News & FAQ

Stay informed with Sexton’s Tax Services latest announcements and helpful client tools.

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  • IRS Accounces Opening Date: The 2026 filing season officially begins on January 26, 2026.

  • Direct Deposit Mandate: The IRS is prioritizing direct deposit for all refunds this year to speed up processing times. Per new IRS policy, opting for a paper check will result in a processing delay of at least six weeks or longer.

FAQs

Where's my refund

We have a button on our homepage or you can click here to go to the Where's my Refund section of the website.

Did your rates go up?

Our rates are the same as last year. Please see the "Process and Pricing" page for more information.

Extension of time to file

An extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. To avoid penalties and interest, you must pay any estimated tax owed by the April 15th deadline.

  • Federal (IRS): If you are making a payment, do so via the IRS Direct Pay link. This automatically extends your return. If you are not making a payment and still want to file an extension, mail IRS Form 4868. Fill out step 1 with your information and mail it to the IRS address.

  • Indiana (DOR): Indiana accepts your Federal extension if you do not owe taxes. If you do owe, you must make an extension payment through the Indiana State Payments portal using their set of instructions.

  • Refunds: If you are due a refund, a formal extension is generally not required to avoid penalties, but it is still recommended for your records.

Are you in the office after tax season?

Yes we will be in the office after tax season, but only limited days. Under the new method we are in limited hours the first full week each month Tuesday-Thursday. Tuesday and Thursdays 10am - 1pm and Wednesdays 3pm - 6pm.

How do I to talk to an IRS Agent?

  1. Call 1-800-829-1040.

  2. Select your language.

  3. Once prompted with an option selection, select option 2 for Personal Income Tax.

  4. Once prompted with an option selection, select option 1 for Forms, Tax History, or Payments.

  5. Once prompted with an option selection, select option 3 for All Other Questions.

  6. Once prompted with an option selection, select option 2 for All Other Questions.

  7. When asked for your Social Security Number through the prompt do NOT enter it. After your Social Security Number has been requested twice you will be prompted once again to select an option, select option 2 for Personal or Individual Tax Questions.

  8. You will then either be on hold to speak directly to an IRS agent or if you are disconnected please go through these steps again at a later time as the lines with the IRS are full.

  9. Be sure to record the date, time, IRS Agent’s Badge number, and name for future reference.

Key Tax Law Changes

Top 3 OBBB Changes for Our Clients that matter for the current tax year:

  • Overtime Pay: You can now deduct the "premium" portion of your FLSA overtime. You'll need your year-end pay stub. More information below.

  • Tipped Income: If you work in a tipped profession, you may be able to deduct up to $25,000 in voluntary tips. Note: Mandatory service charges do not qualify. The required information should be on your W-2, if not, you'll need your year-end pay stub.

  • Car Loan Interest: Purchased a new, American-made vehicle for personal use in 2025? You could deduct up to $10,000 in loan interest. We will need your VIN and total interest paid.

Key Tax Law Changes -
More details of above

You'll find the below requests for information on your profile sheet or personalized questionnaire.

NEW: Did you receive overtime pay reported on Form W-2 or a statement provided by your employer?

If "Yes," provide documentation or amount.

NOTE: If you received overtime wages in 2025, please provide your year-end pay stub or total OT earned. Under new federal law, only the FLSA "premium" portion is deductible (subject to income limits).

150% (Time-and-a-half total): $______________________ \div 3 = $ Deduction: $______________________

200% (Double-time total): $______________________ \div 4 = $ Deduction: $______________________

Other overtime % ____________. $ __________________ \div ______ $Deduction $________________

NEW: Did you purchase a new passenger vehicle for personal use during 2025?

If "Yes," ALL the following MUST be true for the interest deduction (subject to income limits):

Yes No

[ ] [ ] Did you purchase a new (not used) vehicle in 2025 for personal use?

[ ] [ ] The final assembly was in the U.S.?

[ ] [ ] The gross vehicle weight is under 14,000 pounds?

[ ] [ ] Does your VIN number begins with a 1,4,5 or 7?

If you answered YES to ALL, please provide the total interest paid in 2025 and the VIN below:

VIN: _______________________________________________ 2025 Interest $_________________

  • Overtime Pay Explanation
  • New (US Qualified) Passenger Vehicle Interest

One Big Beautiful Bill Implications beginning Jan 1, 2026

Information for items that affect a larger base of clients going forward from Jan 1, 2026.

  • New Cash Donation Benefit: Starting Jan 1, 2026, you can deduct cash donations even if you do not itemize. Save all receipts for cash, check, or credit card donations. Limit $1,000 Single or $2,000 Married Filing Jointly.

  • Gambling Loss Limitation: Starting Jan 1, 2026, you can only itemize 90% of your losses against your winnings. Please plan for this extra tax liability.

  • There are some additional tax law changes that can be found on the IRS website which affect a much smaller population of clients.