Keep These Handy Tips in Mind for Tax Season 2026

The 2026 filing season, when you file your 2025 return, brings the first changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including a higher standard deduction and a larger child tax credit. A little preparation now makes filing faster and helps you claim everything you’re owed.

By Richard James, Enrolled Agent | James Family Tax

As we enter the 2026 filing season for your 2025 return, proper preparation can transform what many consider a stressful annual obligation into a manageable and potentially rewarding process. Whether you’re a first-time filer or have years of experience, staying informed about the latest tax changes and maintaining good organizational habits will serve you well. With significant legislative updates and evolving tax requirements, being prepared is more important than ever.

Taxes.

While the word may still cause some anxiety, tax season doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If organization and timely completion were among your New Year’s resolutions, tax season provides an excellent opportunity to put those goals into practice. With proper preparation, the right knowledge, and professional guidance when needed, filing your taxes can be a straightforward experience. Here are our recommended strategies for navigating the 2026 filing season successfully:

Be Prepared for Upcoming Tax Changes

The most impactful development for 2025 taxpayers is the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which became law on July 4th, 2025. This comprehensive legislation introduces several family-friendly provisions that could substantially benefit your tax situation:

Enhanced Child Tax Credit: Families will benefit from a permanent increase in the child tax credit to $2,200 per qualifying child under 17, representing a $200 increase from previous years. This enhancement provides meaningful financial relief for families raising children.

Expanded Standard Deduction: The standard deduction has been permanently increased to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, allowing more income to remain tax-free.

State and Local Tax (SALT) Relief: The SALT deduction cap has been raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for a five-year period, providing significant benefits for taxpayers in higher-tax jurisdictions.

Tax Relief for Workers: The legislation creates new deductions for qualified tips (up to $25,000) and overtime pay (up to $12,500, or $25,000 for joint filers) for 2025 through 2028, subject to income limits.

Estate Planning Benefits: The estate tax exemption has been permanently set at $15 million per individual, with annual inflation adjustments.

These changes collectively represent substantial tax relief, with typical families potentially seeing $4,000 to $10,900 in additional annual savings.

Organize Your Tax Documents Systematically

When you receive any document labeled “important tax document,” treat it with the attention it deserves. While most taxpayers are familiar with W-2s and 1099s, other crucial forms often get overlooked, including 1098-E forms for student loan interest, mortgage interest statements, and 1098-T education forms. Your tax professional can identify valuable deductions and credits from these documents that you might otherwise miss.

Additionally, be aware of newer reporting requirements, such as 1099-K forms for payment app transactions used for business purposes, and cryptocurrency transaction reports. The IRS has expanded its reporting requirements, making previously overlooked documents increasingly important for accurate tax filing.

Maximize Your Deductions and Credits

Professional tax preparers excel at identifying every available deduction and credit for your situation. Deductions reduce your taxable income, while credits provide dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax liability.

Homeownership continues to offer significant tax advantages, particularly with the enhanced SALT deduction limits now available. Other valuable deductions include business expenses for self-employed individuals, qualifying medical expenses, and state sales tax in certain situations.

Available credits include the enhanced Child Tax Credit, Dependent Care Credit for childcare expenses, Earned Income Credit, American Opportunity Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, and numerous others. A qualified tax professional can determine your eligibility for these valuable tax benefits.

Strategic Business Expense Management

Business owners and those with rental properties should maintain detailed records of all business-related expenses. These expenses directly reduce your taxable income, providing immediate tax benefits.

Common business expenses include insurance premiums for business and rental properties, professional liability coverage, advertising costs, office supplies, licensing fees, and management expenses. For service-based professionals and therapists, don’t overlook continuing education costs, professional development, liability insurance, and home office expenses when applicable.

Working with a tax professional can help you optimize your expense deductions and explore advanced strategies such as S-Corporation election, which can provide substantial self-employment tax savings for profitable businesses.

Important Filing Deadlines

April 15th remains the standard deadline for individual tax returns and any tax payments due. If you need additional time to prepare your return, you can file for an automatic extension, which provides until October 15th, 2025, to submit your completed return.

Early preparation allows adequate time to gather necessary documents, consult with tax professionals, and implement any last-minute tax strategies. Starting the process early also helps ensure the most favorable tax outcome for your situation.

Professional Tax Guidance

At James Family Tax, we specialize in helping individuals, families, and service-based businesses navigate the complexities of tax preparation and planning. With over 11 years of experience, we’re committed to maximizing your tax benefits while ensuring full compliance with current tax laws.

Our team stays current with all tax law changes, including the recent provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to ensure you receive every benefit available under the law.

Ready to optimize your 2025 tax situation? Contact us at 210-864-1788 or visit www.jamesfamilytax.com to schedule your consultation. We’re here to make your tax season efficient, stress-free, and financially beneficial.

Location: 404 East Ramsey Rd Ste 114, San Antonio TX, 78216

Location: 1996 Schertz Parkway Ste 204, Schertz TX, 78154

The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available for general informational purposes only. Information may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. For more information consult with your attorney or tax advisor. No reader, user, or browser should act or refrain from acting on the basis of this information without first seeking legal advice or counsel in the relevant jurisdiction.

Two Quick Steps Before You File

• Check your IRS online account. At IRS.gov you can see your balance, payments, and the tax records you’ll need, such as last year’s adjusted gross income.
• Set up direct deposit. Direct deposit is the fastest and safest way to receive a refund. Have your bank’s routing and account numbers ready when you file.

How James Family Tax Can Help

Want a professional to handle your return? Our Tax Family is here year-round at our San Antonio and Schertz offices.

Book an appointment at our San Antonio or Schertz office, or call (210) 864-1788.

Related reading: How to Choose a Tax Professional & Why You Need One