The 2026 tax season is in full swing, and several changes to the tax code could lead to bigger incomes for some Americans.
And while this large refund can make it tempting to file on time, tax experts warn that incomplete filings can delay the processing of your refund or even trigger an audit (1).
According to Elizabeth Young, director of tax practice and ethics for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the IRS uses “very sophisticated software” that compares the information employers and financial companies report with what’s in your file. Between what you provide and what third party reports can flag your return for audit.
The 2026 filing season also brings some big changes over the years, thanks to a big beautiful bill. Garrett Watson, director of policy analysis at the Tax Foundation, estimates that these changes will reduce taxes by about $610 on average, bringing the average return from $3,050 in 2024 to about $3,800 in 2025 (2).
With potentially more money on the line, it’s probably worth slowing down to make sure your file is complete and correct before submitting.
For many families, a tax refund may be one of the largest single payments they will receive all year. This money can go toward paying off credit card balances, covering rent, building an emergency fund or paying medical bills. But filing too soon, especially before all the tax documents are due, can backfire.
Early filing works best for workers with simple, salary-based income and no major life changes. If you only receive a W-2 and claim the standard deduction, you can file as soon as you have the form in hand.
However, taxpayers with investment income, side gigs, freelance work or business income often receive multiple forms, and these statements are not always due in January (1). If you file without including all of your applicable forms, the IRS’s automatic matching system may detect a discrepancy, which could lead to a delay in your return, a notice requesting more information or, in some cases, a formal audit.
In addition, audit risk will increase this year due to major tax law changes, which could increase confusion for taxpayers who are unfamiliar with the new deductions or credits (2).
There are also administrative challenges. The IRS watchdog previously warned that some taxpayers could see “major challenges” during the 2026 filing season during a 27% workforce reduction that will lead to fewer customer service representatives (3). This can mean a long wait time if you need help solving an issue.
While there is no guaranteed way to avoid an IRS audit, there are steps you can take to limit your risk.
“We don’t know all the things the IRS audits,” April Walker, senior director of tax practice and ethics with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, shared with CNBC (4). “But one of the best ways to avoid this is to make sure you report everything completely and thoroughly.”
Here are a few more tips to make sure this tax season goes smoothly.
Read more: The average net worth of Americans is a staggering $620,654. But it makes almost no sense. Here’s the number that counts (and how to make it skyrocket)
Before filing, verify that you have received any necessary tax documents. These include (1):
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Form W-2 from each employee
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Form 1099 for freelance, gig or investment income
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Form 1099-DA for digital asset transactions
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Form 1098-VLI for special car loan benefits
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Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098) and other forms related to the deduction
If you’re claiming new deductions, such as those related to tips or overtime earnings, double-check whether your employer reported these figures on your W-2. If not, you need to calculate the qualified income very carefully.
A prior year return can be one of the best organizational tools you have. Compare line by line to see what sources of income, credits or deductions you claimed last year. If you had interest income, dividends or side gig income last year, ask yourself if these sources still apply and if you received the same forms.
Remember, investment statements are often the last to arrive, and filing before they are issued increases the chance that you will later amend your return and could result in an audit.
The IRS continues to encourage electronic filing over direct deposit, which is generally the fastest way to file a return. The agency is also phasing in paper checks on electronic payments in most cases (5).
Setting up an IRS online account can help you track the status of your return, access past tax records and view notifications quickly. The IRS also offers free filing options for eligible taxpayers, which can reduce errors compared to manual paper filings.
Finally, review your taxes carefully. Verify social security numbers, bank account details and income figures. Simple data entry errors, such as missed numbers, can delay processing.
Filing early can help you get a refund faster, but make sure you have all your paperwork in advance. With big returns and big tax changes in a year, taking a little extra time can help you avoid delays, stress and unwanted audits from the IRS.
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CNBC (1, 3, 4); Como News (2); IRS (5).
This article provides information only and should not be used as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
