UNH Wildcats

Get $100 when you open a checking account and get the official debit card of the UNH Wildcats.*

Get Rewarded

Make the most out of your UNH experience. Get a checking account with Service Credit Union with the official debit card of the UNH Wildcats, and you’ll get $100 deposited right into your account.*

Apply online today, and pick up your debit card at our branch inside Wildcat Stadium. Once you’re a Service Credit Union member, you’ll enjoy all these perks, and more.

Member Perks Include:

Bank anytime, anywhere with our mobile app for iOS or Android
Access three convenient ATMs on campus
No-fee shared branching throughout the U.S.
Get free popcorn at UNH hockey games
Earn 5% APY** on your first $500 with our Primary Savings Account
Each swipe of your UNH debit card supports the Service Credit Union Athletic Scholarship Fund

As your relationship with us grows, you’ll gain access to more features and benefits.

Ready to Apply? Follow These Quick Steps:

Visit our branch, or use our online application portal
Select your membership eligibility
- Not sure if any apply to you? Join the American Consumer Council on us, and you can become a Service Credit Union member.
Under "Selected Products," there is no need to select a debit card.
- Once approved, visit our UNH branch and present your UNH ID to pick up your official Wildcat debit card

Get More Savings Tips and Tricks on Our Good Cents Blog!

Getting Organized for the 2026 Tax Season: Your Guide to Stress-Free Tax Preparation

Getting organized for the 2026 tax season may seem early, but smart tax preparation starts long before filing deadlines arrive. Taking time now to organize your finances can help reduce stress, avoid costly mistakes, and ensure you are fully prepared to maximize deductions and credits. Whether you file on your own or work with a tax professional, preparation is key to a smoother experience.

Below are practical tax organization tips to help you stay ahead for 2026.

Create a Tax Organization System You Will Use

The best tax organization system is one that fits your lifestyle. Choose between a paper-based system, a digital filing system, or a hybrid of both. Digital folders are especially helpful for searching documents quickly and storing backups securely.

Set up folders labeled various things such as income, tax forms, deductions, charitable contributions, medical expenses, education expenses, housing and investments. Organizing documents throughout the year makes tax filing faster and more accurate.

Track All Sources of Income Year-Round

Tracking income consistently is one of the most important tax preparation tips. Some people earn income from more than one source, and missing documentation can lead to delays or errors.

Be sure to track and have readily available

W-2 income from employers
1099 income from freelance, contract, or gig work
Interest and dividends from savings or investments
Income from any side jobs

Monthly income tracking can also help with budgeting and estimated tax planning if your income fluctuates.

Save Receipts for Tax Deductions and Credits

Saving receipts is essential for claiming tax deductions and credits. Waiting until tax season to search for records often leads to missing documentation.

Common deductible or credit-eligible expenses include charitable donations, childcare expenses, medical and dental costs, education expenses, and eligible work-related purchases. Taking photos of receipts and saving them digitally can simplify tax preparation significantly.

Review Tax Withholdings and Estimated Payments

If you owed taxes or received a large refund last year, reviewing your tax withholding early can help you plan better for 2026. Life changes such as marriage, having a child, buying a home, or changing jobs can all impact your tax situation.

Adjusting your W-4 or estimated tax payments now can help prevent unexpected tax bills or overpaying throughout the year.

Use Your Previous Tax Return as a Planning Tool

Your most recent tax return provides valuable insight into what documents you will need again and which deductions or credits applied to you. Reviewing this can help you plan ahead and avoid missed opportunities.

Schedule a Midyear Tax Check-In

Looking ahead to future prep, a mid-year tax check-in allows you to confirm your records are complete, adjust savings if needed, and address gaps early. This proactive step can turn tax season into a routine task instead of a last-minute scramble.

Use Financial Tools and Resources Available to You

At Service Credit Union, we believe financial well-being includes being informed and prepared. From budgeting tools to financial education resources, we are here to help you feel confident and organized throughout the year.

Getting organized for the 2026 tax season starts today. With consistent habits and early planning, you can make tax preparation simpler, reduce stress, and keep more of what you earn.

This blog is intended to be educational, not financial advice. Please discuss your specific situation with a qualified investment or financial advisor.

By Chris Banker

View All Blog Posts

*Must be a member of Service CU with at least $5 in a Primary Savings account and open a new Everyday or Dividend Checking account with the UNH Wildcats debit card. The $100 bonus will be deposited to the Primary Savings account upon member presenting a valid UNH student or faculty ID and receiving the UNH Wildcats debit card at the UNH branch. Dividend Checking has a variable Annual Percentage Yield (APY) of 0.15% accurate as of 07/16/2025; no minimum balance required to earn APY. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this offer in any way or that you intend to do so, we may not credit the bonus to, we may freeze the bonus to, or we may take away bonus from your account. The credit union will issue a 1099-INT for tax purposes. This promotion is exclusively for members that do not currently, or have not previously, held any checking account product with Service CU. Offer subject to change or be discontinued without notice.

**Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of the last dividend declaration date of 07/16/2025 and subject to change without notice. Dividends paid on daily balances of up to $500; variable APY of 5.00%. If actual daily balance exceeds $500, the remaining balance will receive variable APY of 5%-0.25%. Dividends are calculated based on the daily balance with the sum of the daily earning credited on the last day of each month. Must be a member of Service CU or establish membership with $5 in a Primary Savings Account.