Blog

 Key TakeawaysA federal tax extension gives you until October 15 to file your individual return, but it does not extend the time to pay tax due. Filing an extension makes sense when your return would otherwise be incomplete or inaccurate. You should...

Key TakeawaysMost federal tax refunds are issued within 10–21 days after the IRS accepts your e-filed return. E-filing with direct deposit is the fastest method, usually delivering refunds within about three weeks. Returns claiming credits like the Earned...

 Key TakeawaysIf you had freelance or side gig income in 2025, you report it on Schedule C. If your net profit is $400 or more, you also file Schedule SE for self-employment tax. Even if you never receive a 1099, your freelance or side gig income is still...

 Key TakeawaysTraditional IRA contributions may be deductible, depending on your income, filing status, and whether you or your spouse are covered by a workplace retirement plan Roth IRA contributions are not deductible, but qualified withdrawals in...

 Key TakeawaysIf your return is truly simple (one W-2, standard deduction, no investments or side income), tax software may be sufficient. If you have self-employment income, rentals, investments, multi-state issues, or major life changes, filing with a...

 Key Takeaways For the 2025 tax year, a single taxpayer under age 65 generally does not need to file if total income is below $15,750 (assuming no special circumstances apply) Certain types of income, like self-employment income or taxable Social...

Key TakeawaysYes, many filers may see larger refunds (potentially $300 to $1,000 more) based on current estimates The increase is largely tied to new tax cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) and outdated withholding during 2025 Whether a big...

 Key TakeawaysTrump Accounts are long-term, tax-deferred savings accounts designed specifically for children Parents or guardians manage the account until the child turns 18, after which the child takes over Certain children (especially those born...

Key TakeawaysBring valid government photo IDs and Social Security cards (or ITINs) for every person listed on your return to verify identities and prevent fraud. Collect all W-2s and 1099s, including the new Form 1099-DA for any digital asset or cryptocurrency...

Key TakeawaysThe Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 available as a refundable payment even if you owe no taxes. Adoptive parents can now claim a credit of up to $17,280, with up to $5,000 of that amount now fully refundable. If you...

Key TakeawaysTax rates didn’t change, but brackets and deductions did. Inflation adjustments mean more income is taxed at lower rates. The SALT deduction cap jumped to $40,400, making itemizing relevant again for many households. New deductions for tips and...

Key TakeawaysGetting organized early helps prevent missing income documents and IRS matching issues later. January is the best time to check withholding and estimated tax payments for the year ahead. Contribution limits for retirement and health-related...