The IRS raised some standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026. The new rates may help taxpayers who qualify, but first-half and second-half mileage should be tracked separately.
Trump Accounts may give families a new way to contribute for eligible children, but gift tax rules still matter. Before contributing, families should understand the IRS safe harbor, annual exclusion, Form 709, and recordkeeping issues
The widow’s penalty tax is not a formal IRS penalty. It is the tax squeeze that can happen when filing status, deductions, tax brackets, Social Security, RMDs, and Medicare premiums change after a spouse dies.
The inherited IRA 10-year rule does not always mean you can wait until year 10. Beneficiaries should review the account type, beneficiary category, original owner’s RMD status, and tax impact before skipping withdrawals.
Qualified Small Business Stock may allow a valuable federal gain exclusion, but it is not automatic. Before assuming a stock sale is tax-free, review the stock history, company facts, holding period, acquisition date, and records.
The 1099-K threshold changed again for federal reporting, but small sellers still need good records. No form does not mean no income, and a 1099-K does not always mean the full amount is taxable profit.
The home office deduction can be legitimate for eligible taxpayers, but working from home is not enough by itself. Before claiming it, make sure the space, records, and calculation method support the deduction.
Fake tax deduction calculators can look helpful, especially when new tax rules are confusing. Before entering personal, banking, or tax information, check who created the tool and what it is really asking for.
Currently Not Collectible status may give taxpayers breathing room when they cannot pay the IRS because of financial hardship. But CNC does not erase the debt, and penalties and interest may continue.
Currently Not Collectible status may give taxpayers breathing room when they cannot pay the IRS because of financial hardship. But CNC does not erase the debt, and penalties and interest may continue.
