The countdown is on as early taxpayers await for the start of filing season Jan. 26, but there are some changes this year that experts say people should keep in mind to receive a fast, full refund.

Plus: Tax refunds, filing for free, car loan interest, Britney Spears goes to Tax Court, snowbirds suffer a defeat, Taxes From A to Z, tax deadlines, tax trivia and more.

The main difference between a W-9 and a 1099 is that you fill out a W-9, while the business or entity that is paying you completes the 1099. In most cases, you should receive any 1099 form by the end of January.

We compared the top free tax software options to help the do-it-yourself tax filers find the cheapest option in 2026.

Holyoke officials are fixing a property tax billing error that charged the wrong CPA rate, and corrected amounts will appear on fourth-quarter bills.

The tax cut isn’t coming from the federal government, but a handful of states. Eight states lowered their income tax rate, effective Jan. 1, according to the nonprofit thinktank Tax Foundation. By putting more money in their residents’ pockets, states hope to spur economic growth and attract more workers, businesses and investments, experts said.

Janet Yellen told Newsweek that exempting U.S. firms from new global taxation rules had sacrificed "significant tax revenue.”

IRS urges taxpayers to prepare now for the 2026 filing season with new rules, filing tips and major changes that could save time and stress.