Insights
Run a business with your spouse? You may encounter unique tax issues
Do you and your spouse together operate a profitable unincorporated small business? If so, you face some challenging tax issues. The partnership issue An unincorporated business with your spouse is classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, unless you can avoid that treatment. Otherwise, you must file an annual partnership return using Form 1065.…
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Tax Court case provides lessons on best recordkeeping practices for businesses
Running a successful business requires more than delivering great products or services. Behind the scenes, meticulous recordkeeping plays a crucial role in financial health, compliance and tax savings. Good records can mean the difference between successfully defending a deduction and losing valuable tax breaks. A recent U.S. Tax Court decision underscores just how important this…
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Understanding the most common IRS notices
For many taxpayers, receiving a letter from the IRS can feel intimidating. The envelope arrives with the IRS seal, and immediately, worry sets in: Did I make a mistake? Am I in trouble? The truth is, IRS notices aren’t uncommon, and most of them can be resolved fairly easily once you understand what they mean. This article…
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The power of catch-up retirement account contributions after 50
Are you age 50 or older? You’ve earned the right to supercharge your retirement savings with extra “catch-up” contributions to your tax-favored retirement account(s). And these contributions are more valuable than you may think. What are the IRA contribution amounts? For 2025, eligible taxpayers can make contributions to a traditional or Roth IRA of up…
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Teachers and others can deduct eligible educator expenses this year — and more next year and beyond
At back-to-school time, much of the focus is on the students returning to the classroom — and on their parents buying them school supplies, backpacks, clothes, etc., for the new school year; but teachers are also buying school supplies for their classrooms, and in many cases, they don’t receive reimbursement. Fortunately, they may be able…
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Lower your self-employment tax bill by switching to an S corporation
If you own an unincorporated small business, you may be frustrated with high self-employment (SE) tax bills. One way to lower your SE tax liability is to convert your business to an S corporation. SE tax basics Sole proprietorship income, as well as partnership income that flows through to partners (except certain limited partners), is subject…
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The next estimated tax payment deadline is coming up soon
If you make quarterly estimated tax payments, the amount you owe may be affected by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law, which was enacted on July 4, 2025, introduces new deductions, credits and tax provisions that could shift your income tax liability this year. Tax basics Federal estimated tax payments are designed to ensure…
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A tax guide to choosing the right business entity
One of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs make when starting or restructuring a business is choosing the right entity type. This choice directly impacts how the business is taxed, the level of administrative complexity and regulatory compliance obligations. While legal liability considerations also matter, we will focus on tax implications. For liability advice, consult a…
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Handle with care: Upgrading your company’s accounting software
What’s the most important type of software for your business? Your first thought may be whatever system you rely on most to produce or sell your company’s products or services. And that may well be true. However, more than likely, your accounting software comes in a close second. After all, this technological tool tracks every financial…
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Is college financial aid taxable? A crash course for families
College can be expensive. According to the College Board, the average sticker price for tuition and fees at private colleges was $43,350 for the 2024–2025 school year. The average cost for tuition and fees for out-of-state students at public colleges was $30,780. For in-state students, the cost was $11,610. Of course, there are additional costs…
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