You Don’t Have to Face the IRS Alone

You don’t have to engage with the IRS on your own. The tax agency allows third-party authorizations, meaning you can ask a family member, friend, tax advisor or attorney to help with tax matters you specify. You may provide power of attorney to professionals authorized to practice before the IRS. They can represent and sign […]

Could You Qualify for Automatic IRS Penalty Relief?

The Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) is sharing tips for taxpayers who may be eligible for the IRS’s Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) program. You may qualify if you have a history of timely filing and payment compliance. The AEP fully replaces the First Time Abate program for original returns with due dates on or after […]

Before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, understand the tax rules

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But federal tax law generally treats lottery prizes, gambling winnings and other awards as taxable income. Knowing the basic rules can help you avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. Lottery prizes Of course, the chances of winning big in the […]

Need a Copy of Your Tax Records? Know Your Transcript Options

There are many reasons individuals may need to access their tax transcripts. They include the need to file a tax return or apply for a mortgage or loan. In a Tax Tip (2026-25), the IRS lists several types of tax transcripts available for free to taxpayers. A tax return transcript shows most line items from […]

IRS Changes Course on Conservation Easement Tax Settlements

The IRS has established an Office of Conservation Easements to centralize expertise and coordinate policy, enforcement and case resolution involving conservation and historic preservation easements. As part of the transition, the IRS has ended its uniform settlement initiative (announced on May 13, 2026) and withdrawn deadlines for accepting previously issued offers. Prior elections remain in […]

Demystifying like-kind exchanges

If you’re a real estate developer or a small business owner who owns commercial real estate, you might be thinking about selling a property. If it has appreciated significantly, a Section 1031 like-kind exchange may allow you to defer tax on some or all of the gain. With this transaction, you exchange one property for […]

Canadian tariffs take effect September 8

U.S. businesses that export goods to Canada should prepare for tariffs taking effect Sept. 8, 2026. Canada will impose tariffs of 15%, 25% or 50% on certain U.S.-origin products, with rates varying by product. Affected sectors include agricultural equipment, appliances, dairy, electronics, pulp and paper, and steel. The measures apply only to goods originating in […]

The Right to Finality, what is that?

One of the items contained in the IRS’s Taxpayer Bill of Rights is the right to finality. Although finality may sound a little obscure, this right is critical if you’re being audited. For example, the IRS usually has a limit of three years from your filing date to assess additional tax (but it has unlimited […]

Rethink inventory management

For many businesses, inventory is one of the largest and most expensive assets to maintain. Beyond the cost of purchasing goods, businesses incur ongoing expenses related to storage, labor, insurance, transportation, obsolescence, depreciation and shrinkage. Excess inventory can also tie up cash that you could otherwise use to fund growth initiatives or other operational priorities. […]

Can You Deduct Long-Term Care Insurance Premiums? It Depends

Are long-term care (LTC) insurance premiums tax-deductible? It depends. Qualified LTC policies are considered health insurance under federal income tax rules. So if you buy a policy, your premiums are treated as medical expenses for itemized deduction purposes. But your total eligible medical expenses for the year must meet the 7.5% of adjusted gross income […]