The IRS has officially opened the 2026 tax filing season and is now accepting and processing federal individual income tax returns for tax year 2025. With approximately 164 million individual returns expected before the April 15, 2026 deadline, early preparation and strategic planning are more important than ever.
At Velin & Associates, Inc., CPA Los Angeles, we help business owners, creators, healthcare professionals, and high-net-worth individuals navigate filing season with clarity and confidence. Below is what you need to know—and how it may affect you.
Key Filing Season Dates for 2026
- 📅 Opening day: January 26, 2026
⠀ - 📅 Deadline: April 15, 2026
⠀ - 💳 Most refunds issued within: 21 days (if e-filed with direct deposit)
⠀ - 👶 EITC & ACTC refunds expected by: March 2, 2026 (for eligible taxpayers)
Filing electronically and choosing direct deposit remains the fastest way to receive a refund. The IRS continues phasing out paper refund checks, making bank account information essential.
Why Electronic Filing Matters More Than Ever
2026 marks the 40th anniversary of electronic filing. Today, e-file combined with direct deposit significantly reduces processing delays and refund wait times.
While IRS Free File and Fillable Forms are available, more than half of taxpayers choose to work with a tax professional. For many individuals—especially business owners—professional preparation reduces errors, identifies deductions, and minimizes audit risks.
At our Accounting Firm, we routinely correct mistakes from DIY filings that lead to delayed refunds, notices, or missed deductions.
What This Means for Business Owners and Professionals
Filing season is not just about submitting a return—it’s about strategy.
📦 Shopify & Amazon Sellers
As a CPA for Shopify Store and Amazon Business CPA, we frequently see:
- 1099-K reporting issues
- Inventory accounting errors
- Missed deductions for advertising and fulfillment
- Multi-state sales complications
Example:
A Los Angeles-based Shopify entrepreneur may receive multiple 1099-K forms from payment processors. If gross sales are reported without reconciling refunds and fees, taxable income can appear inflated. Proper bookkeeping and tax preparation prevent overpayment.
🎬 Creators & Entertainment Professionals
As a CPA for Creators, CPA for Filmmakers, and provider of Tax services for entertainment, we assist:
- YouTubers and TikTokers with brand deals
- Influencers receiving 1099 income
- Production professionals with project-based earnings
Creators often have fluctuating income. Filing season is the time to:
- Properly deduct equipment and home office expenses
- Plan estimated taxes for 2026
- Evaluate entity structure for liability and tax efficiency
Without proper planning, many creators underpay quarterly taxes and face penalties.
🏥 Healthcare Professionals & Medical Practices
As a CPA for Doctors, Dentist CPA, and provider of Tax services healthcare, we focus on:
- W-2 vs. 1099 compensation structures
- Practice expense optimization
- Retirement contribution planning
- Multi-entity filings for medical groups
Example:
A medical practice owner earning above six figures may benefit from strategic retirement contributions before filing to reduce taxable income for 2025.
Healthcare professionals often face complex filings, especially if they operate through S-Corps or partnerships.
💼 High Net Worth Individuals
As a CPA for High Net Worth Individuals, filing season involves more than income reporting:
- Investment income coordination
- Capital gains planning
- Trust or entity reporting
- Estimated tax recalculations
Waiting until April to prepare a return limits planning opportunities. Filing early provides time to evaluate 2026 strategies.
Refunds: What to Expect in 2026
Most taxpayers who file electronically and choose direct deposit receive refunds within 21 days.
However, certain returns require additional review, including:
- EITC or ACTC claims
- Identity verification cases
- Incomplete or mismatched reporting
For eligible taxpayers claiming Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, refunds are expected by March 2, 2026, if no issues arise.
We advise clients not to rely on refund timing for major financial commitments until funds are received.
Choosing the Right Tax Professional
The IRS continues warning taxpayers about unethical “ghost preparers.” Working with a qualified professional ensures:
- Proper documentation
- Accurate reporting
- Strategic tax planning
- Compliance with new tax law updates
At Velin & Associates, Inc., we provide:
- ✔ Bookkeeping and tax services
- ✔ Tax preparation for individuals and businesses
- ✔ Tax services for commerce and online businesses
- ✔ Entity structure and compliance support
- ✔ Strategic planning for doctors, creators, and entrepreneurs
Whether you need a trusted CPA in Los Angeles or ongoing tax support, proper preparation goes beyond form filing — it’s about strategic financial planning.
Start Early, Plan Smart
Opening day of filing season is not the finish line—it’s the starting point. Filing early:
- Reduces fraud risk
- Speeds up refunds
- Identifies tax-saving opportunities
- Provides clarity for 2026 planning
If you operate a business, practice medicine or dentistry, earn income online, or manage investments, proactive tax preparation can make a measurable difference.
For more information about our tax planning services, contact us today: visit our website.
Velin & Associates, Inc
8159 Santa Monica Blvd STE 198/200 West Hollywood, CA 90046
323-902-1000
dmitriy@losangelescpa.org
CPA for YouTubers | CPA for Shopify Store | CPA for Commerce | CPA for Creators | Shopify Store CPA | CPA for Filmmakers | CPA for Amazon Business | Amazon Business CPA | CPA for Dental Practice | Dentist CPA | Dental Business CPA | Online Commerce CPA | CPA for TikTokers | CPA for Doctors | CPA for Medical Practice | CPA for High Net Worth Individuals | Tax services healthcare | Tax services for a business | Tax services tiktok | Tax services for commerce | Tax services Los Angeles | Bookkeeping and tax services | Tax preparation | Accounting Firm | Tax services for doctor | Tax services for entertainment | Online CPA | CPA Los Angeles
Hello