It’s not quite the end of 2025 and tax season may seem like quite a way off. However, as a taxpayer and business owner, there are things you can do now to prepare to file taxes in 2026. Taking an hour or two when your San Francisco business has some year-end down time may help filing next year that much easier. Here are a few tips the IRS suggests you do now to make filing taxes in 2025 an easy process.
Make sure you have access to (or log into) your existing IRS online account. The online account allows taxpayers to access personal tax information, including recently filed returns, securely. Once you access your records, double check to make sure your name, address and contact information is all up-to-date and correct.
Through your IRS online account, taxpayers can view tax records, including adjusted gross income and transcripts. You can make/schedule/view payments and access available Forms W-2 and certain 1099s. The online account allows you to authorize a tax professional to access their tax records digitally. Additionally, you can view and edit communication preferences from the IRS and alternative media such as Braille, large print and more.
Gather and organize your tax records. This is one the biggest things you can do now to make tax filling so much easier in the new year. Having your tax records organized will help you complete accurate tax returns and avoid errors that could delay refunds. This may also help you identify deductions or credits that may have been overlooked. Here are a few suggestions of what you can gather now:
- Bank account information
- Forms W-2 from your employers
- Forms 1099 from banks and other payers
- Records of digital asset transactions
- Healthcare tax form (if you purchase health insurance from the Exchange)
Remember that you want to wait to file your tax return until you have official documents. But keeping these records organized now will help you once tax season rolls around.
Make sure your direct deposit information is set up. Direct deposit is the fastest way to receive a refund. Additionally, on Sept. 30, 2025, the IRS began phasing out paper tax refund checks (per Executive Order 14247). This means most taxpayers must provide routing and account numbers to get their refunds directly deposited into their bank accounts. Taxpayers without a bank account can learn how to open one at an FDIC insured bank or through the National Credit Union Locator Tool. Veterans can use the Veterans Benefits Banking Program for financial services options at participating banks.
Consult with a tax professional or attorney now. Once the new year hits, every CPA and tax attorney will be increasingly busier as the year goes on, especially as we get into the first few months of the year. If you have questions about your tax obligations, employees vs. independent contractors, or any other tax situation, take the time to meet with your tax professionals now while they are not in the midst of their busy season. This will also give you plenty of time to remedy any situation that may come up as a red flag.
Make sure you’ve withheld enough tax. Use the Tax Withholding Estimator to help you determine the right amount of tax to have withheld from your paycheck. You may find you need to adjust your withholding and submit a new Form W-4 to your employer. It’s best to do that now rather than wait until you’re into 2026. You may also consider making estimated tax payments so that you are not saddled with money owed to the IRS in April.
Don’t wait until just weeks before April 15, 2026 to prepare your tax information for 2025. Use the year-end downtime to gather records, update your contact details and review the IRS website for necessary information. Always consult with an experienced San Francisco tax attorney if you have questions about your business or taxes. Doing this now will make the 2026 tax season a little easier.
Allison Soares is a partner and tax attorney at Vanst Law LLP. It doesn’t matter the issue: audits, collections, appeals, international disclosures, grumpy people— Allison enjoys fixing problems. In addition to her legal work, she has worked in accounting and utilizes that knowledge to her advantage while handling cases involving EDD audits from San Francisco to San Diego.
