Getting Ready for Tax Season 2026: A Friendly Guide for Solopreneurs, Creators & Gig Workers
January always brings a mix of excitement and “okay… deep breath” energy, especially when you’re running a business. But here’s the good news: the IRS has already released clear guidance on how to get ready for the 2026 filing season, and it’s much more manageable than most people expect.
If you’re a solopreneur, creator, consultant, or gig worker, this guide will help you start the year organized, confident, and fully compliant.
Let’s walk through what the IRS says you should do right now to make tax season smoother.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Upsplash
1. Set Up or Log Into Your IRS Online Account
The IRS is encouraging taxpayers to use their online accounts as the first step in preparing for the 2026 filing season. According to the IRS “Get Ready” campaign, your online account lets you:
View your tax transcripts
Access your adjusted gross income (AGI)
Check balances and payment plans
Retrieve W‑2s and certain 1099s
Authorize your tax professional digitally
Receive over 200 types of IRS digital notices
This is one of the easiest ways to stay organized, especially if you’ve ever misplaced a form or needed quick access to last year’s AGI.
Source: IRS “Get Ready” guidance
2. Gather and Organize Your Tax Records Early
The IRS emphasizes that organized records = accurate returns. This is especially important for self‑employed taxpayers because most of your income is not reported on a single form.
The IRS reminds taxpayers explicitly that most income is taxable, including:
Gig economy income
Digital asset income
Refund interest
Unemployment compensation
Start a simple folder (digital or paper) for:
1099‑NECs
1099‑Ks
1099‑MISCs
W‑2s (if you have part‑time employment)
Business receipts
Mileage logs
Home office expenses
Bank statements
This small habit prevents filing delays and helps you catch deductions you might otherwise miss.
Source: IRS “Get Ready” guidance
3. Watch for New Tax Law Changes Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
The IRS notes that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings several changes that affect 2025 returns filed in 2026. These include:
No tax on tips (up to $25,000)
No tax on overtime (up to $12,500 single / $25,000 joint)
New senior deduction
Expanded charitable deduction rules
Changes to vehicle and energy credits
If you work in a tipped or hourly industry, or serve clients who do, this is a great time to update your bookkeeping systems.
Source: IRS “Get Ready” guidance
4. Review Your Payment Options and Refund Preferences
The IRS encourages taxpayers to:
Use direct deposit for faster refunds
Set up or adjust payment plans early
Review estimated tax payments for 2026
If you struggled with quarterly taxes last year, January is the perfect time to adjust your system.
5. Avoid Delays by Filing an Accurate Return
The IRS stresses that the biggest cause of refund delays is missing or incorrect information. Double‑check:
Social Security numbers
Bank account details
Filing status
Income totals
Credits and deductions
Accuracy = faster refunds and fewer IRS notices.
Final Thoughts
Tax season doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With a bit of January prep, logging into your IRS account, organizing your records, and understanding the new 2026 rules, you can file confidently and avoid the stress that so many business owners experience.
You’re building something ethical, sustainable, and audit‑safe. And starting the year organized is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
Legal Disclosure:
CompliantHer™ program of (Relannford Enterprises LLC) is not a law firm. This document is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical, legal, or financial advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, please consult a physician, attorney, or accountant licensed to practice in your state and/or country.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Some of the links in this course are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, CompliantHer™ (Relannford Enterprises LLC) may earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.
