The IRS has launched its annual “Get Ready” campaign for the 2026 filing season, encouraging taxpayers to begin preparing now for filing their 2025 tax returns early next year. This year’s preparation is especially important as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill brings significant changes to federal taxes, credits, and deductions that will affect millions of Americans.
The campaign emphasizes early preparation to help taxpayers file accurate returns and avoid delays in processing refunds. According to the IRS, taking a few steps now can save considerable time when filing season officially opens in 2026.
“Taking a few steps today can save time and help taxpayers ensure they’re filing accurate returns in the coming months,” the IRS stated in Tax Tip 2025-70. The agency is particularly focused on helping taxpayers understand how new tax provisions will affect their returns.
Major Tax Changes Coming in 2026
The One, Big, Beautiful Bill introduces several notable changes for taxpayers. Key provisions include no federal tax on tips, no federal tax on overtime pay, a deduction for car loan interest, and a new age-based deduction for seniors. These changes will significantly impact how many Americans calculate their taxes.
The IRS and Treasury Department are working to implement these provisions, which also include an enhanced standard deduction and modifications to the state and local tax deduction cap. These changes may alter itemization strategies, particularly for high earners who traditionally itemize deductions.
For business owners and high-earning professionals, these changes present new opportunities to optimize tax strategies. The modifications to deduction structures may affect decisions around retirement contributions and other tax-advantaged account strategies.
Setting Up Your IRS Online Account
The IRS strongly recommends creating or accessing an existing online account before filing season begins. This digital tool provides secure access to personal tax information and can streamline the filing process significantly.
Through an IRS online account, taxpayers can view tax records including adjusted gross income and transcripts, make and schedule payments, and access their Identity Protection PIN. The system also allows users to authorize tax professionals to access records digitally and view available Forms W-2 and certain 1099 forms.
The online platform enables taxpayers to receive over 200 types of IRS digital notices, set up or modify payment plans, and customize communication preferences. For those who need alternative formats, the system supports Braille, large print, and other accessibility options.
Gathering Essential Tax Documents
Organized record-keeping remains crucial for accurate tax filing. The IRS emphasizes that most income is taxable, including unemployment compensation, refund interest, and income from gig economy work and digital asset transactions.
Taxpayers should prepare to gather Forms W-2, various 1099 forms, and other income documents as they become available in early 2026. The agency warns against filing before receiving all necessary documents, as this can lead to amended returns and refund delays.
For those involved in digital asset transactions or gig work, maintaining complete records throughout the year is essential. This income is taxable regardless of whether a 1099 form is received.
Impact on Business Owners and High Earners
The new tax provisions create planning opportunities for business owners and high-income professionals. The changes to overtime taxation and tip income affect various industries, while the car loan interest deduction may benefit those with vehicle-related business expenses.
Rising retirement plan contribution limits and modified income thresholds for certain credits reinforce the importance of integrating year-end retirement contributions with tax planning strategies. These changes may affect decisions around Solo 401k contributions and other tax-advantaged retirement vehicles.
The enhanced standard deduction and SALT cap modifications may shift the calculus for itemizing versus taking the standard deduction. High earners should evaluate how these changes interact with existing tax strategies.
Direct Deposit and Refund Processing
The IRS continues to promote direct deposit as the fastest method for receiving tax refunds. The agency is significantly reducing paper refund checks, making it increasingly important for taxpayers to have banking information ready when filing.
Taxpayers can direct their refunds to multiple accounts, allowing for strategic allocation of refund amounts. This feature can be particularly useful for those wanting to automatically fund retirement accounts or savings accounts with their refund.
Setting up direct deposit through the IRS online account before filing season can help ensure faster refund processing and reduce the risk of delays associated with mailed checks.
The IRS Get Ready campaign materials remind taxpayers that tax guidance may be updated as regulations are finalized. Taxpayers should verify current information through the official IRS website before making filing decisions.
Source: What taxpayers can do to Get Ready for the 2026 tax filing season | IRS.gov