February, 2026: Tax Preparation Tips

Tax season may not be anyone’s favorite time of year, but a little preparation goes a long way toward reducing stress and helping you keep more of what you've earned. As you gather documents and get ready to file, here are a few simple steps to make the process smoother and more organized this year.

1. Get Your Documents Organized Early

Start a dedicated folder—digital or physical—to collect everything you’ll need. Common items include:

• W‑2s and 1099s

• 1098 mortgage interest statements

• Realized gains/losses reports

• Retirement contribution records

• Charitable giving receipts

• Health insurance or HSA forms

The earlier these are gathered, the easier filing becomes.

2. Maximize Your Retirement Contributions

You still have time to make 2025 IRA or Roth IRA contributions up until the tax filing deadline. If you're eligible, these contributions can reduce your taxable income or help you maximize tax‑free growth. If you’re self‑employed, double‑check deadlines for SEP IRAs and Solo 401(k)s.

3. Look for Deductions and Credits You May Have Missed

Tax breaks often get overlooked. Make sure to review:

• HSA contributions

• Child Tax Credit or Dependent Care Credit

• Education credits (American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning)

• Energy‑efficient home improvement credits

A few minutes of review can lead to meaningful savings.

4. Review Your Withholding and Estimated Payments

If you received a refund that was larger than expected—or ended up owing more than you’d like—it's a good time to adjust your withholding for the year ahead. Small tweaks can help create a more predictable tax outcome.

5. Keep Records of Major Life Changes

Events like marriage, divorce, a new child, selling property, or launching a business can all affect your tax situation. Make sure your records reflect these changes and update your tax professional if anything new happened in 2025.

6. Don’t Rush Your Return

Filing early is smart—but filing accurately is smarter. Wait for all your tax forms before submitting your return (amended returns can be time‑consuming). If something seems missing, request a corrected form from the issuer.

7. Ask for Help When You Need It

Taxes can be complex, especially with multiple income sources, investments, or retirement accounts. You don’t have to navigate it alone—reach out if you’d like help reviewing your financial picture before filing..