Separated or Divorced? Here’s What It Means for Your Taxes

If a couple gets separated or divorced, it affects tax obligations. The IRS considers couples married for tax purposes until a final decree is issued. After separating or divorcing, update your Form W-4 with your employer and check withholding using the IRS estimator. Certain alimony payments may be deductible by the payer and taxable to […]

New Law Makes Part of the Adoption Credit Refundable — Finally!

Adopting a child is expensive, but adoptive parents may qualify for a tax break to offset some of the costs. Under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the tax break got better for some parents. For 2025, the maximum adoption credit is $17,280 of qualified expenses, with phaseouts for higher-income parents. Under prior law, […]

They Didn’t Report $1.8M — Here’s What the Tax Court Said

Federal law generally defines gross income as income from all sources. This includes income from settlements unless excluded by law, such as those paid for personal injuries or personal sickness. One married couple received a $1,800,000 settlement from the wife’s former employer, but they didn’t report the amount on their tax return. The wife argued […]

New Legislation Seeks to Limit IRS Funding and Scope

Congressional Republicans have already clawed back more than $40 million in Inflation Reduction Act funding to the IRS. A newly approved U.S. House Appropriations Financial Services and General Services Subcommittee bill would further cut the IRS’s budget. For the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2026, the bill provides the Treasury Dept. with $11.29 billion, which […]

Big Brands Raise Prices as Tariff Policy Shifts—Here’s What’s Going On

President Trump has pushed back the effective date of most reciprocal foreign tariffs to Aug. 7, 2025. They’ve been delayed several times, most recently to Aug. 1. Trump says double-digit tariffs on most countries’ goods will restore trade balances and boost domestic growth. But critics of his trade policy argue these import taxes will, among […]

National Whistleblower Appreciation Day: Recognizing Integrity Since 1778

July 30 was National Whistleblower Appreciation Day. According to the IRS, whistleblowers have played an important role in its efforts to promote fairness and accountability, as well as collect funds from noncompliant taxpayers. In fact, since issuing its first award in 2007, the IRS has paid over $1.3 billion in awards based on the successful […]

Trump and EU Strike Deal: 15% Tariff on Most EU Imports

President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a “framework” trade agreement that imposes a 15% import tariff on most European Union (EU) goods. Previously, Trump had threatened a 30% tariff on EU goods. Trade between the two allies accounts for nearly a third of global trade. The deal comes after […]

Garage Cleanout = Tax Deduction? Only If You Do This

If your summer chore list includes cleaning out the garage and closets, you might have items to donate to a local charity. That may lead to tax savings, but be aware that you can only claim a deduction for noncash donations if you itemize deductions on your tax return. You’ll need to obtain proper documentation […]

IRS & Social Security Payments Go All-Electronic — No More Paper Checks After Sept. 2025

If you still receive federal payments by paper check, you may need to take certain steps soon. Starting Sept. 30, 2025, the federal government will stop issuing paper checks for payments such as tax refunds, Social Security benefits and more. Direct deposit will become the only option unless the deadline is extended. The goal is […]

FIRE Is Ending — Are You Ready for the IRS Transition to IRIS?

The IRS has announced it will soon retire its Filing Information Returns Electronically (FIRE) system. FIRE is used primarily by small businesses, self-employed individuals, tax professionals, nonprofits, payroll companies and others to file tax forms such as Form 8955-SSA and Forms 1099. FIRE will be discontinued for tax year 2026, with the transition occurring in […]