529 plans can help pay primary and secondary school costs

Giving Generously? Make Sure Your Charity Still Qualifies

Many Americans donate to charities they wish to support. If donors itemize deductions, they may also enjoy a tax break. But if a nonprofit violates tax laws or regulations, the IRS may revoke its tax-exempt status and remove it from the list of charities qualified to receive tax-deductible contributions. Suppose you’ve donated to a qualified […]

Emotional Distress = Taxable Income, Says Tax Court

For federal tax purposes, proceeds from legal settlements are generally included in taxable income unless specifically excluded by law, such as those for personal physical injuries or sickness. One taxpayer received $135,000 from her former employer to resolve claims of sexual harassment and discrimination. She didn’t report it on her tax return. After receiving an […]

The State Flat Tax Revolution: Where Things Stand Today

The State Flat Tax Revolution: Where Things Stand Today https://bit.ly/46UYNCV

Lawmakers Push for Clearer Tax Rules on Crypto

Members of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee recently met to discuss ongoing issues with the federal tax treatment of digital assets. Both Republicans and Democrats on the committee essentially agreed that the tax rules are confusing and could use improvement. One of the hearing’s witnesses asserted that the “tax code still treats digital assets as […]

IRS Operations at Risk Amid Government Shutdown

The IRS’s contingency plan called for it to remain open and fully staffed (funded by Inflation Reduction Act money) for at least the first five business days of the current federal government shutdown. However, the plan updated on Sept. 29, 2025 (https://bit.ly/4o6alcc), didn’t specify what would happen after that. According to Bloomberg, if the government […]

IRS Dispute? Mediation Might Be the Easier Path

Taxpayers involved in a dispute with the IRS may want to consider using one of the IRS’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mediation programs. These programs can help taxpayers efficiently resolve tax issues with the IRS. Taxpayers for whom mediation can be a good option include those who don’t have many disputed issues or who’re seeking […]

EV Tax Credit Still Available — But Only for Leases, Thanks to a Loophole

The cutoff date for purchasing or leasing a new electric vehicle (EV) to take advantage of the $7,500 EV tax credit was Sept. 30, 2025. But General Motors (GM) and Ford have found a workaround to extend the credit into the fourth quarter. In a nutshell, GM and Ford had their financing arms make down […]

Payroll tax implications of new tax breaks on tips and overtime

Before the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), tip income and overtime income were fully taxable for federal income tax purposes. The new law changes that. Tip income deduction For 2025–2028, the OBBBA creates a new temporary federal income tax deduction that can offset up to $25,000 of annual qualified tip income. It begins to […]

Denied by the IRS: What One Taxpayer’s Case Teaches About Payment Plans

Taxpayers who owe more taxes than they can pay have options, which include payment plans, but compliance is key. If repayment will take more than 180 days, a taxpayer may seek an installment agreement with the IRS. Interest and penalties still apply. To qualify for an agreement, the taxpayer must be current with estimated tax […]