Tax Guide for 2026 Returns (Filed in 2027)

Understanding the 2027 Filing Season

For 2026 tax returns, filed in 2027

Key Dates

Late January

The IRS usually opens filing in late January

April 15, 2027

Returns are due for most taxpayers

January

Tax Advance applications open (dates set by the lender)

October 15, 2027

Extended deadline (if you file an extension by April 15)

Important Notice

Filing early helps. E-file with direct deposit is the fastest way to get a refund, and the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days. Filing early also makes it harder for someone to file a fake return in your name. The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks, so have your bank details ready.

Still need to file a 2025 return? You can still file it, and filing soon can limit penalties and interest if you owe. Call (855) 722-8700 and we'll help.

Who Must File?

Single filers under 65: Generally must file if gross income is more than $16,100

Married filing jointly: Generally must file if gross income is more than $32,200 (both under 65)

Self-employed: Must file if net earnings exceed $400

Dependents: Different rules apply - contact us for guidance

Complete Document Checklist

Gather these documents BEFORE you start your return

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

For you, spouse, and all dependents

Birth Dates

For everyone listed on your return

Previous Year Tax Return

Helpful for comparison and carryovers

Bank Account & Routing Numbers

For direct deposit (the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks)

W-2 Forms

From ALL employers (even if you only worked there briefly)

1099 Forms

1099-NEC (contract work), 1099-K (payment apps and marketplaces), 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends), 1099-R (retirement), 1099-G (unemployment), 1099-MISC

K-1 Forms

If you own part of a business, trust, or estate

Rental Income Records

Income received and expenses paid

Social Security/Disability Income

SSA-1099 form

Digital Assets (Crypto)

All buy, sell and trade records, plus any Form 1099-DA from your broker

Tips and Overtime

Pay stubs or W-2 showing tips and overtime, for the new deductions

Mortgage Interest (Form 1098)

From your lender

Property Tax Statements

From your county/city

Charitable Donations

Receipts for all cash gifts. From 2026, you may deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) even without itemizing

Medical Expenses

If they exceed 7.5% of your income

Student Loan Interest (Form 1098-E)

Up to $2,500 deduction

Business Expenses

If self-employed or have side business

New Car Loan Interest

Lender's interest statement and the VIN (loan taken out after 2024, U.S.-assembled vehicle)

Childcare Expenses

Provider name, address, Tax ID, amounts paid

Education Expenses (Form 1098-T)

For college/university tuition

Health Insurance Marketplace Statement (Form 1095-A)

If you had marketplace coverage

Energy Improvements (2025 only)

These credits ended after December 31, 2025. Bring receipts only if you're filing a 2025 return

Electric Vehicle Purchase (ended)

The credit ended for vehicles bought after September 30, 2025

Home Sale Documents

Closing statements, improvement records

IRA/Retirement Contributions

Traditional IRA: up to $7,500 ($8,600 if 50+) for 2026

Divorce/Alimony Documents

If paying or receiving

Disaster Loss Documentation

If you lived in a federally declared disaster area

Pro Tip from Lawson Mobile Tax

Don't have all your documents yet? No problem! Start your return with what you have. We'll save your progress and you can upload additional documents as they arrive. We'll also help you request missing forms from employers and financial institutions.

Deductions & Credits You May Qualify For

We review every one that fits your situation

What's the Difference?

Tax Deductions

Reduce your taxable income. If you're in the 22% tax bracket, a $1,000 deduction saves you $220 in taxes.

Example: $50,000 income - $16,100 standard deduction = $33,900 taxable income

Tax Credits

Reduce your tax bill directly. A $1,000 credit saves you $1,000 in taxes - dollar for dollar!

Example: $5,000 tax bill - $2,000 credits = $3,000 owed

Top Tax Credits for 2026

Child Tax Credit

Up to $2,200/child

For each qualifying child under 17 with an SSN. Up to $1,700 may be refundable.

Phases out above $200,000 income ($400,000 joint).

American Opportunity Credit

Up to $2,500

For first 4 years of college. Covers tuition, fees, and course materials. 40% refundable!

Must be enrolled at least half-time in degree program.

Child & Dependent Care Credit

Up to 50% of costs

For care while you work. From 2026, the top rate rises to 50% of up to $3,000 in costs ($6,000 for two or more).

Dependent must be under 13 or incapable of self-care.

Energy Efficient Home Credit

Ended after 2025

Not available for improvements placed in service after December 31, 2025.

Still claimable on a 2025 return, up to $3,200.

Residential Clean Energy Credit

Ended after 2025

Not available for solar, wind, geothermal or battery costs paid after December 31, 2025.

Still claimable on a 2025 return at 30%.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

Up to $8,231

For low- to moderate-income workers. Refundable. The amount depends on income and family size.

Must have earned income from employment or self-employment.

Most Valuable Deductions

Standard Deduction (2026)

Most Common

Single

$16,100

Married Filing Jointly

$32,200

Head of Household

$24,150

Most taxpayers take the standard deduction. Age 65+ adds more, plus the $6,000 senior deduction.

When to Itemize Instead

Consider itemizing if your total deductions exceed the standard deduction:

Mortgage Interest

On loans up to $750,000 ($375,000 if married filing separately)

State & Local Taxes (SALT)

Up to $40,400 total for 2026 ($20,200 married filing separately), reduced above $505,000 income

Charitable Contributions

Generally up to 60% of AGI for cash donations

Medical Expenses

Only amount exceeding 7.5% of AGI

Deductions You Can Take Without Itemizing

These reduce your AGI even if you take the standard deduction:

Traditional IRA Contributions

Up to $7,500 ($8,600 if age 50+)

Student Loan Interest

Up to $2,500

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Up to $4,400 individual, $8,750 family

Self-Employment Tax

Deduct half of your self-employment tax

Educator Expenses

Up to $350 for classroom supplies

No Tax on Tips

Up to $25,000

No Tax on Overtime

Up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint)

Car Loan Interest

Up to $10,000

Senior Deduction (65+)

$6,000 per person

Cash Gifts to Charity

Up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint)

Lawson Mobile Tax Advantage

Our preparers look for every credit and deduction you qualify for. Compared to DIY software, we help you avoid missed deductions because we:

Ask the right questions to uncover hidden deductions
Stay updated on the latest tax law changes
Review your return with fresh, professional eyes
Help with IRS letters (Audit Defense is available as a paid service)

What's New for 2026 Returns

Changes from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act and yearly inflation updates

Key Changes for 2026

Here's what may affect your return

Increased Standard Deduction

Single

$16,100

+$350 from 2025

Married Filing Jointly

$32,200

+$700 from 2025

Head of Household

$24,150

+$525 from 2025

What this means: More of your income isn't taxed. The new law made the higher standard deduction permanent and it rises with inflation.

Higher IRA Contribution Limits

Under 50

$7,500

+$500 from 2025

Age 50+

$8,600

+$600 from 2025

What this means: You can save more for retirement and potentially deduct more from your taxes (Traditional IRA) or grow more tax-free (Roth IRA).

401(k) Contribution Increases

Employee Contribution

$24,500

+$1,000 from 2025

Catch-up (50+)

$8,000

+$500 from 2025 ($11,250 if age 60–63)

What this means: If you have a 401(k), you can contribute more pre-tax dollars, lowering your taxable income.

Clean Energy Credits Have Ended

The new law ended these credits early. They aren't available on 2026 returns:

Solar Energy Systems: Ended for costs paid after December 31, 2025
Electric Vehicles: Ended for vehicles bought after September 30, 2025
Home Energy Improvements: Ended for work placed in service after December 31, 2025
Heat Pumps & HVAC: Ended after December 31, 2025

Digital Asset (Crypto) Reporting

WHAT TO REPORT: Brokers send Form 1099-DA for digital asset sales. You still report:

All cryptocurrency sales, trades, and exchanges
Mining and staking rewards as income
Airdrops and hard forks
Using crypto to purchase goods/services

⚠️ Unreported income can lead to IRS letters, penalties and interest.

Gig Economy & Side Hustle Changes

If you earned income from platforms like Uber, DoorDash, Etsy, or freelancing:

1099-K threshold: Payment apps send a 1099-K when you have over $20,000 and over 200 transactions. Income is taxable even without a form.
Self-employment tax: 15.3% on net earnings over $400
Quarterly estimated taxes: May be required if you owe $1,000+

💡 Good news: You can deduct business expenses like mileage, supplies, home office, and more!

New Deductions (2025–2028)

No tax on tips: up to $25,000
No tax on overtime: up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint)
Car loan interest: up to $10,000
Senior deduction: $6,000 per person 65+
SALT cap: $40,400 for 2026
Child Tax Credit: up to $2,200 per child

New for 2026

Cash gifts to charity: up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint) without itemizing
Child care credit top rate rises to 50%
HSA: $4,400 / $8,750; bronze and catastrophic plans now count
EITC up to $8,231

If You Still Need to File a 2025 Return

2025 figures differ: standard deduction $15,750 single, $31,500 joint, $23,625 head of household; SALT cap $40,000. 2025 is also the last year for the home energy credits. Call (855) 722-8700 and we'll help you catch up.

How Lawson Mobile Tax Keeps You Compliant

Tax laws change every year. Our team:

Keeps up with new IRS guidance every season
Follows IRS updates and tax law changes
Applies new rules correctly to your specific situation
Helps if the IRS sends a letter (Audit Defense is a paid service)

Why Choose Lawson Mobile Tax?

Professional service, every credit you qualify for, peace of mind

Careful Review

Unlike DIY software, a real tax preparer reviews your return and looks for every credit and deduction you qualify for.

Accuracy-Focused Review

Every return gets a second review before it's filed

Help With IRS Letters

If the IRS sends a letter about your return, we'll explain it and help you respond. Audit Defense is available as a paid service.

Experienced Tax Preparers

Experienced tax preparers on staff

Fast Processing

Fast turnaround on most returns. We e-file, and the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days.

Tax Advances Available

A loan of up to $7,500 from Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, through Refund Advantage, if approved by the lender

Personal Service

Real people, not bots. Your dedicated tax pro answers questions, explains your return, and provides year-round support.

Trusted by Our Clients

Our Service Packages

Student Returns

Starting at $199

(students only)

For simple student returns with W-2 income

Individual Tax Prep

Starting at $400

(standard W-2 returns)

Student returns: Starting at $199

Comprehensive service for most taxpayers

Business Returns

Starting at $649

For self-employed, contractors, small businesses

All packages include:

IRS Letter Help