While summer fun feels almost mandatory, the Internal Revenue Service is gently nudging us to consider how activities such as business travel, part-time work and getting married can affect next year’s tax return.
Here are tips to make tax season a little sunnier.
Getting married involves plenty of planning. Newlyweds can ease tax filing by reporting new names to the Social Security Administration and notifying the U.S. Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change.
Summer day camp may qualify working parents for the child and dependent care credit, worth 20% to 50% of expenses for children under age 13. Track your costs and keep receipts to see how much the credit can trim from your tax bill. State-level benefits sometimes align with the federal credit, adding to the savings.
Business travel away from your tax home — generally your main place of business — can be deductible. Eligible costs include travel by plane, train, bus, taxi or your own car, plus lodging, nonentertainment meals, business calls and related tips. For meals, you can either track your actual costs or use the standard meal allowance, a flat daily rate that simplifies recordkeeping. Either way, your deduction is generally limited to 50% of the unreimbursed cost. Good recordkeeping is essential.
Part-time work may not earn enough to owe federal income tax, but filing a return is how you collect any refund you’re owed. Summer income from a side hustle or gig work paid through apps such as eBay, PayPal or Venmo may generate an IRS Form 1099-K. In 2026, this happens when payments exceed $20,000 and transactions exceed 200. Keep your receipts.
Home improvements may still qualify for credits from your state, municipality or local utility company. The federal energy-efficiency credits for windows, insulation, heat pumps, solar and similar upgrades expired after Dec. 31, 2025, so improvements made in 2026 no longer qualify for those federal breaks. It’s still worth checking with your locality, state and utility company for credits that remain available.
A mid-year checkup can help you avoid year-end surprises, the IRS advises. Following these summertime tips can help make for a sunnier tax season.
