Complete Guide to Des Moines CPA Tax Services for 2026: Expert Strategies for Maximum Savings

Complete Guide to Des Moines CPA Tax Services for 2026: Expert Strategies for Maximum Savings

For the 2026 tax year, working with a Des Moines CPA has never been more critical. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces significant changes affecting deductions, credits, and tax brackets. Whether you’re a business owner, self-employed professional, or W-2 employee, understanding these opportunities could save you thousands of dollars. This guide covers 2026 tax planning essentials and why partnering with a professional tax preparation service matters.

Table of Contents

• Key Takeaways
• What Can a Des Moines CPA Do for Your Taxes
• What Are the New 2026 Deductions and Credits Under the OBBBA
• How Do 2026 Standard Deductions Impact Your Taxes
• What Are the 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits
• When Is the 2026 Tax Filing Season
• What Tax Planning Strategies Should You Use in 2026
• Uncle Kam in Action
• Next Steps
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Related Resources

Key Takeaways

• The 2026 standard deduction for married filing jointly is $31,500, up from $30,000 in 2025, reducing taxable income for most households.
• New deductions for tips (up to $25,000), overtime pay (up to $12,500), and car loan interest (up to $10,000) create significant planning opportunities.
• The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per child, while seniors age 65+ qualify for an additional $6,000 deduction.
• Tax filing season opens January 26, 2026, with the April 15, 2026 deadline approaching quickly.
• Working with a Des Moines CPA ensures you capture all available deductions and avoid costly mistakes.

What Can a Des Moines CPA Do for Your Taxes

Professional tax preparation has transformed significantly with 2026 tax law changes. A qualified Des Moines CPA goes far beyond basic filing. They analyze your complete financial picture, identify opportunities you might miss, and implement strategies that reduce your tax burden year-round.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced complexity that requires expert knowledge. From new deduction types to modified credit calculations, CPAs stay current on these details. They help self-employed professionals structure income, business owners plan entity strategies, and W-2 employees maximize credits.

Services a Des Moines CPA Typically Provides

• Tax Return Preparation: Accurate filing of federal and state returns using current 2026 forms and schedules.
• Tax Planning: Year-round strategies to minimize 2026 tax liability through deduction timing and entity selection.
• Bookkeeping & Accounting: Organized financial records that support tax deductions and business operations.
• Estimated Tax Guidance: Quarterly payment calculations to avoid penalties and excess withholding.
• Business Structure Advice: Recommendations on LLC, S Corp, or sole proprietor status for tax efficiency.

What Are the New 2026 Deductions and Credits Under the OBBBA

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act fundamentally changed the 2026 tax landscape by making the 2017 tax cuts permanent. Beyond standard deduction increases, Congress added four major new deductions affecting service workers, parents, and car buyers.

Tip Income Exclusion (Up to $25,000)

Service workers earning less than $150,000 annually can exclude up to $25,000 of tip income from federal taxation. This provision applies to waitstaff, bartenders, hotel workers, and other tipped positions. You report tips on your tax return, but the first $25,000 reduces your taxable income.

Documentation matters significantly here. Keep detailed records of all tips received. Payment apps, employer records, and personal logs provide the supporting evidence the IRS requires. A Des Moines CPA ensures proper documentation and calculation.

Overtime Pay Exclusion (Up to $12,500)

Employees can exclude up to $12,500 of overtime pay from taxable income. This applies to qualifying overtime hours worked in 2026. Unlike tips, overtime is typically easier to document through W-2 forms and employer records.

Healthcare workers, manufacturers, and construction professionals benefit significantly from this provision. The deduction doesn’t require itemization. It applies whether you take the standard deduction or itemize deductions on Schedule A.

Car Loan Interest Deduction (Up to $10,000)

Car buyers earning under $100,000 annually can deduct interest on qualifying vehicle loans. The vehicle must be assembled in the United States. This new deduction applies to 2025-2028 tax returns. Calculate carefully: you deduct the actual interest paid, up to a $10,000 maximum.

Vehicle loan statements clearly show interest paid. Work with your Des Moines CPA to verify income limitations and calculate the exact deductible amount based on your specific loan terms.

How Do 2026 Standard Deductions Impact Your Taxes

The standard deduction represents the baseline amount that reduces your taxable income. For most Americans, taking the standard deduction makes more sense than itemizing deductions. The 2026 increases reflect the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and inflation adjustments.

Filing Status	2026 Standard Deduction	2025 Standard Deduction	Increase
Married Filing Jointly	$31,500	$30,000	$1,500
Single	$15,750	$15,000	$750
Head of Household	$23,650	$22,500	$1,150

Higher standard deductions mean that more income escapes taxation. A married couple with $60,000 in combined income now pays taxes on only $28,500 ($60,000 minus the $31,500 deduction), compared to $30,000 in 2025. This translates to approximately $300-400 in tax savings for many households.

Additional standard deductions apply if you’re age 65 or older. Seniors qualify for an extra deduction on top of the standard amount. Combined with the new $6,000 senior deduction under OBBBA, older taxpayers benefit substantially.

What Are the 2026 Retirement Contribution Limits

Maximizing retirement contributions provides triple tax benefits: upfront deductions reduce current year taxes, investments grow tax-free, and withdrawals follow favorable rules in retirement. The 2026 increases give professionals and business owners expanded opportunities.

Account Type	2026 Limit	Age 50+ Catch-Up	Total (Age 50+)
401(k)	$24,500	$8,000	$32,500
Traditional/Roth IRA	$7,500	$1,100	$8,600
Solo 401(k)	$72,000	varies	up to $80,000

Self-employed professionals and business owners should focus on Solo 401(k) plans. These allow both employee deferrals and employer contributions, potentially reaching $72,000+ in total contributions. A Des Moines CPA can structure these plans to maximize tax deductions while building retirement security.

Important note for 2026: Higher earners must follow new Roth catch-up rules. If you earned more than $150,000 from your current employer in 2025, your 2026 catch-up contributions must go into a Roth 401(k). This eliminates the upfront deduction but provides tax-free growth in retirement.

When Is the 2026 Tax Filing Season

The IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, 2026. Early filing provides several advantages. You discover issues sooner, receive refunds faster, and have time to address any audit notices. The IRS expects to issue most refunds within 21 days of filing.

However, if you claim the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS holds your refund until mid-February to verify eligibility. This fraud-prevention measure affects the entire refund, even portions unrelated to these credits. Plan accordingly if you depend on refunds for cash flow.

Many taxpayers will see larger refunds in 2026 than prior years. The IRS didn’t adjust withholding tables to reflect the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes, creating a mismatch. Result: more income withheld than owed. File early to recapture overpaid taxes.

What Tax Planning Strategies Should You Use in 2026

Tax planning extends beyond annual filing. Strategic planning throughout 2026 identifies opportunities to reduce your tax burden. A partnership with a Des Moines CPA creates a plan aligned with your financial goals.

 

Five Essential 2026 Tax Planning Strategies

• Maximize Retirement Contributions: Contribute the full $24,500 to your 401(k) and $7,500 to your IRA if eligible. Self-employed? Set up a Solo 401(k) to reach $72,000+ in contributions.
• Claim All Qualifying Deductions: Document tip income, overtime pay, car loan interest, and business expenses thoroughly. Every $1,000 in deductions saves approximately $220 in taxes for middle-income taxpayers.
• Review W-4 Withholding: The IRS expects larger refunds this year due to withholding mismatches. Adjust your W-4 to reduce excess withholding and increase take-home pay throughout 2026.
• Harvest Tax Losses: Review investment portfolio for losses that offset gains. Sell losing positions before year-end to create deductible losses up to $3,000 annually.
• Time Income and Expenses: Business owners can shift deductible expenses into high-income years. Accelerate vendor payments or delay income recognition strategically.

Uncle Kam in Action: Small Business Owner Saves $18,500 with Strategic Tax Planning

Client Snapshot: Sarah, a Des Moines-based marketing consultant and LLC owner, earned $95,000 in 2025 from her independent consulting business. She filed her own taxes for years and never worked with a professional advisor.

The Challenge: Sarah paid $18,200 in self-employment taxes and another $16,400 in federal income taxes—a total of $34,600 in taxes on her $95,000 income. At 36% effective tax rate, she felt overwhelmed. Her profit margins were shrinking, and she feared raising prices would lose clients.

The Uncle Kam Solution: A Des Moines CPA recommended converting her LLC to an S-Corp election and implementing comprehensive retirement planning. For 2026, the strategy included: (1) Establishing a Solo 401(k) and contributing $24,500 as an employee deferral plus employer profit-sharing contributions; (2) Converting her home office to a qualified business use deduction; (3) Maximizing vehicle mileage deductions at 72.5 cents per mile; (4) Properly documenting all business expenses including education, software, and marketing.

The Results: For 2026, Sarah’s projected tax liability dropped significantly:

• Tax Savings: $18,500 in reduced federal and self-employment taxes (from $34,600 to $16,100)
• Investment: $3,200 annual fee for professional CPA services and tax planning
• Return on Investment (ROI): 5.8x return in the first year alone ($18,500 ÷ $3,200 = 5.8x)

Sarah now works with Uncle Kam’s professional tax team throughout the year. Quarterly check-ins ensure she captures all deductions. By 2027, her projected annual tax savings exceed $22,000. This is just one example of how our comprehensive tax preparation services transform business owners’ bottom lines. Sarah’s monthly cash flow improved by $1,542, allowing her to reinvest in her business and hire her first part-time contractor.

Next Steps

Don’t let complex 2026 tax rules cost you thousands. Follow these action items immediately:

• Schedule a consultation with a Des Moines CPA before March 15, 2026 to discuss 2025 return optimization and 2026 planning.
• Gather documentation: receipts, expense records, business income statements, and retirement contribution records.
• Ask about the new deductions mentioned above (tips, overtime, car loan interest) to see if you qualify.
• Review your W-4 withholding to optimize take-home pay during 2026 based on the IRS tax law changes.
• Implement a retirement contribution strategy aligned with your income level and business structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline for filing 2025 taxes in Des Moines?

The filing deadline for 2025 tax returns is April 15, 2026. Automatic six-month extensions (Form 4868) push the deadline to October 15, 2026. Extensions provide extra time but don’t extend the payment deadline. Estimated taxes are still due on the original date.

Should I itemize or take the standard deduction in 2026?

For most taxpayers, the 2026 standard deduction ($31,500 for married filing jointly, $15,750 for singles) exceeds itemized deductions. Itemize only if your combined state/local taxes, mortgage interest, and charitable donations exceed your standard deduction. A Des Moines CPA calculates both scenarios to determine your best option.

Can I claim the tip deduction if I report tips on my W-2?

Yes, the tip deduction applies to tips reported on your W-2. If you earn less than $150,000 annually, you can exclude up to $25,000 of tip income from taxation. Report your tips on Form 1040, and the deduction reduces your taxable income without itemizing.

How much can I contribute to a 401(k) at age 60?

For 2026, if you’re age 60-63, you can contribute $24,500 as an employee deferral plus an $11,250 “super catch-up” contribution—totaling $35,750. If you’re self-employed with a Solo 401(k), employer profit-sharing contributions can push your total well above $50,000 depending on your business income.

What documents do I need for a Des Moines CPA appointment?

Bring copies of: (1) W-2s and 1099s; (2) Previous year tax return; (3) Documentation of business income and expenses; (4) Charitable contribution receipts; (5) Medical and property tax statements; (6) Investment account statements and gains/losses; (7) Mortgage interest statements; (8) Education records for potential credits.

Should I file electronically or mail paper returns?

Electronic filing is faster, more accurate, and generates immediate confirmation. The IRS processes e-filed returns within 21 days for refunds. Paper returns take 4-6 weeks. Electronic filing also reduces error risk—software validates entries before submission. Choose e-filing unless you have specific reasons requiring paper filing.

What happens if I miss the April 15 deadline?

Late filing triggers penalties and interest on unpaid taxes. Even if you’re owed a refund, filing late delays your refund. File Form 4868 by April 15 to request a six-month extension and avoid penalties. If you owe taxes, pay what you can by April 15 to minimize penalties; the extension covers filing only, not payment deadlines.

Related Resources

• IRS Form 1040 and Instructions (2026)
• Comprehensive Tax Strategy Services
• IRS Official One Big Beautiful Bill Act Overview
• Tax Planning for Business Owners
• 401(k) Plans and Contribution Limits (IRS)

Last updated: January, 2026