2026 Tax Season Survival Guide

New year, new tax deadlines

Ready to have your best tax season yet? Here’s my priority list to help you figure out what you need to tackle and when to do it:

Priority number one is prepping for any 1099s you need to file. If you're a business owner and you've paid $600 or more to a vendor for services, rent, royalties, or attorney fees, you might need to send them a 1099. Request a W-9 from each of your vendors (if you don't have one already), confirm that you do need to issue them a 1099 (and which type), verify the total amount you've paid them in 2025, then file as soon as you're ready. Need 1099 help? Respond to this email ASAP so I can help you get them taken care of!

Priority number two is your Q4 estimated tax payment on January 15th. Check with your tax accountant to find out your safe harbor payment amount (aka how much you need to pay to avoid penalties + interest).

Priority number three? Start prepping for tax season! For everyone, this means gathering all your tax documents + starting to upload them to your accountant's secure client portal. But for small business owners specifically, this means finishing up your 2025 bookkeeping and making sure your financials are tax-ready! If you need help wrapping up your 2025 bookkeeping, let's connect this week!

From my experience, tax season freaks out even the most financially savvy people, but I have a fix for your tax-time panic.

I've put together a 2026 Tax Season Survival Guide that includes a checklist of nearly everything you'll need to file your 2025 personal tax return, so you’re not left wondering, “Am I missing something?” Download your free copy below!

My availability to take on new clients for bookkeeping services is filling up fast. Let’s work together to make 2026 the year you finally feel in control of your finances!