What’s new with your taxes this year?

For the past month, postal carriers have delivered a steady stream of greeting cards, advertisements and Amazon packages. As the flow of holiday mail subsides, Americans will check the mailbox for a different type of seasonal correspondence: tax forms.   

As you begin packing up your holiday decorations and gathering your tax documents, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on the latest changes to tax provisions and inflation adjustments.   

The official list of IRS changes is … long. Its rundown of those changes is a much more manageable read by comparison. But here’s a look at some of the most important changes that are likely to affect our members:   

You could be in a new tax bracket   

Tax brackets and tax rates for 2026 are different than 2025.  the IRS is making adjustments to many of the income thresholds. The changes mean if you received a raise or a cost-of-living increase in 2025, you may avoid getting pushed into a higher tax bracket.   

To itemize or not to itemize?   

The standard deductions are increasing this year, so if you were on the fence about itemizing before, you may find yourself back on the fence this year.  

The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly in 2026 is $32,200, a $2,200 increase from 2025. The standard deduction for single peoples and married couples filing individuals in 2026 is $16,100, a $1,100 increase from 2025. 

Lastly, for heads of households, the standard deduction is $24,150, a $1,650 increase.  

For your health   

If you contribute to a health flexible spending account (FSA), starting in 2026 you can contribute up to $3,400. And, depending on your plan, you may be able to carry up to $680 into the next year.   

For those with medical savings accounts who have self-only coverage, the plan must have an annual deductible that is not less than $2,900 in 2026, but not more than $4,400.   

The maximum out-of-pocket expense will be $5,850, an increase of $150 from tax year 2025.  

For family coverage, the annual deductible is not less than $5,850 and not more than $8,750 in 2026. For family coverage, the out-of-pocket expense limit is $10,700 for tax year 2026, an increase of $200 from 2025.  

Earned income tax credit increases   

The earned income tax credit is a tax break for low- to moderate-income workers. And in 2026, it will receive a bump. Your eligibility and the amount you receive depends on your income and the number of children you have, but in 2026 the maximum amount available will be $8,231.    

Adoption deductions increase   

Growing your family through adoption? The maximum credit allowed for adoption expenses has increased to $17,670 in 2026.   

Gift tax exclusions increase   

The annual exclusion for gifts remains at $19,000 for calendar year 2026. 

Estate tax exclusions increase   

The estate tax is a tax on your right to transfer property upon your death. The exclusion establishes a threshold for that taxation. In 2026, estates valued at or below $15 million will not be subject to estate tax.  

These are just a few of the things that have changed since the last time you filed a tax return. We’ve certainly seen larger, more sweeping changes in the past, but there’s still plenty to keep in mind as you start filing.    

If it seems like a lot to keep track of, don’t worry. With the right tools, including an OCCU membership, you can maximize your tax refund this year while taking full advantage of the new changes in tax law.   

*Note: The above information is not intended as tax advice. Please consult your tax professional for tax information.