Tax Season: What to Know and How to Prepare
Tax season is upon us once again.
As of Monday, January 26, 2026, the IRS is now accepting federal tax returns. While tax season can feel daunting, there are steps you can take to simplify the process and stay organized as you file.
Continue reading below for the facts you should know and best practices to help you stay organized so you can cross your 2025 taxes off your list!
Understanding Tax Season and Important Dates to Know
When is tax season?
For most individuals in the United States, tax filing is done in the first several months of the year. The IRS began accepting 2025 federal tax filings on Monday, January 26, 2026.
What day does Tax Day fall on this year?
Tax Day, or the deadline to file 2025 federal tax returns, is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. April 15 is also the deadline to request an extension on filing.
If you file for an extension, the extended deadline to complete your taxes is Thursday, October 15, 2026.
When can you file taxes?
While it depends on your personal circumstances, most individuals can file any time between now and April 15 if they have not done so already. The deadline for state tax filing in Missouri and Illinois is also April 15, 2026.
Documents You Will Need for Filing
What documents will I need for my taxes?
- You will need forms for your sources of income, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, as well as information on any additional income.
- Records of relevant deductions from 2025, such as real estate taxes, state and local income taxes, or charitable donations.
- Documentation for potential credits, such as education or childcare expenses.
Organizing your necessary files and having them prepared early will save you time and stress once you begin the filing process.
Tips to Help You File with Confidence
What steps can I take to simplify my filing process?
- Before you begin filing, review changes in federal and state tax policy and check for any updates that may be relevant to you.
- Break up the tax filing process into steps so you can easily focus on each one, and have the documents you need for every step readily available.
- Consult a tax professional to discuss any opportunities for deductions or for more information on the documents you need to refer to as you file.
- Review your options for a tax filing software or service that fits your needs and your filing status. Do the necessary research to identify which service would be the best resource for you.
It is best practice to begin filing early so you have time to navigate the process without stress. Completing your taxes early will also allow you to receive your refund sooner and incorporate it into your annual budget. Filing as soon as you are able can potentially reduce your risk of being exposed to tax-related scams, which will be discussed further below.
Make a Plan for Your Refund
What can I do to make sure I receive my refund?
- Determine how you would prefer to receive your tax refund, whether it is via a check in the mail or direct deposit to your bank account. Your tax filing tool or professional will provide details on your options for your refund.
- The IRS offers a resource to track your refund. Discover the Where’s My Refund tool here.
Stay Vigilant Against Tax-Related Scams
What steps should I take to reduce my risk of falling for tax scams?
Tax season presents a prime opportunity for scammers to execute strategies to obtain your personal information. They may call posing as a tax service or a representative from the IRS, attempt to use your personal information to file in your name, or even offer to file for you with a promise of high returns.
Tax season is a common time for scammers to convince unsuspecting individuals that they could face serious consequences if they do not comply with urgent requests or be eligible for large returns if they agree to send money or share personal information.
Remember to stay cautious of any unexpected phone calls, emails, or text messages that pertain to taxes or mention the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS generally initiates contact via official mail and does not initiate contact via unsolicited phone calls, emails, or text messages.
What measures can you take to avoid tax-related scams?
- Do not send money to anyone in response to an unexpected request until you confirm it is valid. Research any organization that contacts you about taxes and determine whether it has been labeled a scam.
- Do not send gift cards as a form of payment to anyone, especially someone who claims to be from a tax service or the IRS. Remember: Gift cards are for gifts, not payments.
- Never click on links or open attachments in suspicious emails or text messages, particularly ones that apply pressure or include threats. The IRS does not text or email individuals to ask for immediate payments or personal information.
- If you are filing online, make sure you do so with a private internet connection. Keep your personal documents organized and close by to reduce the risk of having your sensitive information fall into the wrong hands.
- Carefully review any website, software, or tax service that you are considering using for support with your taxes. Take the time to ensure they are legitimate and have the necessary qualifications and credentials before moving forward.
Tax season can weigh heavily on your mind and may feel like a large, challenging task, but with these facts and tips, you can go into the filing process feeling prepared and organized.
Being proactive and getting started early will help you cross a big to-do item off your list and help you better understand how you can achieve your financial goals in 2026!
Note: Royal Banks of Missouri does not provide tax advice. Consider consulting a tax professional for more insight into the tax filing process and determine the right plans for you and your current status.
