When people ask what's different about filing 2025 taxes in 2026, I point to three things that are catching filers off guard: more income sources being reported digitally, shifting thresholds around gig and side income, and tighter matching between what you report and what third parties submit. I've seen returns flagged simply because a freelancer forgot a small platform payout that the IRS already had on file. Taxes are also more complicated for DIY filers because tax software can't ask the right follow-up questions when your situation changes mid-year, like moving states, starting a side hustle, or changing filing status. From what I see in practice, a good tax pro can often save an average consumer a few hundred to a few thousand dollars compared to DIY, mostly by catching missed deductions, credits, or timing strategies that software skips. For 2025 filing, most individuals pay roughly $250-$500 for a standard return and more if there's self-employment or multiple income streams, which is slightly higher than past years due to added compliance and review time. The most commonly missed money for DIY filers comes from overlooked business expenses, education credits, and retirement contribution opportunities that require planning before filing, not during it. The biggest mistake people make when hiring a pro is not asking how they handle audits, what they proactively look for beyond data entry, and whether they'll explain decisions in plain language instead of just submitting the return.
Filing 2025 taxes in 2026 feels different for consumers because the rules around gig income, digital payments, and reporting thresholds keep shifting, and people are finally feeling it. I've seen more clients surprised by 1099-K forms from side hustles, resale platforms, or even casual online sales, and many don't realize those numbers aren't automatically "extra income" without proper offsets. Taxes are also more complicated for DIY filers because software can only ask so many questions; it doesn't know when a life change, a move, or a mix of W-2 and freelance work creates planning opportunities or red flags. In my experience, the people who pay the most attention are the ones who had multiple income streams or big changes in 2025, because that's where mistakes and missed savings usually happen. When people ask how much a tax pro can really save versus DIY, I've seen hundreds to several thousand dollars in legitimate savings for the average filer, mostly by catching deductions, credits, or filing positions software glosses over. Commonly missed money includes state-specific credits, depreciation on small side businesses, retirement contribution strategies, and properly allocating expenses for gig work. For 2025 filing in 2026, most individuals pay a few hundred dollars for a straightforward return and more if there's self-employment or multiple states involved, which is higher than past years because of added compliance time and complexity. The biggest value isn't just filing, it's having someone slow down, ask better questions, and explain why something does or doesn't apply to you. The biggest mistake I see when hiring a tax pro is not asking how proactive they are beyond data entry. Consumers should ask how the preparer stays current on rule changes, how they handle audits or notices, and whether they explain decisions in plain language. Another common mistake is choosing purely on price, then finding out later the return was rushed or overly aggressive. My advice is to hire someone who treats your return like a puzzle, not a transaction, because that mindset is what protects you and usually puts more money back in your pocket.
Attorney and Chief Executive Officer at Cummings & Cummings Law
Answered 3 months ago
I am a tax attorney, CPA, and chief executive officer of the tax and business law firm Cummings & Cummings Law (https://www.cummings.law) with offices in Dallas, Texas and Naples, Florida. I also teach business and tax law at Florida Gulf Coast University. Consumers face several changes 2025 tax filings becuase of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This legislation raises the state and local tax deduction cap to $40,000, expands the Child Tax Credit to $3,000 per child, and eliminates taxes on tips for service workers. Consumers must track these changes because errors trigger IRS audits, resulting in penalties up to 20 percent of underpaid taxes plus interest at 8 percent annually. Taxes complicate further for all filers in 2025. The Act introduces layered credits for seniors over 65 with a $6,000 bonus deduction, demanding precise income verification. DIY filers risk misapplying rules, leading to rejected returns and delayed refunds by months. Hiring costs for some firms range from $300 for basic W-2 returns to $1,000 or more for itemized schedules. Business Owen can expect four or five digit filing fees. On average, filing fees rose 10-20 percent industry wide from 2024 to account for compliance with OBBBA changes. Simple DIY filers overlook, on average, $200-$500 in deductible expenses. Filers with complicated situations may miss five to even seven digits of legal deductions, resulting in dramatically more tax paid. Consumers err by selecting preparers without verifying PTIN registration. Ask about audit representation experience; failure invites IRS disputes escalating to liens on assets. Second-order effects include credit score drops from unpaid penalties and stress from dealing with IRS collection efforts. We are listed on Yelp at the following URL: https://yelp.com/biz/cummings-and-cummings-law-bonita-springs My profile and credentials can be viewed on my Featured profile and on my website above. Should you have any follow up questions or wish to schedule a Zoom conference to discuss, please email me at chad@cummings.law.