If you’re currently evaluating financial aid awards for your college-bound child, it’s important to understand what types of assistance are taxable. In general, free-money scholarships, fellowships, grants and tuition “discounts” are nontaxable. However, they must be used according to their designations — for example, for tuition, books and educational materials. Work-study compensation (even if referred […]

Estate planning is different these days. With a historically high gift and estate tax exemption, most families are unlikely to face federal gift or estate tax liability. This makes it critical to understand the income tax impact of asset transfers, including the stepped-up basis rules. Generally, for people inheriting appreciated assets (such as stock, real […]

The April tax filing deadline has passed. If you filed your return on time, you may be wondering what tax-related records you need to retain. The IRS’s statute of limitations for auditing a tax return is generally three years from the return’s due date or the filing date, whichever is later. So keep the documents […]

In its April 6, 2026, budget request for fiscal year (FY) 2027 (https://bit.ly/3Of7xNI), the White House proposes allocating $9.8 billion to the IRS. This represents a $1.4 billion reduction from FY 2026. The White House says that IRS personnel cuts of 27% and the termination of the Direct File program make such cuts possible. It […]

Beginning this year, a 1% excise tax applies to certain remittance transfers from U.S. senders to recipients in foreign countries. Remittance transfer providers must collect these remittance transfer taxes from senders and pay them to the IRS. Specifically, the tax is levied when remittances are sent from the U.S. to recipients in foreign countries if […]

The IRS has issued final regulations on the tax deduction for qualified cash tips. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act created the deduction of up to $25,000 per year for 2025 through 2028. Qualified tips generally refer to cash tips received by an individual in an occupation that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or […]

The IRS recommends that taxpayers create an individual online account to securely access their tax information. This account lets you view your refund status, make payments, check your balance and more. However, the IRS also advises taxpayers to be cautious and watch for identity thieves. Create and always access your account directly through IRS.gov, and […]