Ormond Beach Financial Services: Start 2026 Strong with Smarter Tax Prep & Bookkeeping
- Joel Barton
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 17
Happy New Year!
Joel here. Wishing you and your family a healthy, prosperous New Year.
As we kick off 2026, it’s a great time to get organized for tax season and make sure your bookkeeping is set up to support your goals all year long.
I’m excited for the new tax season and ready to help you file your taxes. To get started, please reach out and let me know you’d like to work together this season./
Joel Barton, EA, MST
Owner, Accountant, & Tax Specialist
 | IRS ANNOUNCED THAT MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026 MARKS THE OPENING OF THE NATION’S 2026 TAX FILING SEASON. |
What’s New For 2026
(personal + business tax updates to know)
Personal tax highlights
Standard deduction amounts (helpful for planning + comparing itemized vs. standard):
2026 tax brackets (planning your income, estimated payments, retirement distributions): the IRS published updated bracket thresholds for 2026, including the top bracket threshold for single and married filing jointly. (IRS)
Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) exemption amounts for 2026: updated exemption and phaseout thresholds were also announced. (IRS)
Business tax and small business compliance highlights
Section 179 expensing: higher base limits and phaseout thresholds are reflected in IRS guidance (essential for equipment/vehicle purchases and timing decisions). (IRS)
Qualified Business Income (QBI / Section 199A): IRS guidance reflects changes, including a minimum deduction concept and minimum QBI threshold for eligibility beginning after 12/31/2025 (necessary for many pass-through businesses). (IRS)
Trade/business payment reporting threshold: IRS guidance discusses an increased base threshold for reporting certain payments made after 12/31/2025. (IRS)
PRO TIPDo a quick January tax checkup—run a simple 2026 projection and then update your W-4 (employees) or estimated payments (self-employed) so the new standard deduction/brackets are reflected in your cash flow all year (not just at filing time). For business owners, this is also a great time to refresh W-9s and clean up your vendor list since the 1099 reporting baseline changes for payments made after 12/31/2025. |
Tax Prep Made Easier
(individual checklist)
If you want a smoother filing experience this year, start gathering paperwork now:
Income Documents
W-2s, 1099s (NEC, INT, DIV, K, etc.), SSA-1099, unemployment statements (if applicable)
K-1s (partnerships, S-corporations, trusts) if applicable
Common deductions and credits
Mortgage interest + property tax statements
Charitable contributions receipts
Childcare expenses and related tax forms (if applicable)
Health insurance forms and medical expense records (if itemizing)
Life changes (these matter!)
Moved, changed jobs, bought/sold a home, got married/divorced, had a baby, started a side business?
PRO TIPIf you’re unsure whether something matters, save it anyway. We’d rather quickly confirm it’s not needed than miss a deduction. |
Bookkeeping Tips for a Cleaner 2026
(business owners)
Good bookkeeping isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s what makes taxes easier, protects you in an audit, and helps you make better decisions.
4 habits that make the biggest difference
Reconcile monthly (bank + credit cards)
Don’t let it pile up
Separate business and personal spending (separate accounts/cards = fewer headaches)
Track receipts + categorize correctly (meals, supplies, subcontractors, software, mileage, etc.)
Quarterly rhythm that keeps you on track
Review profit/loss and cash flow
Set aside for estimated taxes if needed
Check contractor/vendor payments and info for year-end reporting
ADDITIONAL SUPPORTIf you want support beyond tax filing, we offer ongoing bookkeeping so your numbers stay accurate all year—one of the most valuable Ormond Beach financial services options for busy owners who don’t want surprises. CONTACT US |
Florida Fun Facts
(because we live where other people vacation)
Ormond Beach is famous as the “Birthplace of Speed.” In the early 1900s, Ormond’s hard-packed sand became a proving ground for auto pioneers—one highlight was a 1906 land speed record run of 127.659 mph. (Ormond Beach)
Bonus Florida fun fact: Britton Hill is Florida’s highest natural point at 345 feet—making it the lowest “highest point” of any U.S. state. (Visit Florida)
Need help getting organized?
Ormond Beach Financial Services
If you’d like help with tax preparation, cleanup, or monthly bookkeeping, reach out today. We’ll help you start the year with clarity—and keep it that way.
Call or text us to schedule your tax prep or bookkeeping review. 724-974-6841.
Ormond Beach financial services
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