Tax Season: Where Are We? What Happens Next?

For a tax preparer, tax season might seem like an eternity, but it’s just 80 days, officially starting January 26, 2026, and ending April 15, 2026. So, we recently passed the halfway mark. You probably still have dozens or even hundreds of returns in front of you to prepare.

Meanwhile, the IRS is also busy. Based on recent IRS weekly filing statistics, the 2026 filing season is well underway, though it’s pacing a bit behind last year so far. As of late February, the IRS had received about 51.5 million individual returns and processed just under 51 million of them. That’s slightly fewer than at the same point last season, which the IRS has noted is pretty typical early on and often balances out as more clients file closer to the deadline.

Looking ahead, the IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual returns over the course of the entire 2026 filing season, including returns filed through extensions. That means roughly one‑third of the expected total was in by the end of February. Historically, the biggest surge in filings still comes in March and the first half of April, so the bulk of the season is typically still ahead at this point.

Already Time to Think Ahead

As a tax preparer, in the middle of tax season, you’re focused right now on just getting through the returns you’re working on. And even then, the work’s not done on April 15. After the deadline, you might find yourself shifting from regular filings to completing extended returns, preparing amended returns, and responding to IRS notices or client follow‑up questions.

Whether you work at a large tax practice, or you’re a solo practitioner, one of the biggest challenges is smoothing out revenue when a large share of the work—and billing—gets compressed into roughly 80 days of tax season. But as tax season winds up, you have a great opportunity to keep up the momentum by promoting other services to your clients.

In addition to individual returns, there are plenty of post-season opportunities for preparers. While the March 15 (or next business day) filing deadline for calendar-year S-corp and partnership returns has passed, there are continued opportunities tied to extensions, cleanup bookkeeping, K‑1 coordination, owner estimated tax planning, and final filings by September 15 for clients with an extended deadline.

Staying Engaged With Clients

The final delivery of tax documents is a perfect opportunity to highlight your long‑term capabilities without the client feeling like they’re getting a sales pitch. At that point, clients are engaged, relieved that filing is complete, and reflecting on what their return shows about the past year. You can leverage this for a smooth transition from filing returns and other compliance work to broader advisory conversations. The completed return often surfaces issues such as cash‑flow surprises, estimated tax gaps, record‑keeping challenges, or longer‑term exposure that makes services like tax planning, bookkeeping, or trust and estate planning immediately relevant.

When these services are introduced in the context of what appeared on the return, they tend to feel helpful rather than promotional. Even a brief note or invitation to revisit the numbers later in the year can reinforce the idea that your firm is a year‑round advisor, not just a once‑a‑year preparer. Used thoughtfully, this moment strengthens client relationships and sets the stage for ongoing engagement beyond tax season.

The end of tax season is also an opportunity to regroup for the year ahead, learn new skills, strengthen existing connections and develop new ones. Check out the Latino Tax Fest, June 22 through June 25, 2026 in Las Vegas, where you can learn the latest tax law and strategy, network with more than 2500 tax professionals and visit nearly 100 exhibitors specialized in products and services to grow your practice.

So, after you file your last return on April 15, take a few minutes to reflect on your accomplishments and the professional support you provided clients. And then, keep the momentum going. Successful tax professionals know tax season is really 365 days a year.