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. Content is current through the 2024 tax year and updated regularly.
Self-Employed & Schedule C
Loan Signing Agents
Notaries
Deductions & Expenses
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tax Planning
Quarterly Estimated Taxes: A Simple Guide
When and how to pay estimated taxes to avoid penalties.
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.
Recovery Rebate Credit: Claiming Missing Stimulus Payments
Complete guide to the Recovery Rebate Credit. Learn how to claim missing stimulus payments on your tax return, figure out how much you're owed, and where to enter the credit on Form 1040.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Compliance & Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping: Audit-Proofing Your Schedule C
Essential documentation practices to support your tax return.
Common IRS Audit Triggers for Schedule C Filers
Understanding what draws IRS attention and how to prepare.
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.
Tax Identity Theft: How to Protect Your Refund and What to Do If You're a Victim
Learn how to protect yourself from tax identity theft and refund fraud. Understand warning signs, IP PINs, what to do if someone files a return in your name, and how to resolve identity theft with the IRS.
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.
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 new lower thresholds, what transactions are reported, and how to reconcile 1099-K with business records.
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.
seniors
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.
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.
Retirement
Required Minimum Distributions: Rules and Calculations
Understanding RMD requirements for traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Individual Tax Topics
Social Security Benefits Taxation
How Social Security benefits are taxed and strategies to minimize tax impact.
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 2024/2025 Form W-4, adjust your withholding, and avoid owing taxes or getting a large refund.
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.
Cryptocurrency
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.
The 1099-DA '$0 Basis' Trap: How to Prove Your Crypto Cost Basis
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.
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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.