Tax Articles & Guides
In-depth articles on tax topics for self-employed professionals, notaries, loan signing agents, and individuals.
The following articles provide detailed guidance on tax topics relevant to our clients. Tax figures and rules are identified by applicable tax year. Articles are reviewed and updated as tax law and IRS guidance change.
Self-Employed & Schedule C7 articles →
Schedule C Basics: Reporting Self-Employment Income
Understanding the fundamentals of Schedule C for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs.
Small Business Tax Filing: The Complete Guide
Comprehensive guide to filing taxes for small businesses including sole proprietorships, single-member LLCs, Schedule C, self-employment tax, and estimated tax requirements.
Filing Taxes for an LLC: Everything You Need to Know
Understanding how LLCs are taxed including default tax treatment, electing corporate taxation, multi-member LLCs, and what forms to file based on your LLC structure.
Understanding Self-Employment Tax
How self-employment tax is calculated and the deduction for half of SE tax.
First Year Self-Employed: A Before-Your-First-Season Checklist
New to 1099 work? The records, accounts, and quarterly rhythm to set up before your first filing season — from mileage logs to a separate bank account to your first estimated payment.
Filing Status for Self-Employed Workers: Choosing the Right One
The five filing statuses explained for freelancers, drivers, and notaries — including head of household rules for single parents with side income and how status changes your standard deduction.
Do I Have to File a Tax Return? Rules for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Filing requirements for 1099, gig, and self-employed workers — including the $400 rule that trips up first-year drivers, delivery workers, and freelancers.
Gig Workers & Drivers7 articles →
The Orlando Uber/Lyft Toll Deduction Guide: Maximizing SunPass Write-Offs
Driving for Uber or Lyft in Orlando means spending on the 408, 417, and I-4 Express. Learn how to properly document and deduct your SunPass and E-Pass business toll expenses.
1099-K Reconciliation: Separating Personal Transfers from Business Income
You can receive a 1099-K even when the mandatory reporting threshold is not met — and the gross amount still needs reconciliation. How to separate business income from personal transfers.
W-2 Job Plus a Side Hustle: How the Two Tax Worlds Combine
You have a paycheck and app income? How W-2 wages and self-employment income interact — the withholding trap, SE tax on top of your job's taxes, and the new tip and overtime deductions.
Gig Driver Tax Return Walkthrough: A Complete 2026 Example
Follow a complete 2026 tax return for an Orlando delivery driver from gross app income to the final balance due, with every calculation shown using current-year figures.
DoorDash Taxes: A Delivery Driver's Guide
Delivery differs from rideshare — bigger tips, bigger miles, no passenger in the car. What DoorDash reports, what delivery drivers deduct, and how the new tips deduction treats gig workers.
Uber and Lyft Tax Deductions, Ranked by What They're Actually Worth
Every deduction list says the same things. This one ranks them by real dollars for a typical Orlando driver — and shows the records that make each one survive.
EITC for the Self-Employed: What Gig and 1099 Workers Need to Know
The Earned Income Tax Credit is not just for W-2 families. Net self-employment earnings count — which makes gig workers eligible, and makes reporting every dollar matter in both directions.
Loan Signing Agents4 articles →
1099-NEC vs. 1099-K: What Signing Agents Need to Know
Understanding the differences between these two information returns and how to reconcile them.
Loan Signing Agent Taxes: Which Part of Your Fee Is Actually Notary Income?
One signing pays one fee — but part of it is notarial income and part is signing-service income, and they are not taxed the same way. How to split the fee, document the split, and report it on Schedule C.
1099-NEC vs 1099-K for Notaries: When the Same Income Gets Reported Twice
Signing services send 1099-NECs, payment platforms send 1099-Ks, and some notaries get both for the same money. How to reconcile your forms to what you actually earned — and report income once, correctly.
The Signing Agent's Recordkeeping Checklist: Five Streams, One File
Your notary journal, payout statements, mileage log, receipts, and commission records each prove a different part of your return. What to keep, where, and for how long — the complete checklist.
Notaries
Hospitality & Servers
Short-Term Rentals8 articles →
Orlando TPP Tax Guide: Reporting Airbnb & VRBO Furniture
Orange County generally requires a timely Tangible Personal Property (TPP) return when you first claim the $25,000 exemption. Learn how to claim the $25,000 exemption and properly report your rental furniture.
The 7-Day Rule for Short-Term Rentals: What Orlando Hosts Should Know
How the "7-day rule" affects Orlando Airbnb and VRBO hosts — when a short-term rental is not treated as a rental activity, the material participation requirements, and the limits that can still apply.
The Airbnb 1099-K Reports More Than You Made. Here's the Reconciliation.
Airbnb's 1099-K reports the gross amount guests paid — including platform fees and taxes you never received. How to reconcile the form to your actual payouts and report income once, correctly.
Cost Segregation for Short-Term Rentals: When Front-Loading Depreciation Pays
A cost segregation study reclassifies parts of your rental into 5-, 7-, and 15-year property, front-loading depreciation. For high-income hosts who materially participate, it can be decisive. Here's when it's worth the price.
Material Participation: The Hours That Decide Whether STR Losses Touch Your W-2
A short-term rental with average stays under seven days is not a rental activity for tax purposes. Whether its losses can offset your salary depends on your hours. The tests, what counts, and the log that proves it.
Orlando Airbnb Taxes: A Short-Term Rental Host's Guide
Hosting in Orlando means federal rental rules, Florida sales tax, Orange County tourist tax, and a 1099-K that reports more than you received. What applies, what you collect, and what you deduct.
Schedule E or Schedule C for Your Airbnb? The Line That Decides Self-Employment Tax
Most hosts report rental income on Schedule E with no self-employment tax. Provide substantial guest services, and the IRS expects Schedule C. Where the line is, and how to know which side you're on.
Depreciation for Short-Term Rentals: Why Profitable Hosts Show Losses
The building recovers over 27.5 years, furnishings over 5 — and depreciation turns visible rental profit into paper loss. How basis works, what bonus depreciation covers, and the recapture nobody mentions until sale.
Influencers & Creators
S-Corp for Creators: How the Election Changes Self-Employment Tax
An S-corp election may reduce employment taxes for profitable creators — but there is no universal dollar threshold. Learn how reasonable compensation, payroll costs, and profit levels affect the decision.
Brand Deals & 1099s: A Tax Guide for Influencers & Content Creators
Navigating the tax complexity of the creator economy. Learn how to handle multiple brand deal 1099s, write off gear, and avoid the "hobby" classification by the IRS.
Tax News & Legislation3 articles →
The TAS Act and Our Standards: What It Would Mean for How We Prepare Your Return
The TAS Act would add suitability rules, education requirements, and tougher penalties for preparers. Here is what it would mean for our firm — and most of it is what we already do.
What the Taxpayer Assistance and Service Act Means for Taxpayers
The Senate has passed the TAS Act. Here is what it would change for taxpayers, what has not changed yet, and what happens next.
TAS Act: What to Do While the House Decides
The Senate passed the TAS Act but it is not law. Here is what stays the same, and practical steps if you are waiting on a refund or amended return.
Deductions & Expenses10 articles →
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction Explained
How self-employed individuals can deduct health insurance premiums including eligibility requirements, what's covered, how the deduction works, and coordination with other coverage.
Day Care Tax Credit: Claiming Child and Dependent Care Expenses
Complete guide to the Child and Dependent Care Credit including eligible expenses, qualifying dependents, credit calculation, income limits, and how to claim this valuable tax benefit.
Charitable Contribution Deduction Rules: What You Can Claim
Complete guide to deducting charitable contributions including cash donations, property donations, documentation requirements, AGI limits, and changes under current tax law.
Above-the-Line Deductions: How to Reduce Your Adjusted Gross Income
Guide to adjustments to income including student loan interest, HSA contributions, IRA contributions, self-employment tax, and educator expenses that reduce your AGI even if you don't itemize.
HSA Contribution Rules and Tax Benefits Explained
Everything you need to know about Health Savings Accounts including contribution limits, eligibility requirements, triple tax advantage, catch-up contributions, and how HSAs work with Medicare.
Mileage Deduction for Mobile Notaries and Signing Agents
Proper documentation and calculation methods for business vehicle deductions.
Depreciation for Business Vehicles
Section 179, bonus depreciation, and MACRS for vehicles used in your business.
The Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction
How the Section 199A deduction works for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs.
Home Office Deduction for Self-Employed Taxpayers
Requirements and calculation methods for the home office deduction.
Itemized vs. Standard Deduction: Which Should You Take?
Comparing the standard deduction versus itemizing deductions including Schedule A items like mortgage interest, state and local taxes, charitable contributions, and when itemizing makes financial sense.
Tax Planning20 articles →
Business Tax Deadline: What S-Corps and Partnerships Need to Know
The March 15 business tax deadline for S-corporations and partnerships. Learn what's required, how to file for an extension, and what information you need to gather.
How to File a Tax Extension: Form 4868 Guide
A complete guide to filing IRS Form 4868 for an automatic tax extension. Learn how to get more time to file your tax return, what payments are still required, and avoid penalties.
EITC and Child Tax Credit Refund Timing: What to Expect
Learn when you'll receive your EITC and Child Tax Credit refund. Understand PATH Act delays, official refund release dates, how to check your status, and what causes processing delays.
Tax Refund Status: How to Check Where Your Refund Is
Learn how to check your tax refund status using the IRS "Where's My Refund?" tool. Find out what information you need, typical refund timelines, what status codes mean, and what to do if your refund is delayed.
E-File vs. Paper Filing: Processing Times and What to Expect
Compare how long does paper filing take versus e-file processing times. Learn about IRS paper filing timelines, electronic filing vs mail, and what to expect for your tax refund.
Where's My Amended Return? How to Track Form 1040-X Status
Learn how to check your amended tax return status. Understand Form 1040-X processing times, how to track online or by phone, and what to expect during the review process.
Tax Day Deadline Guide: Everything You Need to Know
A comprehensive guide to tax day deadlines, including the standard April 15 deadline, what happens when it falls on a weekend, extensions, and state deadlines.
E-File vs. Paper Filing: Pros and Cons
Comparing electronic filing versus paper tax returns. Understand the benefits of e-filing, faster refunds, direct deposit, and when paper filing might still be necessary.
How to File Back Taxes: A Complete Guide
Steps for filing previous year tax returns, including how to get past W-2s and 1099s, penalties for late filing, and payment options for taxes owed.
Amending a Tax Return: When and How to Use Form 1040-X
A complete guide to amending your tax return using Form 1040-X. Learn when you should amend, the three-year window, and how to file an amended return.
Tax Filing Deadlines for Every Situation
A complete calendar of tax filing deadlines including individual returns, extensions, quarterly estimates, business returns, and special situations.
What Happens If You File Taxes Late? Penalties Explained
Understanding penalties for filing tax returns late, including failure-to-file and failure-to-pay penalties, interest charges, and how to request penalty relief.
What to Look For in a Tax Preparer: A Guide for Self-Employed Filers
Tips for choosing a qualified tax preparer including credentials (EA, CPA), experience with self-employed returns, fee structures, red flags to avoid, and questions to ask before hiring.
Recovery Rebate Credit: A Historical Guide to the Stimulus Credit
The Recovery Rebate Credit let taxpayers claim missing 2020-2021 stimulus payments on their returns. The filing windows have now closed — here is what it was, and what it means if you never claimed yours.
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies to Reduce Your Bill
End-of-year tax planning checklist including deferring income, accelerating deductions, harvesting investment losses, retirement contributions, and strategies for self-employed individuals.
How to Reduce Your Tax Bill Legally: Proven Strategies
Legal tax reduction strategies including maximizing deductions, tax credits, retirement account contributions, health savings accounts, and strategic timing of income and expenses.
Tax Refund Calculator: How to Estimate Your Refund Amount
Learn how to calculate and estimate your tax refund. Understand withholding, tax brackets, standard vs itemized deductions, and use tax refund calculators effectively.
Tax Planning Checklist for Every Stage of Life
Comprehensive tax planning guide for major life events including starting a job, getting married, having children, buying a home, starting a business, and retirement.
IRS Balance Due: How to Check What You Owe and Pay It
A complete guide to checking your IRS balance online and understanding your payment options, including IRS Direct Pay, payment plans, EFTPS, and what to do if you can't pay your tax debt.
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: A Simple Guide
When and how to pay estimated taxes to avoid penalties.
Compliance & Recordkeeping11 articles →
Recordkeeping That Holds Up: Your Schedule C Paper Trail
Essential documentation practices to support your tax return.
Reconciling 1099s With Your Tax Return: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to match your 1099 forms to your tax return, including 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, and 1099-R. Learn what gets reported where and how to fix discrepancies.
1099 Issuance Deadlines for Businesses: A Complete Guide
Business owner's guide to 1099 filing deadlines including 1099-NEC, 1099-K, 1099-MISC, and 1099-INT. Learn recipient deadlines, IRS copy deadlines, and penalty amounts.
Common IRS Audit Triggers for Schedule C Filers
Understanding what draws IRS attention and how to prepare.
What Is Preparer Due Diligence? EITC, the Child Tax Credit, and Head of Household
Tax preparers are required to ask questions, document answers, and decline unsupported claims before filing EITC, the Child Tax Credit, or head of household. Here is what the rules require and how they protect you.
A Complete Guide to Form 1099-NEC for Nonemployee Compensation
Everything businesses need to know about Form 1099-NEC for reporting payments to independent contractors, including payment thresholds, required information, and filing procedures.
Understanding Form 1099-K for Payment Processors and Businesses
Guide to Form 1099-K reporting for third-party payment settlements, including the $20,000/200-transaction threshold, what transactions are reported, and how to reconcile 1099-K with business records.
Tax Identity Theft: Someone Filed a Return in Your Name. Now What?
Tax identity theft happens when a thief uses your Social Security number to file a fake return and steal your refund. Here are the warning signs, the one IRS tool that stops it, and the exact steps to recover.
Why Tax Documentation Matters More Than Ever
Better records protect you in refund claims, IRS notices, and preparer disputes. A simple system for self-employed taxpayers.
Business Expense Tracking for Tax Time: Best Practices
Guide to tracking business expenses throughout the year including separating business and personal finances, what expenses are deductible, recordkeeping requirements, and tools that simplify expense tracking.
Tax Documents Checklist: What You Need to File Your Return
Complete checklist of tax documents needed to file your return including W-2s, 1099s, deduction receipts, and records for common tax situations.
seniors4 articles →
Medical Expense Deductions for Seniors: What You Can Claim
Guide to deducting medical expenses on your tax return, including the 7.5% AGI threshold, what expenses qualify, Medicare premiums, long-term care, and how to maximize this deduction as a senior.
The $6,000 Senior Deduction: How the OBBBA Bonus Works
Starting with 2025 returns, taxpayers 65 and older may deduct up to $6,000 more — separate from the age-65 standard deduction bump, phasing out at higher incomes, and available through 2028.
Tax Help for Seniors: A Complete Guide to Filing After 65
Comprehensive tax guide for seniors covering the standard deduction increase, Social Security taxation, RMDs, retirement account withdrawals, medical expense deductions, and free tax preparation resources.
Standard Deduction for Seniors: What You Need to Know
Understanding the additional standard deduction amount available to taxpayers 65 and older, how to claim it, and when itemizing might still be better for seniors.
Retirement6 articles →
Retirement Account Withdrawals: Strategies and Timing
Strategic planning for IRA, 401(k), 403(b), and other retirement plan distributions including Roth conversions and early withdrawals.
Medicare and Medical Expense Deductions
Understanding Medicare taxation, maximizing medical expense deductions, HSA strategies, and long-term care cost planning.
Understanding Your 1099-SSA and Social Security Benefits
How to read and reconcile your Form 1099-SSA Social Security benefit statement with your tax return.
Tax Planning for RMDs and Retirement Distributions
Strategies for managing Required Minimum Distributions including calculating RMDs, understanding the tax impact, qualified charitable distributions, and Roth conversion strategies.
Retirement Account Contribution Deadlines: IRA, 401(k), and HSA
Complete guide to contribution deadlines for traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, 401(k)s, and HSAs, including catch-up contributions for those 50 and older.
Required Minimum Distributions: Rules and Calculations
Understanding RMD requirements for traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts.
Individual Tax Topics12 articles →
How to Read Your W-2 Wage Statement: Box by Box Guide
A complete guide to understanding each box on your Form W-2, including wages, federal tax withheld, Social Security wages, Medicare wages, and other common entries.
The Child Tax Credit and ACTC: Eligibility, Amounts, and the Refundable Part
Up to $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable — but only if the child, the taxpayer, and the records all qualify. The CTC rules, phase-outs, Schedule 8812, and what changed for 2026.
The Overtime Tax Deduction: What Counts and What Doesn't
Starting with 2025 returns, some overtime pay is deductible — up to $12,500. But only the premium portion, only FLSA overtime, and only below the income phase-out. How the math works.
No Tax on Tips: How the Qualified Tips Deduction Works
The 2025 tax law lets some workers deduct up to $25,000 of qualified tips. Who qualifies, which occupations count, how the phase-out works, and what your W-2 shows for 2026.
Why Your Tax Preparer Asks So Many Questions
It can feel like an interrogation: every income source, every dependent, every receipt. Here is what each question protects — and who actually pays when a preparer asks nothing.
How to Check That Your Tax Preparer Is Legitimate
A practical checklist for choosing a tax preparer: PTIN, credentials, signing the return, fees, and red flags to avoid.
Military Tax Rules in Florida: SCRA Residency, Combat Pay, and the Spouse Rules
Stationed in Florida? Your military pay is taxed by your home state, not Florida — and your spouse's wages may be too. SCRA residency, combat pay elections, and what Guard and Reserve members can deduct.
Divorced This Year With a Kid Who Graduated College: Do You Still Get Head of Household?
Divorce finalized mid-year, son graduated in May — do you still qualify as head of household? How the year-end rule, the student test, and temporary absences work together.
Form W-4 Guide: How to Adjust Your Tax Withholding
Complete guide to Form W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate. Learn how to fill out the current Form W-4, adjust your withholding, and avoid owing taxes or getting a large refund.
Premium Tax Credit and Form 1095-A: What Marketplace Insurance Means at Tax Time
If you bought health insurance through the Marketplace, tax season reconciles the help you received against what your income turned out to be. How Form 1095-A works, why seasonal income causes surprises, and how to fix an estimate gone wrong.
Education Tax Credits: AOTC vs. Lifetime Learning Credit
Two education credits, different rules: the American Opportunity Tax Credit (up to $2,500, partly refundable) and the Lifetime Learning Credit (up to $2,000). Who can claim which, the income phase-outs, and the 1098-T.
Social Security Benefits Taxation
How Social Security benefits are taxed and strategies to minimize tax impact.
Cryptocurrency4 articles →
Form 1099-DA and $0 Cost Basis: How to Prove What You Really Paid
Starting in 2025 and 2026, the IRS Form 1099-DA will report your crypto sales. Learn how to fix the "$0 cost basis" error that could cause you to overpay thousands in taxes.
Crypto Tax Calculator: How to Calculate Your Gains and Losses
Step-by-step guide to calculating cryptocurrency taxes including cost basis methods (FIFO, LIFO, specific identification), reporting requirements, wash sales, and using crypto tax software.
Tax-Loss Harvesting for Cryptocurrency Investors
Strategy guide to harvesting cryptocurrency losses to offset gains and reduce taxes, including the wash sale rule difference for crypto, year-end planning, and tracking harvested losses.
Understanding Form 1099-DA for Digital Assets
What the new crypto tax form means for investors and how to reconcile it with your transaction records.
Families & Parents
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These articles provide general information, but tax situations vary. Professional guidance ensures your return is accurate and optimized for your specific circumstances.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws are subject to change and individual circumstances vary. Consult a qualified tax professional before acting on any information contained herein.