IRS issues guidance for vehicle loan deduction

The IRS has issued transitional guidance to auto lenders required to report certain vehicle loan interest for 2025. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, interest on qualified passenger vehicle loans originated after Dec. 31, 2024, generally is deductible up to $10,000. Lenders must provide eligible taxpayers with the appropriate information to claim the deduction […]

Court Ruling Underscores Importance of Proof in Theft Loss Claims

In certain circumstances, investors may be able to deduct losses from theft. To be deductible, the loss must not be reimbursed, such as through insurance. The taxpayer also must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that an actual theft occurred under the relevant local law. In a complex case, a married couple invested in […]

Tax Court Halts Trials During Ongoing Government Shutdown

When the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1, 2025, the U.S. Tax Court announced it would remain open, at least for a limited time. But that time has come to an end. Starting Oct. 20, all in-person and remote trial sessions of the Tax Court are canceled, at least through the week of Oct. […]

Thinking of Outsourcing? A New Bill Could Add a 25% Tax

Recently, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) introduced a bill that could subject some U.S. businesses to a new tax. The Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act would impose a 25% tax on outsourcing payments. The bill defines “outsourcing payments” as amounts paid to foreign persons for labor and services performed outside the United States that […]

OBBBA Permanently Increases Federal Estate and Gift Tax Exemption

Normally, certain inflation-adjusted numbers affect taxpayers’ estate plans every year. One is the federal gift and estate tax exemption. But for 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) permanently increases the exemption amount to $15 million (up from $13.99 million for 2025). That amount will be adjusted annually for inflation for 2027 and beyond. […]

Plan Ahead: OBBBA Doubles Sec. 179 Expensing for 2025

If you own a business, the Sec. 179 expensing election allows you to deduct the cost of purchasing eligible assets rather than depreciating them over multiple years. An annual expensing limit applies, which begins to phase out dollar-for-dollar when acquisitions for the year exceed the phaseout threshold. For qualifying property placed in service in 2025, […]

October Is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time when the IRS and its Security Summit partners remind us about best practices for protecting personal information. For example, use a virtual private network when connecting to public Wi‑Fi. Also, beware of unsolicited emails and texts that ask for tax or financial information. For businesses, it’s important […]

Tax Relief for Teachers: Deduction Rises to $350 in 2026

Teachers and other educators should be glad to know that the above-the-line tax deduction they can claim for unreimbursed educator expenses will soon rise. Currently $300 per year, in 2026 the maximum deduction will increase to $350. It will be adjusted for inflation in the future. Married educators who file a joint return can each […]

Enhanced Child Care Tax Credits Offer Big Benefits for Employers in 2025–2026

Employers seeking ways to attract and retain top talent may want to consider providing child care services to staff. A significantly enhanced tax credit can make this more feasible. For 2025, the maximum credit is $150,000. For 2026, it will increase to $500,000 ($600,000 for eligible small businesses). The 2026 credit will equal 40% of […]

New 2026 Health Benefit Limits Released by the IRS

Employers and employees, take note: The IRS has released 2026 inflation-adjusted limits for employee health benefits. Workers who defer earnings to health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can contribute as much as $3,400 in 2026 (up from $3,300 in 2025). And for FSAs that allow carryovers of unused amounts, the 2026 carryover maximum will be $680 […]