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Tax Season Tips
Tax filing season can be the source of many headaches. Below are resources available to help answer your questions.
IRS issues can be incredibly complicated and getting through to the right people to help can be a challenge.
I want to hear from you:
 If you have difficulties working with the IRS, my team may be able to assist. My office phone numbers are:
- (608) 752 - 4050 - Janesville Office
- (262) 654 - 1901 - Kenosha Office
- (262) 637 - 0510 - Racine Office
- (414) 285 - 2120 - St. Francis Office
There are also a number of new tax changes in 2026 that may make life more affordable for you and your family.
Here are some tips and resources that may be helpful this tax season.
Dates and Deadlines
Taxes are due on April 15, 2026, and can be filed with the IRS until that date. If you need more time, follow the instructions here to request an extension until October 15, 2026, to complete your return.
You should have already received your W2 and required filing information from your employer. Before you start, gather all the necessary information to ensure a smooth tax filing process.
Online Filing and Tax Resources
The IRS highlights free online filing resources for residents looking to submit basic tax returns. These are options for individuals making $89,000 or less annually and can be found on their trusted partners page.
For more complicated returns or for those looking for assistance, the IRS offers tips on choosing a good tax professional here.
Members of the armed services and qualifying veterans can file their federal tax returns using MilTax, a free Department of Defense designed to offer support for federal and state tax returns for service members.
You can check the status of your refund online using the IRS's online refund tool. Information is updated every night and will be available 24 hours after you e-file or 4 weeks after you file a paper return.
Avoiding Tax Scams
During tax season, scammers are more active in looking for opportunities to steal your private information. The IRS will never initiate contact with you via text message or email. If you receive a text or email claiming to be an IRS, do not respond to these messages.
Learn more about how to prevent scams and the common types of scams during tax season here.
Contacting the IRS
The IRS offers extended office hours at their local offices. To get an in-person appointment or to find the office location nearest you, use their Office Locator Tool on IRS.gov.
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov 24 hours a day to get answers to tax questions. IRS.gov is the quickest and easiest option to get help. In addition, the IRS's Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) is a tool that provides answers to several tax law questions specific to individual circumstances.
If you are having difficulties working with the IRS, please contact my office for assistance.
New Tax Changes in 2026
Several new tax changes passed last year are now in place for your 2026 returns. Here are a few provisions that might make life more affordable for you and your family in this tax season:
- Enhanced Standard Deduction
- $15,750 for single filers
- $31,500 for joint filers
- No Tax on Tips
- $25,000 maximum deduction
- Phases out at $150,000 annual income
- No Tax on Overtime
- $12,500 maximum deduction for single filers
- Phases out at $150,000 annual income
- $6,000 Senior Deduction
- Low- and Middle-Income seniors, 65+ are eligible
- Eliminates tax liability for 88% of Social Security recipients
- Permanent, Expanded Child Tax Credit
- $2,200 per dependent child
- Car Loan Interest Deduction
- Up to $10,000 for qualifying, American-made vehicles
- School Choice Scholarship Tax Credit
- $1,700 tax credit for qualifying K-12 scholarship programs
It's estimated that changes in recent law will increase families tax returns by an average of $1,000. For more information on how these changes may impact you visit the IRS website, Treasury landing page, or contact my office.
As always, feel free to contact my office if you have any questions, want to share an opinion, or are having trouble with a federal agency.
On Wisconsin,
Bryan Steil
Member of Congress
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