IRS pauses technology modernization

Senior U.S. Dept. of the Treasury officials recently said the IRS will pause its technology modernization efforts, which began under the Biden administration. This comes after it was reported that the tax agency could cut about 20% of its workforce. With additional funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has implemented several technology […]

Tax fraud case may lead to prison

While most taxpayers strive to file honest tax returns, some try to defraud the government. In one case, a Miami man pleaded guilty to hiding more than $20 million in Swiss bank accounts for decades. In the complex case, the IRS uncovered many false statements and claims the taxpayer made to evade detection. Upon learning […]

Beneficial ownership information reporting requirements suspended for domestic reporting companies

The twisty journey of the Corporate Transparency Act’s (CTA’s) beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting requirements has taken yet another turn. Following a February 18, 2025, ruling by a federal district court (Smith v. U.S. Department of the Treasury), the requirements are technically back in effect for covered companies. But a short time later, the U.S. Department […]

Trump’s proposed Gold Card Initiative

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump proposed a “Gold Card” initiative. The plan offers foreigners U.S. permanent residency and a path to citizenship for $5 million. In a March 4 speech, Trump said the plan aims to attract top talent and “the most successful job-creating people” worldwide. Trump added, “These people will have to pay […]

Common refund myths

On its website, the IRS has posted a list of common refund myths (https://bit.ly/3FEnhoH). For example, if the online Where’s My Refund tool or automated hotline doesn’t specify when a refund will be approved, there’s no point in calling the IRS. The tax agency won’t have additional details yet. You’re advised to contact the IRS […]

How a business owner’s home office can result in tax deductions

As a business owner, you may be eligible to claim home office tax deductions that will reduce your taxable income. However, it’s crucial to understand the IRS rules to ensure compliance and avoid potential IRS audit risks. There are two methods for claiming this tax break: the actual expense method and the simplified method. Here […]

TJCA extension under debate

Economic policy experts across the political spectrum are debating Republican lawmakers’ plan for a “current-policy baseline” to extend Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) provisions. The baseline assumes that current laws will remain in effect and that tax cuts will have no budgetary impact. Rep. Mike Crapo (R-ID) claims, “If you’re not changing the tax […]

Don’t forget to file your FBAR on any foreign financial account held

If you have assets that include foreign bank or financial accounts, you may be required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) by April 15. Specifically, those who must file have foreign financial accounts where the aggregate value of all such accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year […]

You may be able to make a deductible IRA contribution for last year this year

If you’re getting ready to file your 2024 tax return and your tax bill is higher than you’d like, there may still be a chance to lower it. If you’re eligible, you can make a deductible contribution to a traditional IRA until this year’s April 15 filing deadline and benefit from the tax savings on […]

Turn 73 in 2024? RMDs due April 1

For those who turned age 73 in 2024, there’s an important date fast approaching. Those individuals must begin taking required minimum distributions (RMDs) from their IRAs, 401(k) plans or similar workplace retirement plans by April 1, 2025. Be aware that the April 1 RMD deadline is for the first year only. For subsequent years, the […]