Why Tax Season Feels More Stressful Than Ever (And How To Make It Easier This Year)
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 […] The post Why Tax Season Feels More Stressful Than Ever (And How To Make It Easier This Year) appeared first on Essence.
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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 and head of tax product, Intuit Credit Karma. Triple check everything: names, Social Security digits, and all numbers.
Is Owing Money a Red Flag?Owing money on taxes is one just one thing that can fuel procrastination in filing taxes. “Nearly one third of taxpayers who procrastinate say they put off filing because they typically owe money, but waiting until the last minute can add even more stress,” Alev advises.
Owing money itself is not a red flag, but it can be a cause for concern, especially if you don’t normally owe. If this happens, triple check (or quadruple at this point!) your inputs. Consider using tax software that can check for potential errors or missed deductions. As always, filing electronically keeps things speedy.
Alev flags that “small mistakes like missing information or math errors can be costly and may lead to paying more than you actually owe.” If after checking, you do, in fact, owe, it’s important to start making a plan for how to pay the tax bill due. The IRS does offer payment plans for individual and business taxpayers alike.
Yes, Filing Early Really Does HelpFiling early does more than just check off a big item from your to-do list. Rather than scrambling to file, submitting taxes early helps reduce the risk of errors, which would further drag out the process. Filing early also gives more time to pay your tax bill, should you owe a balance. For those expecting a refund, Alev notes, “filing early and choosing e-file with direct deposit is also the safest and fastest way to receive your money sooner, which can help with things like paying down debt or building savings.”
The post Why Tax Season Feels More Stressful Than Ever (And How To Make It Easier This Year) appeared first on Essence.
