Up to this Child Tax Credit amount per qualifying child
Taxes · Business · Education
Tax guide
What to know for your next tax return
2027 tax season
What to know for your next tax return
Official IRS figures for tax year 2026, filed between January and April 2027.
Maximum Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) with three or more qualifying children
Standard deduction for married couples filing jointly
| Single | $16,100 |
|---|---|
| Married filing jointly | $32,200 |
| Qualifying surviving spouse | $32,200 |
| Head of household | $24,150 |
| Married filing separately | $16,100 |
If you are 65 or older, or blind, add $1,650 for each condition ($2,050 if single or head of household). If both apply, add both.
| No children | $664 |
|---|---|
| 1 child | $4,427 |
| 2 children | $7,316 |
| 3 or more | $8,231 |
Requires earned income and valid Social Security numbers. Without qualifying children, you must be 25 to 64 years old. The credit phases out as income rises and is not available if investment income exceeds $12,200.
Child Tax Credit
- Up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17 at the end of the year.
- Up to $1,700 per child may be refundable even if you owe no tax, depending on your earned income.
- Begins to phase out above $200,000 of income ($400,000 if filing jointly).
- You (or your spouse, if filing jointly) and each child must have a Social Security number valid for employment.
- Other dependents may qualify you for a credit of up to $500 each (non-refundable).
New for people 65 or older: an additional deduction of up to $6,000 per person (2025–2028), whether you take the standard deduction or itemize. Requires a Social Security number on the return and, if married, filing jointly. It phases out above $75,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($150,000 jointly).
Source: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and official IRS pages. Updated: September 2026. Figures may change if new laws are passed.
Verified: September 14, 2026.
Tax Credits You Should Know About
- Child Tax Credit — For qualifying children under age 17, this can lower what you owe.
- Credit for Other Dependents — For dependents who don't qualify for the Child Tax Credit (for example, older children or certain relatives you support).
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) — Designed for low-to-moderate income individuals and families. Many people qualify without realizing it.
- Education Credits (American Opportunity Credit / Lifetime Learning Credit) — If you or a dependent are studying, part of tuition and school expenses may become a credit.
- Dependent Care Credit — If you paid for childcare or dependent care so you could work, it may qualify.
Note: Amounts, income limits, and eligibility rules can change from one tax season to the next. The office reviews which ones apply to your exact case.
Deductions Many People Forget
- Business expenses (self-employed) — Supplies, mileage, and the part of internet or phone you use for work.
- Home office — If you use part of your home exclusively and regularly for your business, a portion of mortgage interest (not loan principal) and home utilities may be deductible.
- Charitable donations — Cash or goods donated to qualified organizations, with receipts.
- High medical expenses — When they exceed a certain percentage of your income, part may be deductible.
- Student loan interest — Up to an annual limit, without needing to itemize.
Note: Each deduction has its own rules and documentation requirements (receipts, records). Keep your documents year-round.
Important IRS Dates and Notices
- Tax season generally opens in late January, with a filing deadline in mid-April, unless the IRS announces an extension.
- If you won't finish on time, you can request an extension — but a filing extension is NOT a payment extension.
- The IRS never initiates contact by text message, social media, or email demanding immediate payment. If you receive one, be suspicious.
- Keep copies of your returns and supporting documents for at least 3 years.
Note: These are general guidelines, not an official calendar. Exact dates each season are confirmed with the IRS or the office.
General educational information; this does not replace personalized tax advice. Consult the office about the details of your case. Reviewed: September 2026. General source: irs.gov.
Calendar
Key dates
Fourth 2026 estimated tax payment.
Deadline for employers and payers to send W-2s and 1099-NECs.
Deadline to file your 2026 return or request an extension, pay any tax owed and make the first 2027 estimated payment. An extension gives more time to file, not to pay.
The date the IRS starts accepting returns is pending official announcement. Dates may change, for example due to declared disasters; confirm them on IRS.gov.
Get ready
What to bring to your appointment
- Valid photo ID
- Social Security cards or ITIN assignment letters for everyone on the return
- Forms W-2, 1099 (NEC, MISC, K, INT, DIV, G, R) and SSA-1099
- Form 1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
- Forms 1098 (mortgage interest), 1098-T (tuition) or 1098-E (student loans)
- Child care expenses, with the provider's name, address and tax ID number
- Income and expense records if you are self-employed
- Last year's tax return
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Letters from the IRS and your IP PIN, if you have one
