There's still time to act At the end of each year there are a number of things to consider that may have a positive impact on your tax obligation. Here is a list of ideas that may be worth a quick review while there is still time. And especially this year with recent tax law …
Social Security Benefits Announced for 2026
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% boost to monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 2026, another rate drop versus last year's increase of 3.2%. The increase is based on the rise in the Consumer Price Index over the past 12 months ending in September 2025. For those contributing to Social Security through …
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Leveraging Gift Rules to Your Advantage
As you or your family members approach retirement years, it's important to have a basic understanding of the IRS gift giving rules. With this understanding, there are opportunities to leverage this tax law without creating a tax problem. The rules You may give up to $19,000 to any individual (donee) in 2025 and avoid any …
Check for Itemizing Now
Itemizing deductions may be back for you With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB Act) many who took a standard deduction may now need to consider a potential change to itemizing. If this could be you, it is better to know this now, when you can still take tax advantage of …
Defending Fair Market Value
Fair market value (FMV) is the price that property would sell for on the open market. It is the price that would be agreed on between a willing buyer and a willing seller, with neither being required to act, and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. Source: IRS Publication 561 This definition is …
Tentative Tax-Fee Tip Occupations Announced
Review and act NOW! In late September, the Treasury Department presented a list of preliminarily-approved occupations that will qualify for the new federal tax-free tip income provision on 2025 tax returns. Here is what you need to know. Background As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), qualifying tip income will not be …
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Don’t Run the Risk of a High Tax Bill!
Know when you should ask for professional help. Before taking action, talk to your tax adviser. How many times have you seen this legal disclaimer? Unfortunately, all too often taxpayers do not follow this advice and then must pay the price with an unnecessarily high tax bill. Here are some of the most common situations …
Understanding Tax Terms: Applicable Federal Rates
Your grandson needs a car, but cannot afford the payments. As a favor, you provide the $25,000 to purchase the car. You tell your grandson to pay you back when he can, but there is no loan document. The IRS sees this payment during an audit and asks where your interest income is for this …
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Reducing the Cost of Higher Education
Ideas to manage your tax breaks With kids now back in college, the fact of higher educational costs is impossible to ignore. As you or your child navigate campus, you are now in position to start navigating the possible tax implications of your new-found college expense. Outlined here are three of the more popular ways …
Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due
Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, now is the time to review your tax situation and make an estimated quarterly tax payment using Form 1040-ES. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), forecasting your tax obligation is now more important …
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