Debt Forgiveness Could Come With a Tax Bill

Did a lender forgive or discharge some of your debt? You could face an unexpected federal income tax bill. Canceled debt is generally treated as taxable income, even though you never received any cash. But exceptions and exclusions may apply. For example, debt discharged in bankruptcy or canceled while you’re insolvent may be partially or […]

Disability benefits may have income tax consequences you don’t expect

Disability insurance is a valuable benefit provided by many employers. It replaces a portion of the insured person’s income — typically 45% to 65% of pre-disability earnings — after a specified waiting period that starts when the person becomes disabled (as defined by the policy’s terms). Whether you’re just beginning to receive disability benefits or you’re […]

Having Trouble Paying the IRS? Know Your Rights

One of the 10 basic rights the IRS guarantees taxpayers is the right to a fair and just tax system. In practice, this means that if you can’t pay your tax bill, you may be able to arrange a payment plan and can request an “offer in compromise” to reduce the debt. The IRS consults […]

Selling Investments at a Loss? Watch Out for the Wash Sale Rule

Selling an investment in a taxable account at a loss can help reduce your federal tax bill, but beware of the wash sale rule. If you sell securities at a loss and buy substantially identical securities within 30 days before the loss sale date or 30 days after that date, the IRS generally disallows the […]

FAQs about resolving small business tax issues

Tax problems can happen to even the most organized small business owners. A cash flow crunch, an unexpected tax notice, a missed filing deadline or a payroll tax oversight can be stressful — especially when penalties and interest begin to add up. Fortunately, businesses can get back on track by addressing tax issues promptly and […]

IRS Clarifies Staking Rules for Certain Digital Asset Trusts

The IRS has provided a safe harbor for certain exchange-traded digital asset trusts. Under Rev. Proc. 2026-20, qualifying trusts that hold cash and one type of digital asset on a permissionless proof-of-stake network can earn staking rewards without jeopardizing their status as investment trusts or grantor trusts for federal tax purposes. The safe harbor includes […]

Selling Appreciated Investments? Watch Out for the 3.8% NIIT

Planning to sell appreciated investments before year end? Don’t overlook the net investment income tax (NIIT). A large capital gain could push your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above the NIIT threshold ($200,000 for single filers, $250,000 for married joint filers or $125,000 for married filing separately), potentially increasing your tax bill. The NIIT equals […]

Selecting a tax accounting method for your small business

Small business owners must answer an important question: Should we use the cash or accrual accounting method for federal income tax purposes? Larger entities are required to use the accrual method. But certain small businesses can elect to use the cash method. You may want to consider this option if it will help lower your […]

AICPA Urges CAMT Relief for Financially Distressed Companies

In a Sept. 24, 2026, letter to the IRS and U.S. Treasury Dept., the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) urged regulators to change how the 15% corporate alternative minimum tax (CAMT) applies to financially distressed companies. The AICPA says that forgiven debt should match regular income tax rules to reduce compliance burdens and prevent unexpected […]

Protect Your Tax Identity: Cybersecurity Tips from the IRS

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and the IRS is urging Americans to protect their personal data from hackers and other fraud perpetrators. Always use strong passwords, updated security software and multifactor authentication. Many security experts also advocate using “passkeys” when possible. The IRS says that tax identity theft remains a real threat. So individual and […]