Don’t Rush Your Retirement Plan Rollover
When you change employers, you typically have several options for your retirement savings: Leave the money where it is, roll it into an individual retirement account, move it into a new employer’s plan or cash it out. Each choice affects your taxes, access to funds and long-term growth in different ways. Most people simply roll […]
The IRS’ ‘Dirty Dozen’
In its 2026 “Dirty Dozen” release, the IRS highlights familiar tactics and newer variations of scams that can lead to taxpayer financial loss, identity theft or costly IRS penalties. The items below summarize the warnings. 1. Unexpected IRS contact by text, email or message.The IRS does not initiate contact through text messages, emails or social […]
Scam Alert: How To Spot Phishing, Smishing and Spoofing
Phishing remains a major threat. In the second half of 2024, email-based phishing attacks surged by 202%. Alarmingly, most of these attacks used link-based tactics, and 80% of the malicious links were categorized as zero‑day threats, meaning they exploited computer vulnerabilities before patches could be applied. During peak periods, users encountered an average of three […]
Are Children Still Dependents After They Turn 17?
Each year, parents can claim a child tax credit for each of their children who is under 17. This is a valuable credit, worth up to $2,200 for each child 16 years old or younger for the 2025 tax year. If you have a 15-year-old and a 10-year-old, then you could claim a combined tax […]
When To Take Social Security — You Have a Choice
When you are eligible to start collecting Social Security rests largely on your individual situation. Some people can start taking the benefit as early as age 62 — or age 60 if you are disabled — or wait until full retirement age of 67 to collect the maximum benefit. Another group of people will put […]
Don’t Forget These Tax Credits!
What exactly is a tax credit? It’s a provision that reduces the amount a person owes in income taxes dollar for dollar. Some tax credits are even refundable, meaning that even if a person’s tax bill is less than the amount of a refundable credit, they can get the difference back in their refund. Recent […]
You Have Tax Rights — Do You Know Them?
Designed to ensure fair treatment, transparent communication and legal protections, the IRS’ Taxpayer Bill of Rights outlines 10 key principles, ranging from the right to be informed to the right to appeal an IRS decision in an independent forum. Furthermore, the Taxpayer Bill of Rights protects you throughout the entire tax process, not just during […]
Know These Top Tax Tips!
If you want to avoid last-minute tax stress, there are a few easy steps you can take throughout the year that will make the filing process smoother and more efficient. Keep your tax documents organized Establish a method to store all important tax-related information in one place. You can either use digital tools to manage […]
IRS Third-Party Representation: Someone in Your Corner
If you’re dealing with the IRS, you don’t necessarily have to do it alone. The agency permits you to authorize another person to act on your behalf in certain tax matters. There are a few different types of third-party authorizations — each with its own purpose and scope. Power of attorney This grants someone full […]
Organizing for Tax Season
Most of the papers you need to document the income, interest and withheld taxes you report arrive in your mailbox in January, with investment-related 1099s often coming in February. Get ready for their arrival by creating print and online folders. It’s a good idea to create a paper and an email tax folder for messages […]
