The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to plan ahead rather than wait for filing season. This is especially important if you had a major life or income change this year, or if you are self-employed, a small business owner, or a gig worker without withholding.

What to do now

• Check your withholding with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, especially after marriage, divorce, a birth or adoption, or a job change. Give your employer a new Form W-4 if needed.
• Make estimated tax payments if you have income that is not subject to withholding.
• Use your IRS online account to view balances, make and track payments, see payment plans and notices, and request an IP PIN.
• Organize your records: W-2s and 1099s, digital asset transactions, last year’s return, bank account and routing numbers, IRS letters, and support for credits and deductions.
• Watch for scams. Do not click links or open attachments in unexpected messages claiming to be from the IRS. Forward suspicious emails to phishing@irs.gov.

How we can help: Year-end is the best time for a tax projection. We can review your 2026 numbers and estimated payments before December 31. Contact Teddy Accounting Services to talk it through.

Source: IRS news release IR-2026-128