Malaika The Tax Neighbor

Malaika The Tax Neighbor Your local Tax Neighbor � helping the community file smarter, save more, and stress less. ��

01/08/2026

🚨 Tax Season Update 🚨

The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed the official start of tax return processing for the 2026 filing season, with returns beginning to move through the system on January 26, 2026.

Please keep in mind that the PATH Act is still in effect. Returns that include credits such as the Earned Income Credit (EITC) or the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) are required by law to be held and will not be released until after February 15, even if they are accepted earlier.

✨ Filing early can still be helpful if you’re interested in refund-advance options.
✨ Filing early also places your return in line, so once processing opens, it’s ready to be submitted without delay.

👉 Next step:
Once you have all required documents in hand, complete your tax intake so your return can be reviewed and prepared promptly.

As always, my goal is to keep you informed and help your filing go as smoothly as possible 🤍

12/30/2025

🚨 Tax Season Is Coming — Avoid These Common Mistakes
———————————————————————————

❌ Mistake #1: Filing with a Final Paystub

Your last paystub is not a substitute for a W-2.
Filing this way can lead to mismatched income records and refund holds.
✔️ Always wait for your official W-2.

❌ Mistake #2: Claiming Dependents Without Proper Proof

Claiming a dependent requires more than just providing care.
For 2025, proof may include school records, medical records, daycare statements, or housing documents showing residency.
✔️ If you can’t verify it, it shouldn’t be claimed.

❌ Mistake #3: Leaving Off Cash App, Venmo, or Zelle Income

If money was received for work, services, or business it’s taxable income.
✔️ Third-party payment reporting rules still apply for 2025, and the IRS receives this information.

❌ Mistake #4: Filing Without Your 1095-A (Marketplace Insurance)

This is one of the most common causes of refund delays.
If you had health insurance through the Marketplace, your return cannot be completed without Form 1095-A.

❌ Mistake #5: Filing Before All Forms Are In

Late W-2s, 1099s, or unemployment forms still count as income.
Filing too early often leads to amended returns which take much longer to process.
✔️ It’s better to file once, correctly.

12/19/2025

🚨 Tax Season Update

You may notice tax preparers requesting additional information and verification this year. This is intentional and required.

The IRS has increased enforcement on returns that include:
• Dependents
• Head of Household
• Child Tax Credit
• Earned Income Credit
• Self-employment income

Tax professionals must confirm details, ask clarifying questions, and conduct a client interview. An intake form alone is not sufficient.

🚩 A return prepared without an interview after intake is a red flag.

These steps are in place to:
• Reduce audit risk
• Prevent refund delays or holds
• Ensure returns are accurate and compliant

As Your Tax Neighbor, I take the time to get it right, because protecting my clients always comes first.

12/16/2025

While the holidays may be all about the kids, tax season is quietly approaching too and Taxmas is almost here! 🎄✨

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 If you’re planning to claim family-related tax credits, having the right paperwork ready can make filing smoother and faster. These credits may include the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and Child & Dependent Care Credit.

To prepare, gather:
✔️ Identification information for each eligible child
✔️ Proof of income for the household
✔️ Childcare expense records and provider details
✔️ Documents showing where the child lived during the year
✔️ Birth records, if available
✔️ Any IRS correspondence related to past credits
✔️ Custody documentation when applicable

✨ Want to be ahead of the rush this tax season?
Join my VIP Tax Neighbor List to receive early appointment access, helpful reminders, and tax tips before filing season officially begins.

👉 Visit the link to join the VIP list today. https://www.cognitoforms.com/MalaikaWellsOptimalTaxSolutions/MalaikasVIPList

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