Suzanne's Income Tax Service

IRS 2026 IP PIN - Did You Know?

The IRS encourages everyone to get an identity protection number (IP PIN) for the 2026 tax filing season. An IP PIN is a unique code that you include on your tax return and other IRS forms that you file during a given year. Using this code prevents scammers from submitting fraudulent tax documents in your name, in an attempt to steal your refund or identity.

The easiest way to obtain an IP PIN is to create an online IRS account (link below). You can also request one by mail by filing IRS Form 15227. Note that an IP PIN only lasts for one calendar year, so even if you had one in 2025, you will need a new one this year. Once you receive your 2026 IP PIN, make sure to include it on your 2025 tax return, so that the IRS will accept the return and reject any fakes. A tax professional can help you file your return electronically with your IP PIN properly entered, to ensure the fastest possible processing.

Open an IRS online account: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

2026 Standard Business Mileage Rates – Did You Know?

The IRS has announced that the standard mileage rate for business use of a vehicle will be:

Business: 72.5 cents per mile
Medical care or moving (certain active-duty military only): 20.5 cents per mile
Charitable: 14 cents per mile

Taxpayers may choose between the standard mileage rate or deducting actual vehicle expenses, but using actual expenses in the first year generally requires continuing that method in future years. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify to deduct business vehicle expenses, and if so, help you find the most advantageous strategy to figure your deduction.

2026 Tax Filing Season Start

The IRS has announced that the individual federal tax filing season for the 2025 tax year will begin on January 26, 2026. The current deadline to file 2025 federal income tax returns and pay any taxes owed is April 15, 2026, unless an extension is requested or a taxpayer qualifies for additional relief.

Although IRS systems typically open for electronic processing on the official start date, taxpayers do not need to wait until then to begin preparing their returns. You can gather documents, organize income and deduction records, and even complete your tax return in advance so it is ready to file as soon as the IRS begins accepting submissions. Starting early may help reduce errors, speed up refunds, and provide more time to address unexpected issues, such as missing forms or questions about eligibility for credits and deductions.

Health Savings Account Changes – Did You Know?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) made several changes to the eligibility rules for health savings accounts (HSAs). With an HSA, you can set aside money on a pre-tax basis to cover future healthcare costs, and later withdraw funds from the account tax-free to pay qualifying expenses. The new rules allow more people to create and contribute to HSAs.

In general, you must have health insurance classified as a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) in order to contribute to an HSA. However, beginning January 1, 2026, health insurance plans classified as bronze or catastrophic will generally be considered HSA-compatible. Therefore, people who participate in these plans may still be eligible to contribute to an HSA. This new rule applies both to plans purchased through the official Health Insurance Marketplace (also called the Exchanges) and those purchased elsewhere.

Similarly, as long as they meet other eligibility rules, people who enroll in direct primary care (DPC) arrangements may qualify to contribute to HSAs, and use HSA funds to pay DPC fees. In addition, the OBBBA extended rules enacted during the pandemic that allow HDHPs to cover telehealth and video doctor visits before a person has met their plan deductible. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify to contribute to an HSA, and if so, help you plan contributions and withdrawals to maximize tax benefits.

IRS Issues Additional Guidance for "No Tax on Tips" Deduction – Did You Know?

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) specifies that only tips separately reported on a year-end tax document like a W-2 or 1099 form qualify for the new "no tax on tips" deduction. However, the current versions of those forms do not necessarily allow for reporting that complies with the OBBBA requirement. Therefore, the IRS will allow eligible tipped employees and self-employed people to use alternative methods to figure the deduction for 2025.

Under these special, temporary rules, qualifying tip recipients may be able to use any of the following as the basis for their deduction:
- Tips shown in box 7 of Form W-2 (Social Security tips)
- Tips properly reported to an employer, even if the tips do not separately appear on a W-2 form
- Tips recorded separately in detailed records of self-employment income, even if the tips are not specifically reported on a Form 1099

If you are eligible to claim the "no tax on tips" deduction, the maximum annual deduction is $25,000, subject to income limits, with a phase-out range beginning at a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $150,000 for individuals, or $300,000 for joint filers. A tax professional can help you determine whether you may deduct tip income on your tax return, and if so, help you properly compute your deduction amount.

'Tis the Season to Prepare for Tax Time – Start Assembling Important Documents Now

With a New Year fast approaching, tax filing season cannot be far behind. Taking a few simple steps to prepare over the next several weeks can significantly reduce stress when you complete your return. First, make sure you have important records readily at hand, like last year's return and receipts for deductible expenses or donations. Second, keep your eyes out for year-end income statements in January and early February. These documents may include:

- W-2 forms from employers
- Forms 1099-NEC and/or 1099-MISC showing your income from sources like rents, self-employment activities (such as gig work) and royalties
- Forms 1099-INT and 1099-DIV showing interest, dividends and other investment income

Other important forms you might receive include Forms 1095-A (Health Insurance Marketplace Statement) and 1098-T (Tuition Statement). Also remember that you must answer questions about your involvement with digital assets like crypto on your tax return, and report any resulting income. Make sure you have complete records of all your 2025 digital asset transactions, so you can meet these reporting requirements.