Here's How To Use This Year's Tax Filing Stress To Make Next Year Easier
For millions of Americans, the last few months were defined by stress, panic, worry and frustration over filing their tax returns accurately and on-time.
Do I have all the documents I need? Where is my refund? Which deductions can I claim, and how on earth do I reconcile premium insurance credits?
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If you’re not a CPA, you’ll probably never look forward to tax season — but you don’t have to keep dreading it year in and year out, either. Pry some good out of this year’s filing stress by learning from it and adapting to it so you don’t have to repeat it in 2027.
Plan, Prepare and Organize
The IRS suggests making next year easier by getting organized now.
Upon completing your returns, the agency advises filers to create a dedicated folder system — digital or physical — for storing and classifying receipts, documents, forms, schedules and proof of income. The IRS states that having everything you need in one place and organized by category will save time, reduce stress and improve accuracy when filing time comes back around next year.
Update Your Information
Next, the IRS reminds all taxpayers to update any personal information immediately whenever it changes. That includes things like moving to a new address or changing your name through marriage or otherwise.
Remember, there is no such thing as a minor error on a tax return. Personal data mistakes are among the most common, but they can also be among the most consequential, leading to refund delays, rejected returns, IRS scrutiny and requests for amended filings.
Plan for Life Events
The IRS suggests avoiding complications in 2027 by adjusting for planned life events for the coming year now.
If you’re considering getting married, having children, changing jobs or opening a business, lay the foundation for a successful tax season next year by researching how those changes affect your taxes and what credits or deductions they might make available to you so you don’t miss out or mess up next April.
Split This Year’s Major Headaches Into Next Year's Mini-Milestones
According to U.S. Bank, tasks that feel overwhelming are a key driver of procrastination and stress during tax season. The institution’s experts suggest identifying the portions of your returns you put off in 2026 because they felt too challenging to confront, and using the moment to divide those tasks into smaller, more manageable milestones that you can tackle with ease in 2027.
Tune In to Changes and Updates
The tax code is always evolving, with new provisions continuously added and old ones eliminated or adjusted. With your stressful 2026 tax season finally in the rearview mirror, commit to learning about upcoming changes that could impact your taxes next year to avoid unpleasant surprises in 2027.
The tax code is comprehensive and complicated, but you don’t have to earn a CPA license to keep up.
Industry heavyweights such as TurboTax and H&R Block offer simple tutorials written in plain English outlining changes as they happen throughout the tax year, who they affect and how to prepare.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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