In many cases, yes, but it depends on income, withholding, and credits. The new tax law changes how refunds are calculated, and when it’s handled correctly, many taxpayers may see larger refunds or lower tax bills. CNBC and the Treasury Secretary both say that “for this tax season, Americans tax refunds should be much larger because of the new provisions in the tax law.”

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Bring your last pay stub (especially if you worked overtime), W-2s, and prior-year return. AmeriFile will review eligibility and apply the law correctly. See how AmeriFile can help.

The new law updates withholding formulas, which can impact how much tax is taken out of each paycheck. If withholding isn’t adjusted properly, it can affect your refund or balance due at tax time. Starting in 2026, your paycheck take home should be more as well because the IRS is lowering the amount they take for withholding. The reason your tax refund should be larger is because when they passed the bill last year, the IRS did not adjust the paycheck withholding tables.

Learn more about The Best Tax Prep Deal in town.

The new law includes changes that may reduce or eliminate federal tax on certain tip income and overtime, depending on how it’s earned and reported. Proper documentation is critical to make sure these benefits are applied correctly. Please bring AmeriFile your last paystub to determine the correct amounts of overtime to deduct.

How the Tip & Overtime Tax Changes Work

The new tax law includes provisions that may exclude certain tip income and overtime pay from federal income tax, but only when very specific conditions are met.

These changes are not universal and do not apply to all income or all jobs.

1️⃣ Eligible Occupations Matter

The exclusion generally applies to:

• Jobs where tips are a customary and primary part of compensation

• Jobs where overtime is a regular, employer-reported component of wages

Examples may include:

• Food service and hospitality

• Personal services

• Certain hourly wage positions with documented overtime

If tips or overtime are occasional, informal, or not properly reported, they may not qualify.

2️⃣ Income Limits Apply

The benefit is income-restricted.

• Full benefits apply below certain income thresholds

• Benefits may phase out at higher income levels

• High earners may receive partial or no benefit

This prevents the provision from applying to top-income taxpayers and keeps it focused on working and middle-income households.

(Exact thresholds depend on filing status and final IRS guidance.)

3️⃣ Proper Reporting Is Critical

To qualify:

• Tips must be reported through payroll

• Overtime must be clearly identified on pay stubs

• Employer records must match what is reported on the tax return

This is why last pay stubs — especially year-end stubs — are essential.

4️⃣ This Does NOT Mean “No Taxes at All”

Important clarification:

• These changes generally apply to federal income tax

• Payroll taxes (Social Security & Medicare) may still apply

• State tax treatment may differ

5️⃣ Why Experience Matters

Because:

• Misclassifying income can void the benefit

• Missing documentation can disqualify the exclusion

• Software may not automatically apply it correctly

“This is one of those changes where doing it wrong can cost more than doing it at all,” which is why experienced review matters.

Start your taxes now.

No appointment necessary. However, call us to describe your tax situation (what you have w-2s, 1099’s, kids, etc.) so we can decide the best course of action. Many of our clients love the Drive-Thru/Drop-Off option. Simply drive up and hand off your tax documents. After answering a few in-take questions you can go about your day, go to work run errands, etc. AmeriFile then gets to work on your taxes and will call and/or bring you in to discuss. Contact us for more info.

Bring your W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, government letters, Social Security cards for everyone on the return, and last year’s tax return. Your drivers license or state id is also needed. If something is missing, don’t worry—AmeriFile helps clients retrieve missing documents every day. We have a free tax organizer that you can pick up at any Jersey Mike’s, Country Style, Applebee’s, or AmeriFile office. This organizer has a nifty checklist to use as a reminder before your tax appointment.

You can use our Drive-Thru window at our Moline office or walk into either AmeriFile office in Moline or Davenport and simply drop everything off. Drop off your documents at AmeriFile, complete a short intake form, and go about your day. A tax professional reviews your return, contacts you with any questions, and gets your approval before filing. You can schedule an in-person appointment, but we know you are busy. that is why we have created three convenient tax prep options here at AmeriFile. In-Person, Drive-Thru, or Secure Upload.

Yes. A spouse, family member, or friend can drop off your documents as long as your photo ID and Social Security cards are included. You, the taxpayer, will eventually have to review and sign your tax return.

Most returns are completed while you are here or, if dropped off, within a few days, and sometimes the same day during slower periods. More complex returns may take longer, but AmeriFile works efficiently to get your return done as quickly as possible. We keep in contact with you throughout the entire process to give you peace of mind that your taxes are in good hands.

AmeriFile has served the Quad Cities for over 40 years and has prepared more than 375,000 tax returns. New clients receive accurate preparation, clear communication, and help with any IRS or state tax issues. You can expect to receive your tax refund in 10-21 days , most coming closer to the ten days. You can also expect attention to detail. The owner and staff are dedicated to making the tax season stress free!

AmeriFile has an $89 minimum, and in many cases we are about half the price of H&R Block or other national tax chains when you bring in a copy of your prior return. We are also often less expensive than doing it yourself with TurboTax, especially once upgrades and add-ons are included. Most importantly, you’re getting 40 years of local tax expertise, accurate preparation, and real help if an IRS issue comes up — which provides far more value than software alone.

Yes. AmeriFile offers in-person appointments, a convenient drive-thru in Moline, and secure digital upload options. Give us a quick call and we will work with you to choose what works best for your schedule and tax situation.

Yes! Whether you drive for Uber, own a cleaning business, or do freelance work, AmeriFile prepares hundreds of Schedule C returns each year. We help maximize your deductions—like mileage, home office, and supplies—and ensure you're not overpaying self-employment tax. We also assist with estimated payments and business formation if needed.

We’re not a seasonal pop-up. AmeriFile has been locally owned since 1986. We’ve handled over 375,000 tax returns over our 40 years of tax prep in Moline & Davenport. We offer in-person, drive-thru, and secure digital upload. Our team includes AFSP-certified pros, an enrolled agent, and a CPA on staff. This means, as a team, we can handle any tax situation from simple W-2 returns to small business, rental properties, stock sales and more!

Yes. AmeriFile has been locally owned and operated in the Quad Cities for over 40 years. When you work with us, you’re working with a local team that lives here, works here, and will still be here if you need help later. The owners of AmeriFile created one of the country’s first computer tax programs right here in Moline, IL.

In many cases, AmeriFile is about half the price of national chains when you bring in a copy of your prior return. More importantly, you get experienced tax professionals who handle your return from start to finish — not a revolving door of seasonal staff.

Online software can’t catch many of the issues we fix every day, such as missing documents, IRS letters, healthcare reporting, or identity verification problems. AmeriFile provides local Iowa & Illinois expertise, accurate preparation, and help if the IRS has questions later — something software can’t do. Every year, we fix hundreds of taxpayer’s problems that tried to do it themselves. Get it right the first time with AmeriFile!

Yes. Our team includes experienced, tax professionals who work as a team to handle everything from simple W-2 returns to small business, self-employed income, rental properties, stock sales, back taxes, and IRS or state tax issues. Our 40 years in business means we have probably seen it, done it, or know how to get the answers.

Yes. AmeriFile has an $89 minimum, is often less expensive than national chains, and frequently costs less than DIY software once upgrades are added. With 40 years of experience, you’re paying for accuracy, expertise, and peace of mind — real value, not just data entry.

You can start your tax return, but the IRS requires your W-2 to e-file your taxes. Bringing in your last paystub can help us estimate and review your situation, but we cannot electronically file until the actual W-2 is received. If your W-2 is delayed or lost, AmeriFile can help you retrieve wage information through IRS transcripts so your return is filed accurately and without delays.

If you can’t find a tax document, don’t panic. AmeriFile can retrieve your IRS wage and income transcripts directly and securely. We’ve helped hundreds in Moline and across the Quad Cities file complete and accurate returns—even when important documents were missing. By retrieving your transcripts, you will get a complete picture of what was reported to the IRS This is very common. AmeriFile can help you request wage and income information from the IRS or guide you on contacting the employer or payer. Don’t delay coming in — we can start your return and help track down what’s missing.

Yes. With proper authorization, AmeriFile can help you request IRS transcripts, including wage and income records, prior-year filings, and account information. This is especially helpful if documents are lost or you haven’t filed in years.

That’s okay. Many clients don’t. AmeriFile can often retrieve prior-year information through IRS transcripts or help you get a copy from your previous preparer. Not having last year’s return will not prevent you from filing.

Only if you had insurance through HealthCare.gov. In that case, Form 1095-A is required and is used to calculate how much of your premiums were paid by the government. If you had employer or private insurance, those forms are no longer required for federal taxes.

If a required form is missing, the IRS will typically reject the return, not penalize you if filed before the April 15th deadline. When that happens, AmeriFile will contact you, add the missing form, and refile your return correctly. However, if the IRS accepts your taxes and you find an additional form that you missed, bring it to AmeriFile and we will file a 1040X amended return, adding that information.

Not necessarily. Starting early with us allows us to identify missing documents and request transcripts if needed, and file as soon as everything is complete — helping avoid last-minute delays. We cannot e-file your taxes until we have all of the correct documentation.

Our team is experienced in doing taxes for people who live and work in both states of Iowa and Illinois! Many people in the Quad Cities require additional forms like the Iowa 126 part year, Iowa 130, out of state tax credit, Illinois NR non resident- part year and more. Absolutely. If you get a letter from the Illinois Department of Revenue or the Iowa Department of Revenue, we handle it. Many people in our area work in Iowa but live in Illinois, or vice versa. This creates the need to create a part year/non-resident for either state. Iowa & Illinois have a reciprocal agreement which in many cases creates a credit for taxes paid to another state. But don’t worry, we have been doing taxes in this area for over 40 years and can accurately file all states!

Relax—this happens more often than you think. Whether it’s a CP2000, CP75, or an audit letter, AmeriFile Tax in Moline & Davenport has the team, tools, and experience to handle it. Our professionals are trained to decode IRS notices and respond using IRS-approved systems like e-Services and the Practitioner Priority Service. You bring the letter—we take it from there.

Yes, it happens. Sometimes the IRS corrects math, credits, or income amounts. Other times they make mistakes. Bring the letter to AmeriFile and we’ll review the change and help challenge it if it’s incorrect.

Owing the IRS can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. At AmeriFile, we’ve helped hundreds in the Quad Cities get back into good standing. We can review your IRS transcripts, set up an installment agreement, apply for penalty abatement, or even help you qualify for hardship relief. Don’t wait—the longer you delay, the worse the penalties get. Yes. AmeriFile can help you understand why you owe, review your return for errors, and assist with payment plans or resolution options when available. Owing taxes doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

Yes! AmeriFile has helped people in the Quad Cities get back on track, no matter how far behind they are. We can access your IRS transcripts, reconstruct your income, and negotiate penalty relief or installment agreements when needed. Most of our clients that we file back taxes for are eventually relieved of all the stresses that come from not filing taxes

Because one wrong response can cause delays or penalties. With 40 years of experience, AmeriFile knows how to interpret notices, respond correctly, and protect your refund or minimize what you owe.

Once your tax return is accepted by the IRS, most refunds are issued within 10–21 days. However, refunds can be delayed if the IRS rejects or reviews the return. The most common reasons include needing an Identity Theft Protection PIN, dependents already claimed on another return, missing or incorrect 1095-A marketplace health insurance information, and name or Social Security number mismatches. Reviewing your return with AmeriFile before filing helps catch these issues early and reduces the chances of refund delays.

Often, yes. Filing early can help you avoid backlogs and identity verification delays. AmeriFile files thousands of early returns each year to help clients receive refunds sooner when possible.

A rejection is not a penalty. It simply means something needs to be corrected. AmeriFile will contact you, fix the issue, and refile your return properly.

We can review your tax return, check IRS transcripts, explain notices, and guide you through the next steps. Having a professional involved often resolves issues faster than trying to handle them alone.

The IRS will only use direct deposit this year and will not be mailing out IRS checks. Please prepare for this! However, if you take AmeriFile’s fee out of your refund, AmeriFile will print a check in our office, eliminating the need for a bank account.

Yes. AmeriFile reviews your income, family situation, and filing status to determine which credits you qualify for, including the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit, and other dependent-related credits. Many credits are often missed or claimed incorrectly without professional help.

The Child Tax Credit helps eligible families reduce their tax bill or increase their refund. Eligibility depends on income, the child’s age, relationship, and residency. AmeriFile ensures the credit is calculated correctly and that you receive what you’re entitled to.

The Earned Income Credit is a refundable credit for working individuals and families with low to moderate income. The rules are strict and mistakes can delay refunds. AmeriFile verifies eligibility to help prevent IRS reviews or delays. This credit could mean several thousand dollars added to your refund, especially if you have children who qualify. Getting this 100% correct is crucial!

This happens more often than people realize. AmeriFile helps determine who is legally entitled to claim a dependent based on IRS rules, residency, and support. If someone claims a child incorrectly, we can guide you through the proper steps to protect your return.

No. Only one taxpayer can legally claim a dependent. If the IRS receives two returns claiming the same child, one or both returns may be delayed or reviewed. AmeriFile helps ensure dependents are claimed correctly to avoid problems. It is possible to have no child listed as a dependent BUT be able to claim earned income credit and more. This is what AmeriFile is best at - helping determine the best best and accurate outcome.

Credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit are heavily reviewed by the IRS. With 40 years of experience, AmeriFile helps ensure credits are claimed correctly, reducing the risk of delays, audits, or repayment later.

To qualify, your child must be under 17 to qualify for the new $2,200 child tax credit. You may still qualify for $500 for an older relative living with you for more than half the year, and have a valid Social Security number. You also need to meet income guidelines. At AmeriFile, we ensure you get every dollar you’re entitled to—especially with changing rules year to year. We'll walk you through whether you qualify for the refundable portion too.