Lisa Monk & Associates, LLC

Prepare copies of your driver's license or state IDs, social security cards, proof of residence for dependents claiming EIC, income documents (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, etc.), business income statements, home office information if applicable, IRA/pension distributions, rental property income/expenses, social security benefits, income from sales of property, prior year installment sale information, other miscellaneous income, child care costs, education costs, adoption costs, home mortgage interest and points, investment interest expense, charitable donations, casualty and theft losses, medical and dental expenses, IRA contributions, energy credits, student loan interest, medical savings account contributions, self-employed health insurance payments, Keogh, SEP, SIMPLE and other self-employed pension plans, alimony paid, educator expenses, state and local income taxes paid, real estate taxes paid, personal property taxes, estimated tax payments, direct deposit information, foreign bank account information, and tax deduction documents.

The 2026 federal income tax brackets are 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, and 37%. The 37% rate applies to taxable income above $640,600 for single filers and $768,700 for married couples filing jointly. The brackets and rates are adjusted for inflation and remain unchanged from 2025.

The 2026 standard deduction is $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for married filing jointly, $24,150 for head of household, with additional deductions of $1,650 for married seniors and $2,050 for unmarried seniors over 65. Personal exemptions are $0 due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

For 2026, the AMT exemption phase-out begins at $625,350 in AMTI for single filers and $1,252,700 for married couples filing jointly, with an AMT rate of 28%.

You can check your tax refunds through the IRS Get Refund Status website (www.irs.gov) or by calling the IRS Inquiry Phone at (800) 829-1040.