What to Gather Before Tax Season
October 2026
Having your documents ready before your appointment makes the process faster and helps make sure nothing gets missed. Start a folder now and add to it as forms arrive in January and February.
- Income forms: W-2s, 1099s, and K-1s
- Last year's tax return
- Records of estimated tax payments you made during the year
- Mortgage interest, property tax, and charitable donation statements
- Business income and expense records, if you're self-employed
- Any letters you received from the IRS or your state tax agency
Do You Need to Make Estimated Tax Payments?
October 2026
If you have income that doesn't have tax withheld, such as self-employment, rental, or investment income, you may need to pay tax throughout the year instead of all at once in April. Federal estimated payments are generally due in April, June, September, and January.
Missing these payments can lead to underpayment penalties, even if you pay everything you owe when you file. If your income changed this year, it's worth checking whether your payments are on track.
Why Business and Personal Finances Should Stay Separate
October 2026
Using one bank account or credit card for everything makes bookkeeping harder and can cause deductible expenses to slip through the cracks. A dedicated business account gives you a clean record of income and expenses, makes tax preparation simpler, and is a good habit to have in place if questions ever come up.