Why Tax Season Feels More Stressful Than Ever (And How To Make It Easier This Year)

A pen, a smart phone calculator, and Form 1040 tax document. By Andrea Bossi ·Updated February 2, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Tax season does not appear to be getting any less stressful. According to a 2026 Intuit TurboTax survey, nearly half of Americans find tax season the most financially stressful time of year, with more than 60% of Gen Z feeling this way. 

Every season, however, there are a few things that can help stay ahead of the stress, like keeping files organized; filing taxes early, from when they open in Late January to before the April 15 deadline; and getting some extra help, whether that’s from a tax associate or, these days, AI tools. 

Below, find 2026 tax tips and recommendations to some of the most frequently asked questions and anxieties, according to a tax expert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your 2026 Taxes

“The most common mistakes people make when doing their taxes are usually the simplest ones, but they can be surprisingly costly. Even small errors can lead to getting a smaller refund, paying more than you owe, or experiencing  delays in getting your money back,” says Courtney Alev, consumer financial advocate

Kimberly Wilson
Author: Kimberly Wilson

Read the original article on Essence.