There’s still time to set up a SEP and reduce your 2025 taxes

If you own a business or are self-employed and haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider establishing one before you file your 2025 tax return. If you choose a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), you’ll be able make deductible 2025 contributions to it, saving you taxes. Not only is the SEP deadline favorable, but […]

Is the AMT Your Next Tax Surprise?

Are you subject to the alternative minimum tax (AMT)? In general, this tax applies if your “tentative minimum tax” exceeds your regular income tax liability. Significant long-term capital gains and dividend income or recently exercised incentive stock options can trigger the AMT. Although the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes higher AMT exemptions permanent, […]

Don’t Face an IRS Notice Alone — You Have Rights

The IRS’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights includes 10 fundamental rights taxpayers are entitled to when interacting with federal tax authorities. It’s written to help make the existing rights in the tax code clear, understandable and accessible. One of these is the “right to challenge the IRS’s position and be heard.” In a nutshell, this allows […]

Tax filing update for pass-through entities

Do you operate a business as a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) treated as a partnership for tax purposes or an S corporation? In tax lingo, these are called “pass-through” entities because their taxable income items, tax deductions and tax credits are passed through to their owners and taken into account on the owners’ federal […]

Income Limits Matter: Understanding the New Senior Deduction

The IRS is providing seniors with information and resources regarding the 2026 tax filing season. For eligible taxpayers age 65 or older, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a temporary deduction of up to $6,000 ($12,000 for married couples filing jointly). The deduction begins to phase out when modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) exceeds […]

Starting a Business? Understand Your Federal Tax Obligations First

If you’re thinking about starting a business, make sure you understand your federal tax responsibilities before opening your doors. IRS Publication 583, Starting a Business and Keeping Records, covers the basics. Your business structure (such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company or corporation) determines which forms you must file and which taxes apply, […]

When medical expenses are — and aren’t — tax deductible

If you had significant medical expenses last year, you may be wondering what you can deduct on your 2025 income tax return. Income-based thresholds and other rules can make it hard to claim the medical expense deduction. At the same time, more types of expenses may be eligible than you might expect. Limits on the […]

Before You Claim That “Secret” Tax Credit, Read This

Scrolling for tax tips? Be careful. The IRS warns that bad advice on social media can mislead taxpayers about refunds and tax credits. Some influencers may falsely claim that the IRS is hiding “secret” credits or encourage taxpayers to bend the truth on their returns. Acting on misinformation can result in audits, penalties and having […]

Immediate Expensing Now Available for U.S. Manufacturing Facilities

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduced a 100% deduction for the cost of qualified production property (QPP) whose construction begins after Jan. 19, 2025, and before Jan. 1, 2029, and that’s placed in service before 2031. This break is generally available for nonresidential real property used in manufacturing in the United States. Before the […]

How auditors evaluate key person risks

From technical know-how to charisma and innovation, the skills and personal attributes of a company’s leaders are often critical to its success. But those same traits can become a source of risk if the business relies too heavily on its founder or another top manager. If a so-called “key person” becomes incapacitated, retires or unexpectedly […]