2026 Tax Update: 8 Tax Saving Tips

Here are 8 Key Strategies to Consider Before You File

1. Don’t Miss the Overtime Deduction

If you’re an hourly employee who put in extra hours this year, you might be eligible for a new temporary deduction. You can deduct the "half-time" portion of your time-and-a-half pay, capped at $12,500 for individuals ($25,000 for couples). Before you file, double-check your W-2 to ensure your overtime earnings are clearly identified.

2. Claim Your Tips—The Right Way

The new law allows for a deduction of up to $25,000 in reported tip income. However, there’s a catch: only tips formally documented on a W-2 or 1099 qualify. If you work in the service industry, ensure your reporting is accurate to avoid IRS processing delays.

3. Special Provisions for Seniors

Taxpayers aged 65 and older have a new "Senior Deduction" available—up to $6,000 for individuals and $12,000 for joint filers. Be mindful of your income levels, though; a large Roth conversion or capital gain could push you over the $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint) phaseout threshold.

4. Rethink Itemizing with the New SALT Cap

For years, the $10,000 cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) deductions made itemizing difficult for many. However, the new law has temporarily boosted that cap to $40,000. With the 2025 standard deduction sitting at $15,750 for singles and $31,500 for married couples, many of our clients may now find that itemizing—mortgage interest, charitable gifts, etc. yields a much lower tax liability.

Note: This benefit begins to phase out once your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) hits $500,000.

5. Drive Home Savings with the Auto Loan Deduction

Did you purchase a new vehicle for personal use in 2025? You may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in interest paid on that loan. To qualify, the vehicle must have undergone final assembly in the United States. Keep your lender statements handy, as you’ll need documentation of the interest paid to claim this break.

6. The Power of Managing Your MAGI

Many of these new deductions disappear once you hit specific income levels. If you are hovering near a phaseout limit—such as $300,000 (married filing jointly) for the overtime deduction or other limits—making a last-minute contribution to a traditional IRA or an HSA before the April deadline can lower your MAGI and preserve your eligibility for these high-value tax breaks.

7. Accuracy is Your Best Defense

The most common reason for a delayed refund or letter from the IRS isn’t a complex tax law—it’s a simple typo. Always verify Social Security numbers, dependent details, and Identity Protection PINs. At Carolina Business Services, we prioritize accuracy to ensure your filing moves through the IRS system without a hitch.

8. Go Digital for Faster Results

The IRS is moving away from paper checks. To get your refund in the typical 21-day window, we recommend filing electronically and choosing direct deposit. You can also utilize the IRS "Individual Online Account" tool to track your status and view your transcripts in real-time.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 tax year for your 2025 tax return offers incredible savings thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, but the rules are more "income-sensitive" than ever. Staying organized and timing your contributions correctly are your best tools for a stress-free tax season.



Ready to maximize your return? Contact the team at Carolina Business Services today. We’re here to help you handle the new rules and ensure your filing is accurate, professional, and built to save you money.

Additional Resources

• Get a deeper look at the One Big Beautiful Bill  and how this landmark legislation is reshaping federal tax brackets and deductions for the long term.

• Strategic tax planning is about more than just filing; use our tax planning guide to help you manage your income levels and stay below critical phaseout thresholds.

• Explore the specific benefits available to those 65 and older, including the new senior deduction and tips for managing retirement distributions.

• Learn the specific requirements for the tip income deduction, a complete guide including which occupations qualify and how to properly document your earnings.

• Track the status of your federal refund directly through the IRS. Most electronic filers can see their status within 24 hours of filing.