Tax Day will be here in a hurry now that tax season is officially underway. As of Jan. 26, 2026, the IRS began accepting and processing tax returns for the 2025 tax year, and more than 164 million individual tax returns are expected to be filed by the April 15, 2026, deadline. No matter if you entrust your tax return to a CPA—a certified public accountant—or use tax preparation software to file yourself, here are a few tips that should make tax season a little less taxing.
• Make your last-minute savings contributions: The deadline for making tax-deductible contributions to an individual retirement account (IRA) or health savings account (HSA) are the same as the tax filing deadline of April 15, 2026. However, if you want to deduct your IRA or HSA contribution from your taxable income, you’ll need to do so before you file your tax returns.
• Mind your investments: As tax forms start pouring in, it can be easy to forget about some of your taxable investments that may not be reported on various 1099 forms until February or March. If you think a form may be coming, lost, or delayed in the mail, you can likely log into your financial institution’s website to see when forms will be issued and download any applicable tax forms for the 2025 tax year.
• Stay organized: Making a checklist of all the tax forms you anticipate receiving, the deductions you intend to take, and then keeping those forms and supporting documentation in a file or organizer are the easiest ways to simplify your paper chase and ensure everything is accounted for. Once all your forms and documents are compiled, you’ll be ready to start filing your federal and state tax returns. If you use a CPA, they’ll likely have checklists and organizers ready for you. Reviewing your tax forms and returns with your CPA is also a great way to ensure you’re making tax-efficient financial decisions.
The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) reminds taxpayers that CPAs are ready to help. ICPAS’ free “Find a CPA” directory can help you find the trusted, strategic advisor that’s right for you based on location, types of services needed, and languages spoken. To read the full list of tips or to find your CPA at www.icpas.org/findacpa
