It’s official — tax filing season 2026 has started in the United States.
The IRS has opened its doors to accept tax returns, and that means millions of Americans — including California residents and business owners — can now file their 2025 tax returns.
Whether you’re expecting a big refund or you know you owe, the smartest thing you can do right now is start early. Here’s everything you need to know before you file.
When Did Tax Filing Season 2026 Start?
The IRS officially kicked off the 2026 tax season start date in late January 2026, which is standard. This is when the agency began accepting and processing federal income tax returns for the 2025 tax year.
California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) also opened for state return submissions around the same time.
The filing deadline is April 15, 2026 for most individuals — both federal and California state returns. If you need more time, you can request an extension to October 15, 2026, but remember: an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay.
Why You Should File Early in 2026
A lot of people wait until March or April. Here’s why filing early is always the smarter move:
1. Get your refund faster The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days for e-filed returns. The earlier you file, the earlier that money hits your account. Paper returns can take 6–8 weeks, so e-file whenever possible.
2. Protect yourself from tax identity theft Tax fraud is real. Identity thieves file fake returns using stolen Social Security numbers to claim refunds before the real person does. Filing early means a fraudster can’t beat you to it.
3. Avoid the April rush Tax professionals get slammed in March and April. If you wait too long, you may not get an appointment — or your return may get rushed. Early filers get more attention and more time for careful review.
4. Know where you stand sooner If you owe money, filing early gives you time to prepare, set up a payment plan, or talk to a tax advisor about reducing what you owe before the deadline hits.
What Documents Do You Need to File in 2026?
Before you sit down with a tax professional or open your filing software, make sure you have these documents ready:
For Individuals:
- W-2 from every employer you worked for in 2025
- 1099 forms — 1099-NEC (freelance income), 1099-INT (interest), 1099-DIV (dividends), 1099-R (retirement distributions), 1099-G (unemployment)
- Social Security Number for you, your spouse, and any dependents
- Last year’s tax return — helpful for reference and your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income)
- 1095-A if you had health insurance through the Marketplace
- Bank account details for direct deposit of your refund
For Deductions & Credits:
- Mortgage interest statement (Form 1098)
- Property tax records
- Childcare expenses and provider info
- Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
- Charitable donation receipts
- Medical expense records (if they exceed 7.5% of your income)
- Home office documentation (if self-employed)
For Business Owners:
- All business income and expense records
- Payroll records and summaries
- Depreciation schedules
- Prior year business return
- Records of estimated tax payments made in 2025
What’s New for Tax Filing Season 2026?
Every year brings small changes from the IRS and California FTB. Here are the key updates that affect most filers in 2026:
Updated Standard Deductions
The IRS adjusts the standard deduction each year for inflation. For 2025 income (filed in 2026):
- Single filers: $15,000
- Married filing jointly: $30,000
- Head of household: $22,500
These are slightly higher than 2024, which means slightly less of your income is taxable if you take the standard deduction.
Higher Contribution Limits
If you contributed to a 401(k), IRA, or HSA in 2025, the limits were higher than the prior year — meaning more potential deductions for you.
IRS Direct File — Free Filing Option
The IRS expanded its Direct File program in 2026, allowing eligible taxpayers in participating states (including California) to file directly with the IRS for free. This works best for simple returns with W-2 income only. If your situation is more complex — self-employment, rental income, multiple states — a professional tax preparer is a better choice.
California-Specific: What to Know Before You File Your State Return
Filing in California means dealing with the Franchise Tax Board (FTB), not just the IRS. Here’s what California filers should keep in mind:
- California has its own tax brackets and does not conform to all federal rules. Some deductions allowed federally are not allowed in California — and vice versa.
- California does not have a standard federal deduction match. The state’s standard deduction is much lower ($5,202 for single filers), so many Californians benefit more from itemizing.
- California taxes ALL income, including income earned in other states. If you worked in multiple states in 2025, you may need to file in more than one.
- California renters may qualify for the Renter’s Credit — a $60 credit for single filers and $120 for joint filers who rented their primary residence in 2025 and meet income limits.
- ITIN filers are welcome. California accepts Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, making it accessible to non-citizen residents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid This Filing Season
Even experienced filers make these errors. Watch out for:
Wrong Social Security numbers — double-check every SSN on the return
Forgetting to report all income — every 1099 form counts, including gig work and side income
Missing deductions — business expenses, student loan interest, and healthcare costs are often overlooked
Not signing the return — unsigned returns are rejected
Using last year’s address — if you moved in 2025, update your address with the IRS and FTB
Waiting too long — procrastinating costs you money in penalties and stress
Should You File Yourself or Use a Tax Professional?
For simple returns — one W-2, standard deduction, no major life changes — DIY software can work fine.
But if any of these apply to you, a professional tax preparer is worth every penny:
- You’re self-employed or run a business
- You had a major life event (marriage, divorce, new baby, home purchase)
- You have rental income or investment gains
- You received a notice from the IRS or FTB
- You work in multiple states
- You want to make sure you’re getting every deduction you’re entitled to
At ABSE Tax, we’ve been helping individuals and businesses in Artesia and the greater Los Angeles area file accurate, complete returns for years. Our clients don’t just get their taxes filed — they get a financial partner who looks out for them year-round.
How to Get Started With ABSE Tax This Season
Getting started is easy. Here’s how:
- Gather your documents using the checklist above
- Submit them online through our secure document portal
- Schedule a review with one of our tax advisors
- We handle the rest — preparation, filing, and any follow-up with the IRS or FTB
We offer services for individuals, self-employed filers, small businesses, and corporations across Artesia, Cerritos, Norwalk, Hawaiian Gardens, and the surrounding LA area.
Ready to File? Let’s Get Started.
Don’t let tax filing season 2026 sneak up on you. The sooner you file, the sooner you get your refund — and the less stress you carry into spring.
📞 Call: 562-403-1177 📧 Email: info@absetax.com 📍 18000 Pioneer Blvd, Artesia, CA 90701
