2026 Tax Season Preparation: 7 Things You Should Do Before Filing in 2027

Get Organized, Avoid Common Filing Mistakes, and Prepare for Tax Season!

Tax season will be here before you know it! Whether you're an employee, self-employed, a small business owner, or filing taxes for your family, preparing early can help make the filing process easier.

At Just A Second Tax Service LLC, we believe successful tax preparation begins with good organization.

Here are seven important steps to take before filing your 2026 federal income tax return in 2027.

1. Gather Your W-2s, 1099s, and Other Income Documents

Before preparing your tax return, collect all documents showing income received during 2026.

Common documents include:

• Form W-2 for wages and salaries

• Form 1099-NEC for nonemployee compensation

• Form 1099-K for certain payment transactions

• Form 1099-INT for interest income

• Form 1099-DIV for dividend income

• Form 1099-R for retirement distributions

• Form SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits

• Unemployment compensation statements

• Other income records, even if no tax form was issued

Most employers and financial institutions provide annual tax documents in January or February.

Helpful Tip: Don't file before receiving and reviewing all expected income documents. Missing income can result in processing delays or the need to amend your return.

2. Verify Your Personal Information and Dependent Information

Incorrect personal information can cause your tax return to be rejected or delayed.

Before filing, confirm that the following information is accurate:

• Your full legal name and Social Security number

• Your spouse's information, if applicable

• Your current mailing address

• Your filing status

• Each dependent's legal name and taxpayer identification number

• Dependent eligibility and applicable residency information

• Your banking information for direct deposit

Helpful Tip: Make sure names and Social Security numbers match Social Security Administration records.

3. Organize Self-Employment Income and Business Expenses

If you operated a business, worked as an independent contractor, freelanced, or earned gig income during 2026, organizing your records is especially important.

Gather information such as:

• Business income and sales records

• Payment processor statements

• Business bank statements

• Advertising and marketing expenses

• Office supplies and equipment purchases

• Business insurance and software subscriptions

• Business mileage logs

• Rent and utility expenses, when applicable

• Contractor payments and payroll records

Not every business expense is deductible. Expenses generally must meet applicable IRS requirements.

Helpful Tip: Keep personal and business expenses separate whenever possible. Organized records make tax preparation easier and help support deductions claimed on your return.

4. Review Potential Tax Credits and Deductions

Tax credits and deductions may help reduce the amount of federal income tax you owe.

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for benefits such as:

• Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

• Child Tax Credit

• Credit for Other Dependents

• Child and Dependent Care Credit

• Education tax credits

• Eligible retirement savings contribution benefits

• Qualified business deductions

• Certain itemized deductions

Eligibility depends on your income, filing status, household circumstances, and applicable tax law.

Helpful Tip: Tax laws and eligibility requirements can change. Review the rules applicable to the 2026 tax year rather than relying on information from previous years.

5. Check Your IRS Online Account

Your IRS Online Account can provide useful information before you file.

Depending on the records available, you may be able to:

• Review federal tax balances

• View payment history

• Access available tax records and transcripts

• Check estimated tax payments

• Review certain IRS notices

• Manage eligible payment arrangements

Visit the official IRS website:

https://www.irs.gov/payments/online-account-for-individuals

Helpful Tip: Access your account directly through IRS.gov. Avoid unfamiliar websites or messages claiming to provide special IRS account access.

6. Understand Refund Processing and Direct Deposit Options

If you're expecting a refund, it's important to understand how the refund process works.

The IRS generally issues most refunds within 21 days for electronically filed returns, but some returns require additional review.

Refund timing may be affected by:

• Errors or incomplete information

• Identity verification requirements

• Certain refundable tax credits

• IRS processing reviews

• Incorrect banking information

• Outstanding debts subject to refund offsets

Direct deposit is generally the fastest way to receive an IRS-issued refund.

Helpful Tip: Verify your routing and account numbers before submitting your return. A refund amount or deposit date cannot be guaranteed.

You can track your federal refund using the official IRS tool:

https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund

7. Choose a Professional Tax Preparer and Prepare to File

Choosing a qualified tax preparer can help you understand your filing responsibilities and identify tax benefits for which you may qualify.

Before working with a tax preparer:

• Ask about preparation fees and payment policies.

• Confirm the preparer has a valid IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), when required.

• Review your completed return before signing.

• Make sure your income, deductions, credits, and banking details are correct.

• Request a copy of your completed tax return.

• Never sign a blank or incomplete tax return.

At Just A Second Tax Service LLC, we provide professional tax preparation services for individuals, self-employed taxpayers, and businesses.

Our services include federal and state tax preparation, prior-year returns, amended returns, and secure electronic filing.

Get Ready for the 2027 Filing Season!

Preparing early can help you avoid unnecessary stress, identify missing documents, and approach tax season with confidence.

Don't wait until the filing deadline to get organized!

Let Just A Second Tax Service LLC Help You Prepare for Tax Season.

Serving clients since 2008.

Just A Second Tax Service LLC

Hapeville, Georgia

Website: https://justasecondtaxservicellc.com

Your Taxes. Your Business. Our Priority.

This article provides general tax information and is not a substitute for advice based on your individual tax circumstances.