New tax code changes could leave refunds unclaimed—here’s what one expert says to watch for

IRS tax refund tips: Filing taxes can feel overwhelming, and the new “One Big, Beautiful Bill” is only adding to the confusion. With over 100 changes affecting 2025 returns, including expanded deductions and credits, many Americans could miss out on money they’re entitled to.

What Taxpayers Often Miss About New Deductions

Brian Schultz, a CPA and tax partner at Plante Moran, says a lot of taxpayers simply aren’t aware of what they can claim. Schultz said, "A lot of those new deductions, you don't need to itemize to take advantage of them. Unfortunately, there's probably going to be some taxpayers leaving money on the table just from a lack of awareness," as quoted by Investopedia.

Why More People Should Consider Itemizing in 2026

Others assume credits and deductions haven’t changed, even though updates like the higher state and local tax cap, jumping from $10,000 to $40,000, mean more people could benefit from itemizing. Schultz said, "I've got clients that just don't give me the information for [expenses that can be itemized] because they've taken the standard deduction for a while," as quoted by Investopedia.


Schultz pointed out that, "There will be more taxpayers who should itemize their deductions for 2025, but they won't realize they can, because they haven't been able to under the old laws for several years," as quoted by Investopedia.

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Organize Your Tax Documents to Save Time and Money

Organization also matters. Schultz advises against dropping a box of receipts on your accountant’s desk. Keeping your information in order can save time, reduce errors, and even lower fees.

E-Filing and Direct Deposit Can Speed Up Your Refund

Filing electronically and using direct deposit can help your refund arrive faster, while paper returns with missing forms or calculation errors can drag out the process. Schultz said that, "In general, your refund time should be shorter if you set up direct deposit, as opposed to having them send you a check. Probably safer too, versus having a check come to you in the mail," as quoted by Investopedia.

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Not Every Credit Needs to Be Claimed

Schultz pointed out that not every dollar counts the same. While all income must be reported, claiming very small credits isn’t required and sometimes skipping them can speed up your refund. In short, understanding the new rules and preparing ahead could mean more money back in your pocket this year.

He said, "So there might be cases where you should leave out a small-dollar tax credit on your return, just to speed up time and have a lower chance that the IRS will flag it," as quoted by Investopedia.

FAQs

How should I organize my tax documents?
Avoid dumping a box of receipts on your accountant. Sort and organize everything for faster, cheaper processing.

Does filing electronically help?
Yes, e-filing usually shortens processing time and helps you get your refund faster.