IBR recertification process question

I have Parent Plus loans and my long term strategy is pursue forgiveness (likely via discharge as I am already 60 years old. All my Plus loans qualify for new-IBR and I have just completed the double consolidation, go onto ICR, make one payment, go onto IBR process. So my first IBR payment is now due May 14, 2026. My plan end date is April 14, 2027.

Due to timing of certain payments from my employer, my AGI in 2025 is meaningfully below my 2024 or expected 2026 levels. In a fortunate turn, because I filed my 2025 return very promptly (on Jan 31, 2026), my lower 2025 income data was available for use when I certified for IBR this week. Thus my payment for this first plan is much lower than it would have been if my 2024 income had been used to certify.

I would like to again use my 2025 income to set my May 2026 to April 2027 payment. Which leads to my question…

If I intentionally hold my 2026 tax return until the filing deadline of April 15, 2027 and then file a paper return (which takes longer to process), obviously that data will not be in the IRS database when I go to recertify after my April 14, 2027 payment. In that case, will I be able to recertify using my 2025 AGI and get a second year of these lower IBR payments?

Given my “pursue forgiveness” strategy, I am looking to minimize payments at every turn. Is the above the best move along those lines?

Thank you again to everyone on this thread. The advice I have obtained here has been life changing for my family.