It’s halfway through the year, which is a great time for taxpayers to do a quick check to make sure they’re on a smooth track for the April 15 tax filing season, advises the IRS. It’s posted the following tips:
Keep good tax records.
Taxpayers should keep all important tax records in one place. They can use electronic recordkeeping software or clearly labeled paper folders and add documents as they receive them. Organized records make tax return preparation easier and may help taxpayers identify deductions or credits they might otherwise miss.
Identify filing status.
A taxpayer’s filing status affects their tax requirements, deductions, credits, and tax liability. Life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth, or death may affect filing status and eligibility for certain tax benefits. Taxpayers can use the IRS’s Interactive Tax Assistant, What is my filing status? to get help choosing the best one for their tax situation.
Understand adjusted gross income.
AGI is income from all sources minus any adjustments. A higher AGI generally means a higher tax rate. Tax planning may help lower AGI and reduce taxes owed.
Check withholding.
Taxpayers need to pay their tax as they receive their income, and they do this through withholding. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps workers and retirees estimate the amount of federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks now for the taxes they will owe next year.
The estimator now reflects the changes to credits and deductions under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. This includes the deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest and enhanced deduction for older people. It also accounts for updates tied to family-related credits, homeownership, and charitable giving.
Make address and name changes.
Taxpayers should promptly report address changes to the USPS, employers, and the IRS using Form 8822, Change of Address. They should also report name changes to the Social Security Administration. Keeping this information current can make filing a tax return easier.
Save for retirement.
Saving for retirement can also lower a taxpayer’s AGI. Certain contributions to a retirement plan at work and to a traditional IRA may also reduce taxable income.
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