Running tax projections and planning scenarios
Meeting with clients, responding to emails, and answering phone calls
Sitting on hold with the IRS for hours
Researching complex and nuanced situations, especially where IRS guidance remains unclear
And so much more…
Why Tax Pros Are Increasing Fees (and Why It’s Still Worth It):
You may have noticed that tax prep fees increase over time. The reality is that preparing a return is far more complex than ever, and professionals are (or should be) going beyond the preparation. Those increases are driven by:
Constant tax law changes requiring ongoing research, often without clear guidance
Significantly more continuing education
More time per return for preparation, deeper review, documentation, and due diligence requirements, additional follow-ups to avoid errors, and maximize your outcome
Increased technology and security costs to prepare your return, planning scenarios, research, and protect your data
More proactive planning to ensure you’re not caught off guard and to maximize your return outcome and future
Account monitoring and representation support
You’re not paying for data entry - you’re paying for expertise, accuracy, protection, and planning.
A qualified pro helps you avoid costly mistakes, identify deductions you may miss, ensure income is correct, plan proactively, and ultimately save time, stress, and uncertainty. This value is priceless.
Worried about fees? Talk to your tax pro! Many are turning to subscription models to spread out fees over time, making it easier on your wallet while ensuring you still get the support you need.
The Big Takeaway:
Taxes are not (and have never been) one-size-fits-all. Tax laws, interpretations, and scenarios are constantly evolving.
Working with a professional who stays current and proactive can have a real financial impact on your return and future. That is why proactive tax planning, and not just filing, matters more than ever.
Many taxpayers turn to DIY software or retail changes to try to save money, but those options are not always what they seem and can end up costing more because they only know what you tell them, don’t see the whole picture, require add-ons that can add up quickly, and leave you on your own should something go wrong.
DIY tools are built for convenience - only there to fill in blanks. Tax professionals are there for experience, strategy, accuracy, and protection.
Stay Informed:
Want to learn more about what’s happening in the tax industry? Here are some reliable tax publications worth following.
Tom Talks Taxes - technical tax law and relevant practice management insights
Josh & Taxes - where tech meets tax
JWellsTax - workflows and tax
Financial Guardians, LLC - cybersecurity, compliance, and workflows
Matt’s Tax Firm Insights - relatable tax talk for pros and taxpayers
The Buzz About Taxes - simplified international tax and foreign reporting
Eide Bailly Tax News & Views - overviews of what’s happening in tax
Don’t mess with Taxes - tax and financial content
Tax Coda - daily coverage on U.S. tax updates
IRS News - Latest news from the IRS
