How to Handle IRS Letters During Filing Season: What You Need to Know for 2025

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The dreaded moment arrives: you check your mail, and there it is—a letter from the IRS. Your heart sinks. What could it be? A mistake? A penalty? A request for missing information? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. During filing…

Snails in Skyscrapers and David Beckham: The Strangest Tax Avoidance Schemes in History

Tax avoidance is a tale as old as, well, taxes themselves, with individuals and companies constantly seeking creative (and often strange) ways to reduce their liabilities. While most of us rely on accountants to help find wholly legal deductions,…

Tax-Free Weekends Guide: September – December 2024

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Looking to stretch your dollars further before the end of the year? Tax-free weekends offer a fantastic opportunity to save on essential purchases. From school supplies and clothing to technology and holiday gifts, these special state-sponsored…

Gift and Estate Tax Primer

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Article Highlights: Exclusions from Gift and Estate Taxes Annual Gift Tax Exclusion Gifts for Medical Expenses and Tuition Lifetime Exclusion from Gift and Estate Taxes Spousal Exclusion Portability Qualified Tuition Programs …

Can’t Pay Your Taxes? Here Are Some Options

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Article Highlights: If You Can’t Pay Automatic Extension in Federally Declared Disaster Areas Family Loans Home Equity Loans and HELOCs Credit Card Short-term Payment Plan IRS Installment Agreement Retirement Funds …

Is It Better to Have a Tax Credit or a Deduction?

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Article Highlights: Itemized Deductions Above-the-Line Deductions Business Deductions Asset-Sale Deductions Refundable Credits Nonrefundable Credits Carryover Credits Business Tax Credits Tax Deductions – In one…

Using a Ghost Preparer? Who You Going to Call When the IRS Comes Knocking

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Article Highlights: Ghost Preparers PTIN Requirement Signing the Return Preparation to Boost Refund Taxpayer Left Holding the Bag How to Report Ghost Preparers Professional Tax Preparation As people begin to have their…

Major Tax Sunset on the Horizon

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Article Highlights: Estate and Gift Tax Personal Exemptions Standard Deductions Home Mortgage Interest Deduction Limitation on Tax Deductions (SALT) Suspension of Tier 2 Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions Suspension of…

8 Steps to Avoid Common Tax and Accounting Mistakes

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Successfully steering a small business involves adeptly managing its financial intricacies. Amid the myriad responsibilities, tax and accounting often prove to be a potential minefield for entrepreneurs, with common mistakes capable of significantly…

E-File Mandate - Reporting of Cash Payments Over $10,000

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Article Highlights: Reason for Form 8300 E-File Mandate Waiver Exemptions Late Returns Late Filing Penalties Record Keeping E-File Starting Jan. 1, 2024, businesses are required to electronically file (e-file) Form…