Practical tax tips and deduction strategies for individuals and small business owners. Actionable advice to help you minimize liability and maximize returns.
What free tax filing options are available to military members in 2026? Military tax filing 2026 is easier than ever — service members and their families can use MilTax (free, no income limit) or IRS Free File (AGI under $89,000 for 2025 returns), plus benefit from combat pay exclusion, extended deadlines, and special Earned Income…
What is the IRS Dirty Dozen for 2026? The IRS Dirty Dozen 2026 is the annual list of the 12 most dangerous tax scams targeting American taxpayers, businesses, and tax professionals. This year’s list includes AI-powered phone scams, ghost preparers, and a new entry — abusive Form 2439 capital gains claims. Here’s what every taxpayer…
Do high-income employees have to make Roth catch-up contributions in 2026? Yes — if your prior-year FICA wages from your employer exceeded $150,000, the SECURE 2.0 Act now requires that your Roth catchup contributions 2026 be designated as Roth (after-tax) contributions, not pre-tax. Here is everything you need to know before the January 1, 2026…
Does the IRS offer free tax preparation for low-income households? Yes — the IRS VITA TCE grants 2026 program awarded $53 million to 363 organizations nationwide, funding free certified tax preparation for qualifying taxpayers. VITA serves low-to-moderate income filers, while TCE focuses on seniors age 60 and older. Every filing season, millions of Americans either…
What is the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator and how does it reflect the new OBBB tax law changes? The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free online tool that has been updated to incorporate One, Big, Beautiful Bill (OBBB) changes — including no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and new senior deductions —…
What does the Taxpayer Bill of Rights say about paying the correct amount of tax? Under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, every American has the legal right to pay no more than the correct amount of tax — and the IRS is required to apply all payments properly and correct any overcharges. Tax season can…
Can I deduct overtime pay from my federal taxes under the new law? Yes — the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) created an overtime tax deduction worth up to $12,500 for individuals ($25,000 joint filers) for qualifying FLSA overtime earned from 2025 through 2028. A separate tips deduction of up to $25,000 is also…
How much is the Child Tax Credit for 2025, and who qualifies? For tax year 2025, the Child Tax Credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child under age 17, with up to $1,700 refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit. Income limits are $200,000 ($400,000 for joint filers). If you’re a parent filing…
What should I do if I haven’t received my W-2 or 1099? If your missing W-2 or missing 1099 tax documents are late, you have several IRS-approved options to file on time, including checking your IRS Online Account, contacting your employer, or using Form 4852 as a substitute. Dealing with a missing W-2 or missing…
Want to save money on college costs? Discover the top IRS tax credits and deductions for education, including the AOTC and LLC, and learn how to reduce your tax bill today! Have you ever looked at the cost of continuing education and felt your jaw practically drop to the floor? Let’s be real…
