January 12, 2026

2026 Tax Prep Checklist for 2025 Returns – Your Income, Withholding & Estimated Taxes

Income Review

  • ☐ Gather all 2025 income documents (W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, retirement statements)

  • ☐ Identify one-time or unusual income (bonuses, asset sales, distributions)

  • ☐ Confirm income matches what was expected during the year

  • ☐ Note any income spikes that may trigger phaseouts or higher Medicare costs

  • Georgia offers certain retirement income exclusions, but timing errors or excess income can reduce or eliminate them. Review carefully before filing.
  • Utah’s flat income tax means federal income planning drives most of the outcome. Federal surprises usually flow straight through to Utah taxes.

Withholding & Estimated Taxes

  • ☐ Compare total withholding and estimates to actual 2025 tax liability

  • ☐ Identify any underpayment or overpayment

  • ☐ Adjust 2026 withholding or estimates to avoid repeating issues

  • ☐ Confirm extension payments were applied correctly (if applicable)

  • Georgia penalties often mirror federal issues — fixing withholding now prevents state and federal penalties later.
  • Utah penalties are often avoidable if federal estimates are accurate. Federal underpayments usually signal Utah underpayments as well.

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