December poll highlights early filing season expectations among tax professionals

As the federal tax filing season approaches, tax professionals are moving from preparation to execution, setting expectations with clients and monitoring where challenges may arise as returns begin to be filed. 

In a December poll conducted by the National Association of Tax Professionals (NATP), tax professionals shared how prepared they feel heading into filing season and identified areas they are watching most closely as filing begins. 

Most respondents indicated they feel prepared for the upcoming filing season. However, confidence in IRS readiness was notably lower, with communication and guidance emerging as key concerns. Respondents cited the importance of clear, timely information as taxpayers arrive with questions shaped by recent headlines, online advice and changes to the tax landscape. 

The findings provide early context around filing season dynamics, including: 

• How tax rules and updates are communicated to the public 

• The role tax professionals play in translating complex or incomplete information 

• Areas where taxpayer expectations may diverge from administrative realities 

“These early perspectives highlight how important clarity and communication are at the start of filing season,” said Tom O’Saben, EA, director of tax content at NATP. “Even when the underlying rules haven’t changed, uncertainty can create challenges for both taxpayers and practitioners.” 

NATP conducts periodic polling to better understand issues affecting tax professionals and to inform education, advocacy and public understanding of tax administration. 

The December poll was conducted among tax professionals. Participation was voluntary, responses were analyzed in aggregate and internal NATP responses were excluded.