June 3, 2026
Definitely take a break this June. But taxes don’t take vacations. So, you also should make time for some tax tasks. Some will keep you out of tax trouble. Others could mean tax savings.
BLOG POSTS
Take a close look at your 2025 tax return. New tax laws created by the One Big Beautiful Bill could provide you with added savings this filing season. Here are 8 to check out.
If you get income that’s not subject to withholding, you must cover the tax due by making estimated tax payments. The last one for the 2025 tax year is due Jan. 15, 2026. Yes, that is Thursday.
If you used IRS’ Free File last year to complete your federal taxes, then it’s tax déjà vu time. The same eight tax software companies are back for the 2026 tax season. You can use Free File if your 2025 income was $89,000 or less.
The 2026 tax filing season begins Jan. 9 for Free File eligible taxpayers. The full start is Jan. 29, the day the IRS will start processing our 2025 tax year returns.
These snow-obscured signs aren’t much help, but the ol’ blog, basking unseasonably warm January temperatures here in Central Texas, has some tax guideposts to help to help welcome the new 2026 tax year. (Photo by Christina & Peter)
Geese, an indie rock band from Brooklyn, gained a flock of new fans in 2025. Could its song “Taxes” be one of the reasons for its growing popularity?
A new year also brings tax law changes in 43 states. Individual taxpayers in 9 of them will see lower tax rates. States also have tweaked their business, sales, excise, and property tax laws for 2026.
Taxes and You
We all know Benjamin Franklin’s observation that death and taxes are the only two certainties. But what Ben didn’t note was just how much taxes affect us while we’re enjoying our lives. Taxes are a consideration from the day your parents gaze down lovingly at you in your crib, and continue until they converge in Franklin’s famous quote.
Don’t Mess With Taxes, the award-winning blog from tax journalist and author Kay Bell, will help you deal with the many taxes you’ll encounter during that long and happy process, hopefully making taxes less, well, taxing throughout your lifetime.
About Don't Mess With Taxes
Don’t Mess With Taxes is a tax blog written by journalist and author Kay Bell. Although Kay is not a tax professional – she doesn’t prepare taxes for clients for a living – her experience in Washington, D.C., first as a staff member of the tax-writing U.S. House Ways and Means committee and then in the government relations offices for two major Fortune 100 companies, has provided her valuable insight into the tax process. Based on her experiences and continuing tax education, Kay shares her tax observations, tips, and commentary in Don’t Mess With Taxes.
Simplify Your Taxes, Maximize Your Savings
Your Comprehensive Tax Blog
Taxes have been a part of your life since your parents welcomed you into this world. From that beginning as a spanking new tax break for mom and dad, taxes have had an important role in all your major life events, from getting a job, saying “I do,” buying and selling homes, having kids of your own, and even retiring.
Yes, the involvement of the Internal Revenue Service is not welcome when Uncle Sam is collecting your money. But in many ways, the tax code can be your best friend. You just need to know how it applies to your personal circumstances so you can take advantage of it. This comprehensive tax blog, Don’t Mess With Taxes, is here to help you do just that!
The IRS has long sought the ability to regulate certain paid tax preparers. A new GAO report supports that effort, which it says can protect taxpayers and ensure integrity the filing system.
The longest-ever government shutdown mainly affected Department of Homeland Security agencies, including airport security check staff. As it appears to finally be winding down, Tax Day for affected federal workers is pushed from April 15 to May 15.
April brings not only spring showers for thirsty flowers, but also several tax tasks. Here are six April tax moves to consider.
This current father and son vehicular bonding won’t pass Wyoming’s new vehicle transfer tax exemption muster. But one day, dad can give (or sell) the car tax-free to the licensed young driver thanks to a new Cowboy State sales and use tax break.
Blog Posts
The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic.
July 6, 2026
It’s never too early for children to learn solid money lessons. The new Trump Account,…
We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.
Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.
But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.
The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.
And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)