Some taxpayers may get mail from the IRS. It’s important that they open any mail they receive and read it carefully. Most letters or notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice will outline the specific issue and include steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer’s…
Read More...National Small Business Week 2026: Avoid the scam
It’s National Small Business Week, and the IRS is sharing resources and highlighting key topics each day throughout the week. One of those topics is scams. Back in March, the annual Dirty Dozen list of common tax scams was announced. These scams and schemes target taxpayers, businesses of all sizes and tax professionals. Let’s look at a couple…
Read More...It’s not too early to start planning for next year: Check withholding now
Even though the tax filing deadline for tax year 2025 passed a couple weeks ago, it’s not too early to start planning for next filing season. Planning now can help taxpayers avoid surprises next year. One action that can be taken is checking for proper tax withholding. What is withholding? Taxpayers need to pay their…
Read More...Time is running out to claim $1.2 billion in refunds for tax year 2022; taxpayers face April 15 deadline
WASHINGTON ― The Internal Revenue Service today announced that over 1.3 million people across the nation have unclaimed refunds for tax year 2022 and face an April 15 deadline to submit their tax returns. The IRS estimates that approximately $1.2 billion in refunds remains unclaimed for taxpayers who have not filed their Form 1040 Federal…
Read More...This Simple Mistake Can Drop Your Credit Score by 100+ Points
It’s normal for your FICO® Score to drop from time to time. Usually, there’s only a small, temporary dip. Say you apply for a new credit card, or your balance is a little higher than usual one month. You might lose a few points, then quickly gain them back. But there’s one simple mistake that…
Read More...The Best Budgeting Tips for Your 40s and 50s
Still using the spending plan you had early in your career? Budgeting in your 40s and 50s is a whole new ballgame. Here’s how to get started. You may feel like you graduated from college just yesterday, but by the time you reach your 40s, you’re officially in middle age. In fact, ages 40 to…
Read More...Considering withdrawal from retirement funds?
If you are considering taking money from retirement accounts, please call me before you take the funds. There can be serious tax ramifications both federal and state if you do not prepare properly for those moves. Federal is a penalty of 10% if you are under 59-1/2. If you are on social security, you may…
Read More...Early filers equal early refunds
I encourage everyone to file as early as you can. Refunds are larger this tax season based on the change in the tax rates while employers did not change their withholding charts during 2025. Those who are W-2 employees will see more take home pay in 2026 since new withholding charts are in place. I…
Read More...Next steps to Get Ready for 2026 tax filing season
Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, is opening day for the 2026 tax filing season. This is when taxpayers can begin filing their 2025 federal tax returns. Here are a few simple steps taxpayers can take now to prepare for filing: Create or access their IRS Individual Online Account IRS Individual Online Accounts are available 24/7, to view account…
Read More...Treasury, IRS provide guidance on new tax benefits for health savings account participants under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill
WASHINGTON — The Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service today issued Notice 2026-05 providing guidance on new tax benefits for Health Savings Account participants under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. These changes expand HSA eligibility, which allows more people to save and to pay for healthcare costs through tax-free HSAs. Expansion of HSA Eligibility…
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