By Leada Gore
al.com
(TNS)
The Internal Revenue Service is urging people to act now to make tax filing season easier and avoid April surprises.
“A few simple steps now, such as checking withholding, organizing records, using IRS online tools, and protecting personal information, will help taxpayers prepare for the 2027 filing season and know they are ready to fulfill their tax obligations,” IRS CEO Frank Bisignano said in a statement.
Here are five things the IRS urges taxpayers to do before the end of 2026:
Check withholdings
Federal income taxes are generally paid throughout the year as income is earned. Withhold more than required and you could receive a refund; withhold less and you could owe at tax time.
Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check whether they are having the right amount of federal income tax withheld from their pay. It’s especially important to review withholding after a major life or income change, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child or a job change. Taxpayers who need to adjust withholding should submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, to their employer.
Estimated quarterly taxes
Small business owners, self-employed taxpayers and gig economy workers may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments and should also use the Tax Withholding Estimator to get more accurate information.
“Life events may also affect filing status, eligibility for tax credits and deductions, and the amount of tax owed or refunded. Reviewing these changes before filing season can help taxpayers understand how they may affect their federal income tax return,” the IRS said.
Use online tools now
The IRS recommends taxpayers set up IRS Individual Online Account to access information. The site can be used to:
- View balance information;
- Make and view payments;
- Review payment plans;
- View certain IRS notices and letters;
- Access certain tax records; and
- Request an Identity Protection PIN.
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/Tools for resources to check refund status, find tax records and transcripts, explore free tax preparation options, and get information about tax credits, deductions, and filing status.
Get organized now
Accurate record keeping is the key to a smoother filing season, the IRS said. The tax agency recommends developing a system—either electronic or paper—to keep important records together. Examples of important records include:
- Forms W-2 from employers.
- Forms 1099 from banks and other payers.
- Records of digital asset transactions.
- A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
- Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or payments.
- IRS notices, letters, and other correspondence.
- Records that support credits, deductions, or other tax benefits claimed.
Organized records can make return preparation easier and may help taxpayers identify overlooked credits or deductions.
Be alert to scams
The approach of tax season means scam artists will be working overtime. Scammers use email, text messages, phone calls or social media to try and steal information or money. Never click on links or open attachments in an unexpected message claiming to be from the IRS.
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©2026 Advance Local Media LLC. Visit al.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC.
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