SALT cap quadrupled
The deduction for state and local taxes rose from $10,000 to $40,000 for 2025 and $40,400 for 2026. It phases down above $500,000 of income. Homeowners in high-tax states like New York may come out ahead by itemizing again.
Updated for the 2026 tax year
Your tax return, made simple.
A plain-English guide to filing your federal and state return: what to gather, what changed under the new tax law, and whether itemizing will save you money.
The 2025 tax law
What's new on your return
The July 2025 tax law made the 2017 rate cuts permanent and added several new deductions for 2025 through 2028. These are the changes most likely to affect a typical household.
Bigger standard deduction
For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 single, $24,150 head of household and $32,200 married filing jointly. The Child Tax Credit is $2,200 per child.
No tax on tips
Workers in tipped occupations can deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips, even if they take the standard deduction. The deduction phases out above $150,000 of income ($300,000 joint).
Overtime deduction
The extra "half" of time-and-a-half overtime pay is deductible up to $12,500 ($25,000 joint), with the same income phase-out as tips.
Senior bonus deduction
Taxpayers 65 and older get an extra $6,000 deduction each ($12,000 for a qualifying couple), on top of the regular standard deduction. It phases out above $75,000 of income ($150,000 joint).
Car loan interest
Interest on a loan for a new, U.S.-assembled personal vehicle bought after 2024 is deductible up to $10,000 a year. It phases out above $100,000 of income ($200,000 joint).
Charity without itemizing
Starting in 2026, non-itemizers can deduct cash gifts to charity of up to $1,000 ($2,000 joint). Keep your receipts.
Credits that ended
Clean-vehicle credits ended for vehicles acquired after Sept. 30, 2025. Home energy-efficiency and residential clean-energy credits ended after Dec. 31, 2025.
Deductions now gone for good
Moving expenses (except for the military) and unreimbursed employee business expenses are permanently eliminated for most filers.
Summary for general information only. Amounts and eligibility rules have limits not shown here. Confirm details at IRS.gov.
Before you file
Tax document checklist
Most people need only a few of these. Tick off items as you gather them. Your progress is saved in this browser.
0 gathered
Quick calculator
Should you itemize?
Itemizing only helps when your deductions add up to more than the standard deduction. With the SALT cap now $40,400, many more homeowners clear that bar. Enter rough 2026 figures to see where you land.
Medical expenses count only above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, so enter both. Estimates only. This ignores the extra standard deduction for age 65+ or blindness, the SALT phase-down above $505,000 of income, and the 0.5%-of-income floor on charitable gifts. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.
Benchmarks
What professional tax preparation costs
Typical national fees for a paid preparer to complete a federal and one state return. Fees run higher in large metro areas and for CPAs. Ask for a quote up front.
| Return type | Typical fee |
|---|---|
| Basic returnW-2 income, standard deduction, one state | $220 – $280 |
| Itemized returnSchedule A plus one state | $320 – $400 |
| Side business or contract workAdd Schedule C to a basic return | +$125 – $190 |
| Itemized + self-employedSchedule A and Schedule C plus one state | $450 – $550 |
| Each additional statePart-year residents, multi-state workers | $40 – $75 |
Sources: National Society of Accountants Income & Fees survey (2020–21 edition: $220 basic, $323 itemized, $192 Schedule C) and the National Association of Tax Professionals 2025 fee study ($280 for a CPA-prepared basic 1040; Schedule C +$123–$135), adjusted for inflation. The additional-state range is an estimate. Ranges are rounded.
Simple return? It may be free.
IRS Free File offers free guided software if your income is $89,000 or less. IRS-sponsored VITA sites provide free in-person preparation for qualifying filers.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the filing deadline, and can I get more time?
Returns are generally due April 15. Filing Form 4868 extends the deadline to October 15. An extension gives you more time to file, not to pay. Estimate and pay what you owe by April to avoid interest and penalties.
How long does a refund take?
Most e-filed returns with direct deposit are refunded within 21 days. Paper returns take much longer. Track yours with the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool, usually 24 hours after e-filing.
Should I take the standard deduction or itemize?
Take whichever is larger. For 2026 the standard deduction is $16,100 single, $24,150 head of household and $32,200 married filing jointly. Use the calculator above for a quick comparison.
How do I choose a paid tax preparer?
Every paid preparer must have an IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) and sign your return. Look for an Enrolled Agent, CPA or attorney in the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. Avoid anyone who bases fees on the size of your refund, or who asks you to sign a blank return.
How should I share my documents safely?
Never send Social Security numbers or tax forms by ordinary email. Reputable preparers use an encrypted upload portal. An IRS Identity Protection PIN adds a strong layer of protection against someone filing in your name.
I received a letter from the IRS. What should I do?
Don't ignore it, and don't panic. Most notices are routine adjustments or requests for information. Read the response deadline, compare it with your return, and reply by mail or through your IRS Online Account. The IRS never starts contact by text, email or social media.
What if I made a mistake on a return I already filed?
File Form 1040-X to amend it. You generally have three years from the original filing date to claim an additional refund. Amended returns can now be e-filed.
Official tools
Helpful resources
Where's My Refund?Track your federal refund status
Tax Withholding EstimatorFine-tune your W-4 so you don't owe in April
IRS Online AccountBalances, payments, transcripts and notices
Identity Protection PINBlock fraudulent returns filed in your name
File an extensionGet until October 15 to file
Find free tax help (VITA / TCE)Free in-person preparation near you
Directory of tax preparersVerify a preparer's IRS credentials
Standard mileage ratesBusiness, medical and charitable driving
Free credit reportsThe only federally authorized source
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