Your 2026 Tax Season Checklist: What Iowa Individuals Need to File Their 2025 Return
Tax season is officially here. The IRS began accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, and if you're like most people in Ottumwa and Southeastern Iowa, you're probably wondering what documents you need and when everything is due.
Here's your straightforward guide to getting your taxes done right.
The Most Important Date: April 15, 2026
That's when your federal and Iowa tax returns are due. But don't wait until the last minute—filing early means getting your refund faster and avoiding the April rush.
Documents You'll Need:
Income Forms (You Should Receive These by Early February)
Form W-2 – From your employer showing wages and taxes withheld
If you worked multiple jobs in 2025, you'll get a W-2 from each employer
Didn't receive it by mid-February? Contact your employer
Form 1099-NEC – If you did any freelance work, side gigs, or contract work
Uber/Lyft drivers, freelancers, consultants—this is your form
You'll get one from each company that paid you $600 or more
Form 1099-G – If you received unemployment benefits or a state tax refund
Form 1099-INT – Interest from your bank or credit union savings accounts
Form 1099-DIV – Dividends from investments
Form 1099-R – Distributions from retirement accounts, pensions, or IRAs
Form 1098 – Mortgage interest paid (if you're a homeowner)
Form 1098-T – Tuition payments (if you're a student or have a college student)
Form 1098-E – Student loan interest paid
Information You'll Need On Hand:
Social Security numbers for yourself, spouse, and any children or dependents
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit (fastest way to get your refund)
Copy of last year's tax return (helpful for reference)
Childcare provider information – name, address, and Tax ID if you're claiming the Child and Dependent Care Credit
Receipts and Records (If You're Itemizing Deductions)
Most Iowans will take the standard deduction, which for 2025 is:
$14,600 for single filers
$29,200 for married couples filing jointly
$21,900 for heads of household
You only need to keep itemized receipts if your deductible expenses exceed these amounts. That said, keep records for:
Charitable donations – Cash, checks, or items donated to churches, nonprofits, Goodwill, etc.
Medical expenses – Only the amount over 7.5% of your income is deductible
Mortgage interest – You'll get Form 1098 from your lender
Property taxes – Check your county assessor statement
State and local taxes paid (SALT Deduction) – For 2025, the SALT deduction cap is $40,000, up from $10,000 in 2024, which includes state and local income taxes and property taxes. You can claim the SALT deduction if you itemize..
Purchased a new vehicle in 2025? You may be able to deduct up to $10,000 annually in interest paid on a loan for a qualifying new vehicle, even if you’ve taken the standard deduction. View more information about this and other provisions granted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that went into effect for the 2025 tax year here.
Iowa Tax Changes You Should Know
Iowa Now Has a Flat Tax Rate
Starting with your 2025 return, Iowa has a 3.8% flat income tax rate for everyone. No more multiple tax brackets—everyone pays the same percentage.
Iowa Follows Federal Deductions
Iowa no longer has its own standard deduction. If you take the standard deduction on your federal return, you use that same amount for Iowa. Same goes for itemized deductions.
Don't Forget These Iowa Tax Credits
Iowa Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) If you qualified for the federal EITC, Iowa gives you an additional credit worth 15% of your federal credit. This is free money—make sure you claim it.
Child and Dependent Care Credit If you paid for daycare or after-school care so you could work, Iowa offers a credit worth up to 75% of your federal credit. That's significant savings for working parents.
Retirement Income Exclusion Iowa provides tax breaks for retirement income. If you're retired or receiving pension income, there may be exclusions available depending on your age.
Military Retirement Pay Fully exempt from Iowa income tax.
Social Security Benefits Good news: Iowa does not tax Social Security benefits at all.
Important Deadlines to Remember
February 2, 2026 – You should receive your W-2 and 1099-NEC forms (deadline moved from January 31 because it fell on a weekend)
April 15, 2026 – Tax returns due for both federal and Iowa
April 15, 2026 – First quarter 2026 estimated tax payment due (if you're self-employed or have other income without withholding)
October 15, 2026 – Extended deadline if you file for an extension by April 15
IMPORTANT: An extension to file is NOT an extension to pay. If you owe taxes, pay by April 15 to avoid penalties and interest.
Simple Organization Tips
1. Create a tax folder As tax forms arrive in the mail, put them all in one place. A simple manila folder works perfectly.
2. Check your mail daily W-2s and 1099s typically arrive in late January through early February. Don't let them get lost in the pile.
3. Verify everything Check that your name and Social Security number are correct on every form. Mistakes cause delays.
4. Don't wait Once you have all your documents, file as soon as possible. The IRS typically processes early returns faster, which means you get your refund sooner.
When Should You Hire a Tax Professional?
Most people with straightforward W-2 income can file their own taxes using tax software. But consider hiring a CPA if you:
Bought or sold a home in 2025
Got married or divorced
Had a baby
Started a side business or freelance work
Received an inheritance
Have questions about deductions or credits
Want peace of mind that everything is done correctly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Forgetting to sign your return – Both spouses must sign if filing jointly
✗ Wrong bank account number – Double-check for direct deposit
✗ Missing Social Security numbers – Especially for new dependents
✗ Math errors – Let the software or your CPA handle calculations
✗ Waiting until April 14 – Don't procrastinate and risk missing the deadline
✗ Not keeping copies – Save your return and all documents for at least three years
What If You Can't Pay?
If you owe taxes but can't pay the full amount by April 15:
File your return anyway – Penalties for not filing are much higher than penalties for not paying
Pay what you can – Even a partial payment helps reduce interest and penalties
Set up a payment plan – The IRS offers installment agreements
Contact a tax professional – We can help you explore options
Getting Your Refund Faster
The fastest way to get your refund is to:
E-file your return (instead of mailing it)
Choose direct deposit (instead of a paper check)
File early (less backlog at the IRS)
Most refunds historically arrive within 21 days when you e-file and use direct deposit.
Need Help?
Tax season doesn't have to be stressful. Whether you have a simple W-2 return or a more complex situation, our office is here to help.
Bradley T. Barnes, CPA has been serving individuals and families in Ottumwa and Southeastern Iowa for over 20 years. We understand Iowa taxes, and we're here to make sure you get every deduction and credit you deserve.
Questions about your 2025 tax return? Call us at (641) 682-3440 or stop by our office at 110 E. Third St. in Ottumwa.
We'll take the stress out of tax season so you can focus on what matters most.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax advice. Individual situations vary—please consult with a qualified tax professional regarding your specific circumstances.