Tax Season Is Here. Yes, a Few Things Changed This Year.

If tax season feels a little different this year… you’re not imagining it.

Every filing year comes with tweaks, thresholds, and quiet rule changes that can impact what you owe (or get back). Some are small. Some matter more than people expect — especially for families, self-employed filers, and anyone with side income.

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of what’s new this filing year, what actually matters, and where having a professional in your corner makes all the difference.

📈 Tax Brackets & Standard Deductions Adjusted (Again)

Thanks to inflation adjustments, tax brackets and standard deductions increased slightly this year.

What that means for you:

• You may be able to earn a bit more before moving into a higher tax bracket

• The standard deduction is higher, which can reduce taxable income if you don’t itemize

Good news: This helps many filers keep more of their money.

Reality check: It doesn’t eliminate the need for smart planning — especially if your income changed this year.

👶 Child Tax Credit: Back to “Normal” Rules

If you remember the expanded Child Tax Credit from a few years ago — that’s officially in the rearview mirror.

This year:

• The credit remains available, but not at the enhanced pandemic levels

• Refundability is more limited than many families remember

Translation: Some families are surprised when their refund looks smaller than expected. That’s not a mistake — it’s a rule change.

💼 Side Income, Gig Work & 1099s — Still a Big Focus

If you freelance, sell online, take side jobs, or run a small business, the IRS continues to keep a close eye on non-W2 income.

A few key reminders:

• Income is taxable even if you didn’t receive a form

• Payment platforms still report activity — just not always in the way people expect

• Deductions matter more than ever, but they must be documented correctly

This is one of the biggest areas where people accidentally under-report or miss legitimate write-offs.

Credits on your tax return can be valuable, but assumptions can cost you. Details matter. We help you figure out which credits you qualify for!

🚗 Energy Credits & EV Rules Got More Specific

Energy-related tax credits (like electric vehicles and home improvements) are still available — but the rules are tighter.

This year:

• Credits depend more heavily on income limits

• Some credits now apply at the point of sale, not just on your return

• Not every vehicle or upgrade qualifies

Bottom line: These credits can be valuable, but assumptions can cost you. Details matter.

🏡 Life Changes Matter More Than You Think

Bought a house? Changed jobs? Started a business? Got married or divorced?

Those aren’t just life events — they’re tax events.

Even small changes can affect:

• Filing status

• Withholding accuracy

• Credits and deductions

• Estimated payments

If you’re still filing “the same way you always have,” you might be missing opportunities — or creating problems without realizing it.

Why Working With James Harvey and Associates Makes a Difference

Tax software is great at math.

It’s not great at strategy, nuance, or catching red flags.

At James Harvey & Associates, the focus isn’t just on filing — it’s on:

• Making sure nothing is missed

• Explaining what changed and why it affects you

• Helping you plan ahead instead of reacting next year

Whether your return is simple or layered, having real professionals reviewing your situation brings peace of mind — and often better outcomes.

Final Thought

Tax changes don’t have to be stressful — but they do need attention.

If this filing year brought new income, new responsibilities, or just new questions, now is the time to address them correctly, not guess and hope for the best.

📞 Reach out to James Harvey & Associates and take tax season off your mental to-do list.