09/05/2026
🏥 Kept every medical receipt?
That's a great start—but receipts must be for qualified medical expenses related to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease.
Before filing, review:
✔️ What you paid out of pocket
✔️ Insurance reimbursements
✔️ Whether you itemize deductions
A little review now can help you avoid costly mistakes later.
09/01/2026
👴 Retirement doesn't always mean simpler taxes.
Before filing, check:
✔️ Whether your Social Security benefits are taxable
✔️ How IRA/401(k) withdrawals affect your income
✔️ Whether you need withholding or estimated tax payments
A quick review now can help prevent surprises later.
Did you know Social Security benefits can be taxable?
08/29/2026
🏠 Bought a home this year?
Don't assume your mortgage interest and property tax deductions automatically carry over to your tax return.
Before filing, review:
✔️ Form 1098 and verify your home's address
✔️ Mortgage interest actually paid (Box 1 on Form 1098)
✔️ Property taxes you paid (Box 5 on Form 1098)
✔️ Mortgage Insurance Premiums paid (Box 9 on Form 1098)
✔️ Any prorated amounts at closing
Your closing documents are a great starting point—but they aren't your tax return.
Did you buy or sell a home this year?
08/25/2026
👴 Retirement doesn't always mean simpler taxes.
Many new retirees are surprised to learn that:
✔️ Social Security benefits may be taxable
✔️ Some IRA and 401(k) withdrawals count as income
✔️ Higher income can increase Medicare premiums (IRMAA)
Before filing, review all of your retirement income together—not one source at a time.
Which part of your retirement taxes surprised you the most?
08/22/2026
🏠 Sold your home this year?
Don't assume you'll remember every tax detail later. Before filing, review your closing statement, selling expenses, property tax adjustments, and eligible improvements.
And don't forget about the Home Sale Exclusion - $250K for Single filers and $500K for Joint filers.
Did you ever rent out your home? Rental history can add extra complexity when reporting the sale. Unsure how to report it? FileTax+ members can get direct answers from a tax pro anytime with our Ask An Expert feature!
Keeping the right records now can help you avoid missed deductions or reporting errors later.
Did you buy or sell a home this year?
08/18/2026
🎓 Filing too early could cost you an education tax credit.
Before submitting your return, make sure you have your W-2, Form 1098-T, scholarship information, and know who is claiming the student.
Taking the time to verify these documents ensures you properly claim credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) or Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC).
A little patience now can help you avoid missed tax benefits later.
Are you still waiting for your 1098-T?
08/15/2026
Your divorce decree says you're single. The IRS might still think you're married.
That mismatch, wrong name, old address, different SSN on file, is the #1 reason divorcees get refund delays or surprise notices. Even if your math is perfect.
Before you File DIY Taxes, know that the IRS bases filing status on your actual marital status as of the tax year end (12/31) which is based on the effective date of the divorce.
Ready to get it right the first time?
08/11/2026
🎓 Received your Form 1098-T? Don’t rush to file just yet!
Before you claim an education tax credit, you need to run the "Aid to Credit" match.
What is the Aid to Credit match?
It’s comparing Box 5 (Scholarships & Grants) against Box 1 (Qualified Tuition & Expenses). If your aid covers all your tuition, or if it isn't reported strategically, you could miss out on tax credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)—worth up to $2,500—or accidentally create unexpected taxable income!
Before you file, double-check these 5 details:
✔️ Box 1: Payments received for qualified tuition
✔️ Box 5: Total scholarships and grants
✔️ Dependency: Who claims the student (Parent vs. Student)
✔️ Credit Rules: AOTC vs. Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
✔️ Enrollment Status: Half-time vs. full-time status
How & where to run the match:
Don't guess the numbers yourself. FileTax.com automatically calculates your Aid-to-Credit match to make sure you claim every dollar you’re eligible for—whether you choose DIY filing or work with our pros.
👉 Tap the link in our bio to verify your 1098-T and maximize your tax credit today!
08/08/2026
📅 Going through a divorce? The date your divorce became final can affect your filing status, tax credits, and deductions. Before filing, confirm your court finalization date and ensure your return reflects your legal status. One date can change your entire return.
08/04/2026
🎓 Sending your child to college this year?
Don't assume your tax benefits stay the same. Benefits can change year to year based on eligibility rules and the tax documents you receive.
Many families are surprised to learn that a student's income, tuition reporting, and education tax forms can change who claims certain tax benefits.
Before filing, make sure you know:
✔️ Who will claim the student
✔️ When the 1098-T arrives
✔️ Whether your student's income changes their filing situation
A little planning now can help you avoid missed credits and tax-season surprises.
Has your family already received the 1098-T for this school year?