Direct Deposit Changes for 2026

To help phase out paper checks and issue more refunds via direct deposit, the IRS is encouraging taxpayers to provide banking information on their 2025 tax returns. But what happens to refunds if the direct deposit information is missing or incorrect? The Taxpayer Advocate Service says that when returns are filed without account information, the […]

Two Ways to Open a Trump Account: What Parents Need to Know

Parents now have two options to open a Trump Account (TA): They can file IRS Form 4547 electronically at trumpaccounts.gov or include the form with their 2025 tax returns. TAs offer families a new way to build savings for their children. A TA can be set up for anyone who’ll be under age 18 at […]

Landmark Tax Court Decision Expands R&D Credits to Animal Agriculture

Big news for agriculture innovators: On Feb. 3, the U.S. Tax Court ruled in George v. Commissioner that research to improve poultry health, disease resistance and growth rates qualifies for the research and development (R&D) tax credit under Section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code. This marks the first time animal agriculture has been formally […]

A nonworking spouse can still contribute to an IRA

Many married couples include a working spouse and a nonworking spouse, but that doesn’t mean the nonworking spouse can’t save for retirement. A nonworking spouse can contribute to a traditional or Roth IRA through a “spousal” IRA set up in his or her name. (The couple must file jointly.) Contributions for 2025 can be made […]

Lower taxes….Yes please!

It may be 2026, but it’s still possible to lower your 2025 tax bill! If you qualify, you can make a contribution to a traditional IRA up until April 15, 2026, and deduct the amount on your 2025 income tax return. But if you (or your spouse, if applicable) participate in a work-based retirement plan […]

Paid Family Leave tax credit

Employers offering their workers paid family leave in 2026 will generally be able to claim a business tax credit. Following changes by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, your organization can calculate the credit based on 12.5% to 25% of actual wages paid to employees on leave for up to 12 weeks or of what […]

Do you have an IRS Individual Online Account?

Do you have an IRS Individual Online Account? If not, the IRS is encouraging you to create one. Taxpayers with an account can securely access their tax information online. Specifically, you can view your balance, make payments, set up payment plans, access tax records and review prior notices without waiting on hold or mailing forms. […]

Tax Credits deserve a closer look

Tax season is here, and as you prepare to file your federal return, tax credits deserve a close look. Unlike deductions, credits reduce the amount taxpayers owe in income taxes dollar-for-dollar. Some tax credits are even fully or partially refundable, meaning if your tax bill is less than the amount of a refundable credit, you […]

Exempt from Federal Income Tax

If you claimed an exemption from federal income tax withholding in 2025, remember to renew it by Feb. 17. Your exemption won’t renew automatically. To keep your exempt status, fill out a new Form W-4 and give it to your employer by this date. If you don’t submit a new form, your employer will start […]

Do you have a state tax strategy?

Minimizing federal tax is just one segment of any tax-reduction strategy. Careful planning can also help individuals reduce (and even eliminate) state income, sales or property taxes. For example, if you’re able to, you might consider moving to a state that doesn’t tax income (multiple, including Florida and Nevada) or that charges no sales tax […]