Tax professionals urge residents to not rush and file taxes this season due to federal tax changes. Filing quickly without checking updates can lead to missed credits, incorrect withholding, or the need to amend returns later.
Why tax professionals urge residents not to rush filing
Federal tax laws and administrative rules can change year to year. Tax pros recommend pausing before you file to confirm all documents and rule changes that affect your filing.
Rushing increases the risk of errors that trigger audits, delays, or lost refunds. Taking extra time up front often prevents costly fixes later.
Understand the federal tax changes before you file
Start by identifying which federal tax changes apply to you. Changes may affect tax brackets, credits, deductions, reporting thresholds, and withholding rules.
Use trusted sources like the IRS website, official guidance, or a credentialed tax preparer to verify which updates are final and which are still pending.
Key areas to check for impacts
- Wages and withholding: Confirm your W-2 and any updated withholding tables.
- Self-employment and 1099s: Verify reported income and deductible business expenses.
- Tax credits: Review eligibility for credits such as child, education, or energy credits.
- Reporting thresholds: Check changes that affect 1099-K, 1099-MISC, or other information returns.
Practical steps to take before filing
Follow a checklist to reduce mistakes and ensure compliance with recent changes. These steps help you file accurately and confidently.
Checklist to review before you file
- Gather all forms: W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, brokerage statements, and receipts for deductions.
- Compare last year: Note any life changes such as marriage, new dependents, or job changes that affect filing status.
- Check withholding: Use the IRS withholding estimator or consult a tax pro to avoid underpayment penalties.
- Confirm credits and deductions: Make sure new rules don’t change your eligibility.
- Watch deadlines: Filing an extension is better than submitting an inaccurate return.
When to consult a tax professional
Tax professionals urge residents to get help when changes are complex or income sources are varied. A preparer can interpret new guidance, apply it to your situation, and recommend tax-smart approaches.
Consider professional help if you have small-business income, significant investments, retirement distributions, or recent major life events.
Questions to ask a preparer
- Which federal tax changes affect my return this year?
- Do I need to change my W-4 or estimated tax payments?
- Are there credits or deductions I may have missed?
- Will these changes increase my audit risk or require additional records?
How to avoid common filing mistakes
Common errors stem from incomplete forms, incorrect social security numbers, missed schedules, and wrong bank details. Small mistakes can delay refunds or trigger notices from the IRS.
Double-check names, SSNs, adjusted gross income, and bank routing numbers. Reconcile totals on all schedules and attach required forms and statements.
Tools and resources
- IRS.gov for official forms, instructions, and updates.
- IRS withholding estimator for payroll adjustments.
- Tax software with updated law changes and built-in checks.
- A certified tax professional for complex situations.
Case study: A missed change and a corrected filing
Jane, a part-time freelancer and school administrator, filed taxes early in a prior year and did not account for a newly adjusted reporting threshold for third-party payments. She received a notice and had to amend her return, which delayed her refund by several months.
After consulting a tax professional the following year, Jane waited to file until she gathered all 1099 documents and confirmed the new guidance. The result was a clean return and an on-time refund with no follow-up from the IRS.
Final recommendations from tax professionals
Tax professionals urge residents to not rush and file taxes without checking federal tax changes. Take time to verify forms, assess how rule changes apply to your situation, and use quality resources.
If you can’t finish accurately by the deadline, consider filing an extension and paying any estimated tax due. That gives you breathing room to prepare a correct return and avoid costly mistakes.
Following a careful, informed process helps you file confidently and reduces the chance of needing to amend your return later. When in doubt, contact a qualified tax professional or use official IRS guidance to confirm your next steps.