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 […]

One Hearing Isn’t Enough? Lawmakers Urged to Revisit CDP Rules

National Taxpayer Advocate Erin Collins is asking the U.S. Congress to protect taxpayers following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the Collection Due Process (CDP). Congress established the CDP in 1998 to enable taxpayers to contest proposed IRS levies and Notices of Federal Tax Lien. Collins contends that the Court’s recent decision may result in […]

Disabled access tax credit

Catch-up contributions can help you…catch up

For 2026, SIMPLE-IRA participants age 50 or older can take advantage of catch-up contributions that allow them to save more for retirement while potentially lowering their tax bills. The standard elective deferral limit is $17,000, with an additional $4,000 catch-up for those age 50 to 59 and 64 or older at the end of 2026. […]

Did I choose my filing status properly?

When it comes to filing your federal tax return, mistakes can happen. The IRS encourages taxpayers to carefully review their return before filing it to make sure it’s correct and complete. A common mistake is choosing the incorrect filing status. To determine your filing status, use the IRS’s “What is my filing status?” online tool […]

Owe tax with no ability to Pay?

It’s tax season, and for some taxpayers, that means facing a balance due. If you can’t pay your full tax bill, an offer in compromise (OIC) could help you settle your debt for less than you owe. The IRS considers your ability to pay, income, expenses and asset equity to determine eligibility. You can’t be […]

The new year has new tax deductions

The IRS is reminding taxpayers of new deductions available this tax season. If you’re 65 or older, you potentially can claim an additional $6,000 deduction. Depending on your occupation, you may be able to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips. You may also be able to deduct up to $12,500 in qualified overtime ($25,000 […]

Filing a final tax return

The death of a loved one may require you to file the individual’s final income tax return. Fortunately, this melancholy task is similar to filing your own return. You’ll need to complete a Form 1040, sign your own name (and indicate your relationship to the deceased), write “Deceased” and the date of death on the […]

Not all “business” expenses are tax deductible

With 2025 in the rear view mirror and the tax filing deadline on the road ahead, it’s a good time for businesses to start gathering information about their deductible expenses for 2025. But what’s deductible (and what’s not) might not be as clear-cut as you think. Most business deductions aren’t specifically listed in the Internal […]

Changes to Charitable Contributions in 2026

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act placed a new floor under the deductibility of charitable contributions. Beginning in 2026, if you itemize, you may deduct only the amount of donations that, in aggregate, exceeds 0.5% of your adjusted gross income. The new rule may make donor-advised funds (DAFs) more attractive. You claim a charitable […]