Preparing for the 2026 Tax Season

by | Feb 10, 2026

As we approach the 2026 tax season, we want to help you prepare for key electronic communications, delivery options, and important IRS updates—including federal tax law changes under the One, Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Electronic Delivery, Signatures, & Document Uploads

We understand that some clients are accustomed to paper-based processes, and we will continue to support them as they transition to new options. However, using Safesend for secure electronic delivery and electronic signatures, and uploading documents directly to your Suralink portal, provide important advantages.

SafeSend is used for secure document delivery and electronic signatures, including engagement letters and completed tax returns. Through SafeSend, you can review, sign, and receive documents electronically from any device, without waiting for mail delivery.

These electronic tools offer several benefits:

  • Enhanced security compared to email or physical mail
  • Faster processing with no delivery delays
  • Improved accuracy by ensuring documents are received clearly and completely
  • Convenient recordkeeping, with documents securely stored and accessible when needed

Using Suralink to upload documents—rather than mailing, dropping off paper copies, or emailing documents directly to your Rea Advisor—is the safest and most efficient way to share sensitive information. Your Suralink portal uses encryption and secure access controls designed specifically to protect confidential financial and tax data.

Please contact your Rea Advisor today to learn more about using SafeSend and how to access your Suralink portal to upload and retrieve documents. By utilizing these secure methods for document delivery, signatures, and communication, you help us work more efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and service.

Engagement Letters

You will soon receive your annual engagement letter, with most letters delivered electronically through SafeSend. Please note that this message is not spam. SafeSend is our secure document delivery platform. The engagement letter allows us to confirm the scope of services and expectations for the upcoming tax season. Once the signed engagement letter is returned, we are able to begin work on your tax return. We appreciate your timely review and signature, as this helps us move your engagement forward smoothly.

Electronic Tax Organizers Via Suralink

This year, your fillable Form 1040 tax organizer will be uploaded directly to your secure Suralink portal.

To complete your organizer:

  • Log in to your Suralink portal
  • Download the fillable PDF organizer to your computer or device
  • Enter your information directly into the fillable fields
  • Save the completed organizer
  • Re-upload the file back into your Suralink portal when finished

This process allows you to work on your organizer at your own pace while ensuring your information is transmitted securely and received by our team without delays or lost paperwork.

If you prefer a paper organizer, please contact your Rea office directly and we will be happy to provide one.

2026 Notable IRS Updates

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced new deductions and tax-planning opportunities that may require additional information from you. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Trump Accounts: “Trump Accounts” are tax-advantaged savings accounts for children under 18. For children born between 2025 and 2028, a one-time $1,000 government “pilot program” contribution is available. If you wish to establish a Trump Account for your child, please let us know as the election MUST be made with your 2025 tax return.
  • No Tax on Car Loan Interest: If you qualify for the No Tax on Car Loan Interest deduction, please be sure to provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for the qualified vehicle.
  • No Tax on Overtime: If you qualify for the No Tax on Overtime deduction, please provide your qualifying overtime compensation received in 2025. Qualified overtime compensation generally includes the portion of overtime pay required under Section 7 of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)—specifically, the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” pay.

Executive Order 14247, “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account”:

  • Direct Deposit for Refunds: The IRS is phasing out paper refund checks. Please ensure you have a bank account set up for direct deposit and that this information is provided to your Rea Advisor.
  • Electronic Payments to the IRS: The IRS strongly recommends using electronic payment methods, such as IRS Direct Pay, for estimated tax payments and balances due. The IRS has indicated that paper check payments may experience posting delays as Executive
  • Order 14247 continues to be implemented. We anticipate electronic payment requirements becoming mandatory by 2027.

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Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, legal, investment, or financial advice from a qualified professional. Consulting a qualified professional is crucial before making any decisions based on this information, as individual circumstances vary. While we use reasonable efforts to furnish accurate and up-to-date information, we do not warrant that any information contained in this article is accurate, complete, reliable, current, or error-free. We assume no liability or responsibility for any actions taken or not taken based on the content of this article. In no way does this article create a client relationship.

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