IR-2026-128, Oct. 23, 2026

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps now to make filing easier and avoid tax-time surprises next year.

Year-round tax planning can help taxpayers stay organized, understand how changes in their lives or income may affect their taxes, and prepare for filing season. Publication 5349-A, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone PDF, offers practical tips and IRS resources to help taxpayers throughout the year.

"Taxpayers should plan ahead to ensure their tax filing season goes as smoothly as possible," said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "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."

Check withholding and estimated tax payments

Federal income taxes are generally paid throughout the year as income is earned. Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check whether they are having the right amount of federal income withheld from their pay.

Taxpayers should consider reviewing 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.

Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including small business owners, self-employed taxpayers, and gig economy workers, may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

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.

Take advantage of IRS online tools

Taxpayers can securely access their tax information and complete many routine tasks through IRS Individual Online Account. Depending on their account, taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to:

• View balance information
• Make and view payments
• Review payment plans
• View certain IRS notices and letters
• Access certain tax records
• 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 for a smoother filing season

Good recordkeeping is one of the easiest ways to get ready for filing season. Taxpayers should develop a simple system, electronic or paper, to keep important tax records together as they receive them.

Records may 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.

Stay alert to scams

The IRS and its Security Summit partners remind taxpayers to protect their personal and financial information. Scammers may use email, text messages, phone calls, or social media to try to steal information or money.

Taxpayers should not click on links or open attachments in unexpected messages claiming to be from the IRS. Suspicious emails and texts can be reported to [email protected]. Taxpayers can also use IRS.gov/SubmitATip to report certain tax-related misconduct.