Year-Round Tax Planning Can Make Filing Easier

The IRS is reminding taxpayers that a few simple steps taken during the year can make the next filing season easier and help avoid surprises at tax time. The agency's new reminder (IR-2026-128, October 23, 2026) points to Publication 5349-A, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone, which offers practical tips and IRS resources. IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano said that checking withholding, organizing records, using IRS online tools, and protecting personal information will help taxpayers prepare for the 2027 filing season.

Check withholding and estimated payments

Federal income tax is generally paid through the year as income is earned. Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to see whether the right amount is being withheld from their pay.

The IRS says taxpayers should consider reviewing withholding after a major life or income change. The examples given are marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, and a job change. A taxpayer who needs to adjust withholding should submit a new Form W-4, Employee's Withholding Certificate, to the employer.

Taxpayers with income that is not subject to withholding may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments. The source names small business owners, self-employed taxpayers, and gig economy workers. Preparers should ask clients in these groups how they are paying tax during the year, not only at filing time.

Life events can also change filing status, eligibility for tax credits and deductions, and the amount owed or refunded. Reviewing these changes before filing season helps clients understand how they may affect their federal income tax return.

Use IRS online tools

Individual Online Account lets taxpayers securely access their tax information and handle many routine tasks. Depending on the account, a taxpayer can view balance information, make and view payments, review payment plans, view certain IRS notices and letters, access certain tax records, and request an Identity Protection PIN.

IRS.gov/Tools lists other resources, including refund status, tax records and transcripts, free tax preparation options, and information on tax credits, deductions, and filing status.

Get records organized now

The IRS recommends a simple system, electronic or paper, that keeps important tax records together as they arrive. Records the agency lists 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 make return preparation easier and may help taxpayers spot credits or deductions they would otherwise overlook.

Stay alert to scams

The IRS and its Security Summit partners remind taxpayers to protect 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 links or open attachments in unexpected messages that claim to come from the IRS. Suspicious emails and texts can be sent to phishing@irs.gov. Certain tax-related misconduct can be reported at IRS.gov/submitatip.

What to tell your clients

Ask clients whether they had a major life or income change this year, whether their withholding still fits, and whether self-employment income requires estimated payments. Remind them to keep their records together and to watch for unexpected messages. These steps are simple, and they can make the 2027 filing season smoother for everyone.

This article summarizes IRS news release IR-2026-128. It is general information, not individual tax advice. Check IRS.gov for current details.

Informational only, based on the IRS source linked above; not tax or legal advice for a specific situation.