Choosing “Single” on your W-4 doesn’t mean you’ll file your taxes as Single. Your W-4 only controls how much federal tax is withheld from each paycheck, while your filing status is chosen later on your tax return. In this post, we break down why people still end up owing (especially with two incomes, bonuses, job changes, or side income) and share simple, practical ways to adjust your withholding to avoid surprises.

Set up your IRS.gov Online Account before you actually need it. When a W-2 is missing, a lender requests transcripts, or an IRS notice shows up, having access already in place can save you days of delays. This guide explains what the IRS Online Account does, how transcripts and digital notices work, why ID.me verification can take longer than expected, and what to have ready so you can get in smoothly.

Many working families qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but never claim it, even though it can significantly increase a refund. This article explains, in plain English, what the EITC is, who may be eligible (with or without children), and the practical steps to claim it—like gathering income documents, filing a return even if you’re not required to, and choosing e-file with direct deposit. It also breaks down why EITC refunds are often delayed due to IRS verification rules, and what you can do to reduce avoidable delays caused by common errors. Finally, the post highlights a key timing expectation for many early filers: the IRS projects most EITC refunds will be available by March 2, 2026 (with deposit-date updates showing in Where’s My Refund by Feb. 21, 2026).

Waiting on W-2s, 1099s, or a K-1? Use this 2026 timeline to track when tax forms arrive, avoid delays, and file your 2025 return confidently.

Knocking out a few simple steps before the year ends can make tax season dramatically easier. This checklist walks you through setting up one “home” for your tax documents, listing every income source you expect (W-2s, 1099s, side gigs, investments, rentals, or business income), and noting any major life changes—like moving, marriage, a new child, buying/selling a home, or getting a tax notice. If you’re self-employed or run a small business, it also covers a quick year-end bookkeeping cleanup so your records are accurate and ready to file. You’ll finish by gathering common deduction/credit paperwork, planning ahead for withholding or estimated taxes to avoid surprises, and using secure document sharing to protect sensitive information—so you can start the new year organized, confident, and ahead of the rush.