Influencer tax: a creator's ring light and phone beside receipts and a mileage log
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Are influencer tax rules different from other tax rules?

Are influencer tax rules any different from regular tax rules? No. The Tax Court’s first ruling involving a social-media creator, Sami v. Commissioner, applied the same ordinary-and-necessary business expense standard used for every other business. What actually decides an influencer tax audit is substantiation, business purpose, and whether the activity is a real trade or…

FTB overcollection versus overpayment under California FTB Legal Ruling 2026-02
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FTB overcollection vs. overpayment: SOL changes

Can FTB return money it collected years ago? Sometimes, yes. FTB Legal Ruling 2026-02 (issued August 21, 2026) draws a sharp line between an overpayment (subject to the four-year refund statute) and an FTB overcollection (excess taken by mechanical or clerical error during involuntary collection). Overcollections can be returned even after the SOL — but…

IRA fraud: a retirement account drained by a phone scam and the tax bill that follows
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Is IRA fraud still taxable? What does the IRS waive in 2026?

Is IRA fraud still taxable if the money was stolen? Usually, yes. A withdrawal you were tricked into making is still a distribution to you, so the amount is taxable and a Form 1099-R follows. The IRS has waived the 60-day rollover deadline for IRA fraud victims in several private letter rulings, but the waiver…

Obbba tax scams 2026 featured
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OBBBA Tax Scams: How to Protect Yourself in 2026

Are scammers exploiting the One Big Beautiful Bill? Yes — OBBBA tax scams are already active in 2026, with fraudsters targeting seniors, workers, and small business owners. This guide covers every major scam type so you can protect yourself and your finances. Tax season is stressful enough on its own. But whenever Congress passes major…

Irs dirty dozen 2026 featured
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IRS Dirty Dozen 2026: 12 Tax Scams Every Taxpayer Must Know | SW CPAS

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…