Bill advances requiring IRS to modernize processing for tax returns

The House Ways and Means Committee has advanced a bipartisan bill that would require the IRS to modernize its digital processing technology for tax returns. Dubbed the Barcode Automation for Revenue Collection to Organize Disbursement and Enhance (BARCODE) Efficiency Act, the bill would require prepared tax returns to include a scannable code on paper forms. […]

If you suffered a disaster, you may be eligible for a casualty loss tax deduction

Every year, severe storms, flooding, wildfires and other disasters affect millions of taxpayers. Many experience casualty losses from damage to their homes or personal property. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law last year, generally made permanent the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) limitation on the personal casualty loss tax deduction. […]

IRSAC publishes recommendations on current and emerging tax administration issues

The Internal Revenue Service Advisory Council (IRSAC) has published its annual public report, which provides recommendations to the IRS on current and emerging tax administration issues. The report covers 29 topics, including IRS operations, taxpayer service, compliance and administrative processes. Key areas addressed include funding for IRS operations, enhancements to IRS websites and online tax […]

IRA issues guidance on changes to first-year depreciation

On Jan. 14, the IRS released guidance on changes to the additional first-year depreciation deduction. Also known as bonus depreciation, this break was increased to 100% and made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law in July 2025. Notice 2026-11 explains how to determine whether depreciable property qualifies and how […]

Don’t Let Identity Thieves Steal Your Tax Refund

The IRS and the Security Summit are warning taxpayers that, as tax filing season begins, identity thieves are poised to scam people into sharing personal information to file false tax returns and steal refunds. Specific threats include phishing emails and smishing texts, where the thief impersonates a legitimate organization in the tax community, such as […]

Health Care in the Spotlight, Tax Reform on the Sidelines

Congress is back in session. Addressing health care seems to be high on the priority list. Last week, the House passed a three-year extension of the Affordable Care Act’s expired enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs). The bill’s fate in the Senate is uncertain, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) saying there’s “no appetite” for […]

What’s the right inventory accounting method for your business?

Inventory is one of the most significant assets on a balance sheet for many businesses. If your business owns inventory, you have some flexibility in how it’s tracked and expensed under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). The method you use to report inventory can have a dramatic impact on your bottom line, tax obligations […]

PayPal, Venmo, and eBay: IRS Proposes Updated Withholding Rules

The IRS has proposed updates to the regulations for when certain third-party settlement organizations (TPSOs), such as PayPal, eBay and Venmo, must perform backup withholding. The updates are needed to comply with changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The proposed regulations clarify that TPSOs generally aren’t required to perform backup withholding on payments […]

IRS Filing Season Opens Jan. 26 — Are You Ready?

Mark your calendar: The IRS will start accepting tax returns on Jan. 26. You have until April 15 to file your 2025 return and pay any taxes you owe. The IRS expects to receive about 164 million individual income tax returns this year, with most taxpayers filing electronically. While IRS.gov offers useful resources, changes under […]

Shift income to take advantage of the 0% long-term capital gains rate

Are you thinking about making financial gifts to loved ones? Would you also like to reduce your capital gains tax? If so, consider giving appreciated stock instead of cash. You might be able to eliminate all federal tax liability on the appreciation — or at least significantly reduce it. Leveraging lower rates Investors generally are […]