Jane F Smith CPA

10/23/2026

IRS reminder: Year-round tax planning can make filing easier

IR-2026-128, Oct. 23, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps now to make filing easier and avoid tax-time surprises next year.

Year-round tax planning can help taxpayers stay organized, understand how changes in their lives or income may affect their taxes, and prepare for filing season. Publication 5349-A, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone, offers practical tips and IRS resources to help taxpayers throughout the year.

“Taxpayers should plan ahead to ensure their tax filing season goes as smoothly as possible,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “A few simple steps now, such as checking withholding, organizing records, using IRS online tools, and protecting personal information, will help taxpayers prepare for the 2027 filing season and know they are ready to fulfill their tax obligations.”

Check withholding and estimated tax payments

Federal income taxes are generally paid throughout the year as income is earned. Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check whether they are having the right amount of federal income withheld from their pay.

Taxpayers should consider reviewing withholding after a major life or income change, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or a job change. Taxpayers who need to adjust withholding should submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate to their employer.

Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including small business owners, self-employed taxpayers, and gig economy workers, may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

Life events may also affect filing status, eligibility for tax credits and deductions, and the amount of tax owed or refunded. Reviewing these changes before filing season can help taxpayers understand how they may affect their federal income tax return.

Take advantage of IRS online tools

Taxpayers can securely access their tax information and complete many routine tasks through IRS Individual Online Account. Depending on their account, taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to:

View balance information
Make and view payments
Review payment plans
View certain IRS notices and letters
Access certain tax records
Request an Identity Protection PIN
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/Tools for resources to check refund status, find tax records and transcripts, explore free tax preparation options, and get information about tax credits, deductions, and filing status.

Get organized now for a smoother filing season

Good recordkeeping is one of the easiest ways to get ready for filing season. Taxpayers should develop a simple system, electronic or paper, to keep important tax records together as they receive them.

Records may include:

Forms W-2 from employers.
Forms 1099 from banks and other payers.
Records of digital asset transactions.
A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or payments.
IRS notices, letters, and other correspondence.
Records that support credits, deductions, or other tax benefits claimed.
Organized records can make return preparation easier and may help taxpayers identify overlooked credits or deductions.

Stay alert to scams

The IRS and its Security Summit partners remind taxpayers to protect their personal and financial information. Scammers may use email, text messages, phone calls, or social media to try to steal information or money.

Taxpayers should not click on links or open attachments in unexpected messages claiming to be from the IRS. Suspicious emails and texts can be reported to [email protected]. Taxpayers can also use IRS.gov/SubmitATip to report certain tax-related misconduct.

If you were scammed, suspect tax fraud or had your identity stolen, report it to us.

10/22/2026

Issue Number: IR-2026-127
Inside This Issue
IRS reminder: Take steps now to protect tax information

IR-2026-127, Oct. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to protect their information from tax-related identity theft by safeguarding their IRS online-account credentials and obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

“Protecting sensitive financial information is essential to preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential tax information and IRS online services,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “By safeguarding their online account credentials and obtaining an IP PIN, taxpayers can help stop tax-related identity theft, file their tax return with greater confidence, and know they have done what they can to protect themselves from bad actors.”

Access IRS Individual Online Account

After taxpayers verify their identity, they can securely access their IRS Individual Online Account to view tax information and complete certain tax-related tasks.

Taxpayers should not share their sign-in information with anyone. An online account may include sensitive information, such as recently filed returns, refund status, payments, tax records, notifications, and service requests.

Get an IP PIN

Taxpayers can also obtain an Identity Protection PIN to help prevent tax-related identity theft. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using another taxpayer’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

The IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Taxpayers who do not already have one may request an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Taxpayers can obtain an IP PIN even if they are not required to file a federal tax return.

Taxpayers who plan to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online system becomes unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system is generally available again beginning in mid-January.

Taxpayers should protect their IP PIN and disclose it only to a trusted tax professional when they are ready to prepare and submit their federal tax return. The IRS will never call, email, text, or contact taxpayers through social media to request their IP PIN.

Send a message to learn more

10/22/2026

Saving for retirement? IRAs are an option

Whether retirement is many years away or just around the corner, knowing available savings options is important for taxpayers to plan for their financial future. Individual retirement accounts are just one of the many ways to save, and they also offer tax benefits by letting earnings grow tax deferred. Taxpayers should consider how an IRA may fit into their long-term financial plans.

Let’s look at a couple of the most common types of IRAs.

Traditional IRA

Taxpayers may be able to deduct their contributions to an IRA, if they qualify.
There’re annual limits to contributions depending on the person's age and the type of IRA.
Generally, the money in a traditional IRA isn't taxed until it's withdrawn.
If a taxpayer withdraws money before age 59 ½, there may be a 10% additional tax, unless they qualify for an exception.
Usually, taxpayers must start taking the minimum withdrawals from the IRA when they reach a certain age. Special distribution rules apply for IRA beneficiaries.
Roth IRA
Same rules as a traditional IRA, but there are differences:

Contributions are not deductible and are made with after-tax funds.
Qualified distributions are tax free.
There is no required minimum distribution.
2026 contribution limits for traditional and Roth IRAs
For 2026, taxpayers can contribute a total of up to $7,500. Taxpayers who are 50 or older can contribute an additional $1,100, for a total of $8,600. The contribution limit applies to the combined amount contributed to traditional and Roth IRAs and can't exceed the taxpayer’s taxable compensation for the year.

Send a message to learn more

10/16/2026

IRS has begun issuing automatic refunds to individuals who claimed Adoption Tax Credit carryforward from prior years

IR-2026-123, Oct. 16, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service has already begun issuing refunds to more than 50,000 taxpayers who benefited from the adoption tax credit carryforward and expects the refund process for most eligible taxpayers to be complete by the end of the year.

The Treasury Department clarified its interpretation of the Working Families Tax Cuts affecting the adoption tax credit. Under the new interpretation, for tax year 2025 only, adoption tax credit carryforwards from prior tax years (2020-2024) can increase the amount of the adoption tax credit that is refundable in 2025, subject to the $5,000 per qualifying child limitation.

“By issuing refunds without requiring eligible families to file an amended return, the IRS is helping reduce the financial burden on those who decided to adopt a child into their family,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “This administrative change will help families access the tax benefits they are entitled to as quickly and simply as possible.”

IRS will adjust affected taxpayers’ accounts to reflect this change and issue any resulting refunds, notifying taxpayers of any changes made to their accounts. Taxpayers should not need to file an amended return to receive the additional credit. This approach offers immediate relief to affected taxpayers, lessening the burden and reducing the necessity to file amended returns.

Taxpayers will receive notices from the IRS, generally within 30 days of the adjustment, informing them of the amount and whether the adjustment resulted in a refund or was applied towards another tax or non-tax debt. Taxpayers should review the notice carefully, compare it with their 2025 tax return, and keep it with their tax records.

Refunds and adjustments began in late September and will continue until complete. Affected taxpayers generally do not need to take action. Taxpayers who filed their 2025 return before April 15, 2026, will generally receive any applicable adjustment automatically. Taxpayers who filed their returns under an extension or whose accounts have identity theft indicators, freezes, dependency conflicts or other issues will be reviewed later in 2026 after the return is processed or the account issue is resolved. For more information, visit IRS.gov/AdoptionCredit.

The IRS encourages all taxpayers to create an IRS Individual Online Account to access their tax account information securely online. An IRS Online Individual Account enables taxpayers to view their tax records, check refund status, view notices and make payments without the need to call or mail the IRS.

10/14/2026

The deadline to file 2025 taxes is tomorrow

The deadline for extension filers is Oct. 15, 2026. Most taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2025 federal tax return have until tomorrow to file. Let’s go over some key reminders.

An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Extension filers who owe taxes are encouraged to pay as much as they can. The deadline to pay taxes owed was April 15. Paying what they’re able now can reduce additional interest and penalties.

There are options for people who can't pay their taxes in full, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can use the tax debt tool to find options for resolving their tax debt. They can also check their account balance online.

File electronically and choose direct deposit. Taxpayers should file electronically and choose direct deposit for their tax refund – it's the fastest and safest way to receive their money.

IRS Free File is still available until Oct. 15. Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use guided tax preparation software to prepare and electronically file their federal tax return for free. IRS Free File Fillable Forms is available to taxpayers who are comfortable preparing and filing their own returns. Regardless of income level, taxpayers can still electronically file their returns at no cost.

Some taxpayers may have additional time to file. People in certain disaster areas, may have more time to file. Taxpayers affected by disaster and who have an Individual Online Account, may see personalized messages that highlight available disaster tax relief.

Members of the military and their families may have additional benefits. Special deadline exceptions may apply for certain military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones. Several resources are available for service members and their families who may be eligible for these exceptions.

Additionally, MilTax, is a free tax resource offered through Military OneSource that generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing software is available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit. This includes federal returns and up to five state returns.

IRS Individual Online Account is helpful. Taxpayers are encouraged to use their IRS Individual Online Account to view account information and tax records, make payments and access other services that may help them complete their return.

09/30/2026

IRS announces new relief for eligible taxpayers affected by ongoing events in Israel: due dates for eligible returns and payments may be postponed to Sept. 30, 2027; additional relief may be available

IR-2026-116, Sept. 30, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced today that due to the ongoing conflict in Israel, the agency is providing additional tax relief to affected individuals and businesses, postponing until Sept. 30, 2027, a wide range of deadlines for filing federal returns, making tax payments and performing other time-sensitive tax-related actions.

Today’s guidance follows up on prior guidance. Notice 2023-71, which originally provided relief to taxpayers affected by the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. Notice 2024-72 provided relief to taxpayers affected by terroristic action in Israel throughout 2023 and 2024. And Notice 2025-53 provided relief for taxpayers affected by terroristic action in the State of Israel throughout 2024 and 2025 by providing relief until Sept. 30, 2026.

Notice 2026-63 postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred or will occur during the period from Sept. 30, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. Affected individuals and businesses in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza have until Sept. 30, 2027, to file returns and pay any taxes that are due during this period. In Notice 2023-71, Notice 2024-72 ,Notice 2025-53, and Notice 2026-63 the IRS is providing separate but overlapping relief to taxpayers who, due the terroristic action in Israel, may be unable to meet a tax-filing or tax-payment obligation, or may be unable to perform other time-sensitive tax-related actions.

As a result, for taxpayers eligible for relief under each notice, today’s notice (along with Notice 2023-71, Notice 2024-72 and Notice 2025-53), postpones various tax filing and payment deadlines that occurred or will occur during the period from Oct. 7, 2023, through Sept. 30, 2027. See Notice 2023-71, Notice 2024-72 ,Notice 2025-53 and Notice 2026-63 for additional relief provided, who qualifies for relief, and when taxpayers qualify for the relief.

The IRS automatically identifies taxpayers whose principal residence or principal place of business is located in the covered area based on previously filed returns and applies relief.

Other eligible taxpayers, or their representatives, whose filing address is outside the covered area can obtain relief by calling the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227 and identify the date they qualified for relief. Alternatively, international callers may call 267-941-1000.

09/29/2026

New IRS app gives taxpayers a new way to access services

Taxpayers now have a new way to securely access IRS tools and account services through their mobile devices. The new IRS app has replaced the former IRS2Go app. There are several features and self-service options available to help taxpayers access their tax information with ease.

Key app features for taxpayers
Taxpayers can securely sign in to the app to access available account information and self-service options, including:

Check refund and amended-return status
View available balance information
Make payments and review payment activity
View select notices and letters
Access available tax records and transcripts
Manage certain profile and communication preferences
Access an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
How to get the official IRS app

The IRS app is free and available through the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Current IRS2Go users do not need to download a separate app.
Users with automatic updates enabled will receive the IRS app through the normal update process.
Taxpayers can also visit IRS App on IRS.gov for verified links and additional information.
The IRS app does not replace IRS.gov or IRS online accounts
The IRS app is an expansion of mobile access to selected IRS Individual Online Account services but doesn’t replace IRS.gov or IRS online accounts. IRS.gov will continue to provide comprehensive tax information, guidance, forms, tools and services.

Beware of fake IRS apps or links
Taxpayers should use verified IRS links or the official IRS app listings and be cautious of look-alike apps, advertisements and unsolicited messages claiming to provide access to IRS accounts.

The IRS won’t ask taxpayers to provide sensitive personal or financial information through an unsolicited text, email, or pop-up message. Taxpayers who are unsure whether a message or app is legitimate should avoid clicking unsolicited links and use verified resources to locate the official app.

If taxpayers suspect scams or other tax-related wrongdoing, they can submit a confidential tip through the online fraud reporting tool using a smartphone, tablet, or computer at IRS.gov/submitatip.

09/25/2026

IRS2Go becomes IRS app, adding secure mobile access to selected Individual Online Account services

IR-2026-114, Sept. 25, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today announced the launch of the new IRS mobile app, replacing IRS2Go and expanding the agency’s digital services to give taxpayers more ways to securely access IRS tools and account services from their mobile devices.

“The new IRS app puts more services at taxpayers’ fingertips,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “It advances our digital-first agenda to meet taxpayers how and where they choose to interact with the IRS, whether at home or on the go. Our goal is to make IRS services easy to access and more consistent across all of our platforms.”

For more than a decade, IRS2Go has helped taxpayers check refund status and find free filing resources. The new IRS app builds on that foundation by adding a broader set of secure, account-specific features. Taxpayers can now securely sign in to the official IRS app and access selected account information and self-service options, including:

Check refund and amended-return status
View available balance information
Make payments and review payment activity
View select notices and letters
Access available tax records and transcripts
Manage certain profile and communication preferences
Access an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
This is just the beginning—the IRS will continue expanding the app with new capabilities and services over time.

The IRS app is free and available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. Current IRS2Go users do not need to download a separate app. Users with automatic updates enabled will receive the IRS app through the normal update process. Taxpayers can also visit IRS App on IRS.gov for verified links and additional information.

The IRS app expands secure mobile access to selected IRS Individual Online Account services. It does not replace IRS.gov or the IRS online accounts. IRS.gov continues to provide comprehensive tax information, guidance, forms, tools and services. IRS Individual Online Account, Business Tax Account and Tax Pro Account will continue to be available through IRS.gov, with the IRS app initially extending selected Individual Online Account features only. Telephone and in-person assistance also remain available for taxpayers who need individualized help or whose issues cannot be resolved through self-service.

Taxpayers should use verified IRS links or the official IRS app listings in the Apple App Store and Google Play and be cautious of look-alike apps, advertisements and unsolicited messages claiming to provide access to IRS accounts. The IRS will not ask taxpayers to provide sensitive personal or financial information through an unsolicited text, email, or pop-up message. Taxpayers who are unsure whether a message or app is legitimate should avoid clicking unsolicited links and use verified resources to locate the official app.

09/23/2026

Caring for a family member or relative? Understand the special tax rules

Family members who are paid to take care of a loved one may have tax responsibilities. This depends on whether they are considered an employee or provide their services as their own business.

Let’s go over the special rules of being a family caregiver.

When a caregiver is considered an employee
A caregiver is someone who performs in-home services for elderly or disabled individuals. Generally, they are considered an employee and the person being cared for is considered the employer. This could make them responsible for employment taxes. However, there are some cases when the employer may not owe employment taxes. Some examples are when the caregiver is:

Their spouse
Their child under the age of 21
Their parent, unless an exception applies
An employee who is under the age of 18 at any time during the year, unless an exception applies
It’s important to know that even if they don’t owe employment taxes, they are still required to report the caregiver’s compensation on Form W-2. See Table 1, “Do You Need to Pay Employment Taxes” on page 5 of Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide, for more information.

When a caregiver isn’t considered an employee
Sometimes, caregivers aren’t considered employees, but they are still required to report the compensation as income on their Form 1040 or 1040-SR. They may also be required to pay self-employment tax depending on the facts and circumstances.

Here are some examples of when a family member caregiver typically wouldn’t owe a self-employment tax:

If a family member caregiver is paid by an insurance company to take care of their spouse. The taxpayer would still be required to report the income though.
If a family member caregiver received income from a state agency to care for their grandchildren so their daughter could work. Again, the taxpayer would still be required to report any income.
When self-employment tax may apply
If the caregiver is engaged in a trade or business providing care services, they would be required to pay self-employment tax. For example:

A caregiver received income from a state agency to care for their grandmother, and they operate a sole proprietorship adult day-care business for multiple clients, including their grandmother, in their home. The taxpayer would owe self-employment tax since the taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business of providing care giving services as a sole proprietor operator of an adult day care. The taxpayer must report the full amount of the payment as income on both Schedule C and Schedule SE.

09/05/2026

Fraud alert: Fake IRS letters target cryptocurrency holders

Tax professionals should be aware of a recent scheme targeting clients. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters to steal personal information and digital assets. The letters include a QR code to a fraudulent website that mimics IRS.gov and instructs recipients to register for a nonexistent "Digital Asset Compliance Portal." The site may ask for personal information, cryptocurrency wallet information, exchange account credentials, or other sensitive data that criminals can use to steal identities or digital assets.

Tax professionals should tell their clients that they shouldn’t respond to the letters and shouldn’t scan the QR code for the fake site. The IRS did not send it and does not operate a Digital Asset Compliance Portal.

IRS.gov/scams includes more details about this and other tax scams.

What to know and do about tax scams, IRS impersonators and identity theft.