December 16, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
You likely have a lot of things to do between now and the end of the year, such as holiday shopping, donating to your favorite charities and planning get-togethers with family and friends. For older taxpayers with one or more tax-advantaged retirement accounts, as well as younger taxpayers who’ve inherited such an account, there may […]
Read more
There’s Still Time to Set up a SEP and Reduce Your 2025 Taxes
February 3, 2026 / by Brett Hess / Tax
If you own a business or are self-employed and haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider establishing one before you file your 2025 tax return. If you choose a Simplified Employee Pension (SEP), you’ll be able make deductible 2025 contributions to it, saving you taxes. Not only is the SEP deadline favorable, but […]
Read more
Tax Filing FAQs for Individuals
January 23, 2026 / by Brett Hess / Tax
The IRS is opening the filing season for 2025 individual income tax returns on January 26. This is about the same time as when the agency began accepting and processing 2024 tax year returns last year, despite IRS staffing having been significantly reduced since then. Here are answers to some FAQs about filing. When is […]
Read more
When medical expenses are — and aren’t — tax deductible
January 20, 2026 / by Brett Hess / Tax
If you had significant medical expenses last year, you may be wondering what you can deduct on your 2025 income tax return. Income-based thresholds and other rules can make it hard to claim the medical expense deduction. At the same time, more types of expenses may be eligible than you might expect. Limits on the […]
Read more
Important 2026 tax figures for businesses
January 16, 2026 / by Brett Hess / Small Business, Tax
A new year brings many new tax-related figures for businesses. Here’s an overview of key figures for 2026. Be aware that exceptions or additional rules or limits may apply. Depreciation-related tax breaks Bonus depreciation: 100% Section 179 expensing limit: $2.56 million Section 179 phaseout threshold: $4.09 million Qualified retirement plan limits 401(k), 403(b) and 457 […]
Read more
New itemized deduction limitation will affect high-income individuals next year
December 23, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Beginning in 2026, taxpayers in the top federal income tax bracket will see their itemized deductions reduced. If you’re at risk, there are steps you can take before the end of 2025 to help mitigate the negative impact. The new limitation up close Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), certain itemized deductions of […]
Read more
Checking off RMDs on the year-end to-do list
December 16, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
You likely have a lot of things to do between now and the end of the year, such as holiday shopping, donating to your favorite charities and planning get-togethers with family and friends. For older taxpayers with one or more tax-advantaged retirement accounts, as well as younger taxpayers who’ve inherited such an account, there may […]
Read more
Have you used up your 2025 FSA funds?
December 5, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) through your employer to help pay for health or dependent care expenses, now’s a good time to check your balance. FSAs save taxes, but they generally require you to incur expenses to use the funds by year end or forfeit them. Here’s a refresher on the rules […]
Read more
Shift income to take advantage of the 0% long-term capital gains rate
November 24, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Are you thinking about making financial gifts to loved ones? Would you also like to reduce your capital gains tax? If so, consider giving appreciated stock instead of cash. You might be able to eliminate all federal tax liability on the appreciation — or at least significantly reduce it. Leveraging lower rates Investors generally are subject to […]
Read more
Making the most of the new deduction for seniors
October 23, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
For 2025 through 2028, individuals age 65 or older generally can claim a new “senior” deduction of up to $6,000 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). But an income-based phaseout could reduce or eliminate your deduction. Fortunately, if your income is high enough that the phaseout is a risk, there are steps you […]
Read more
Boost your tax savings by donating appreciated stock instead of cash
October 20, 2025 / by Brett Hess / Tax
Saving taxes probably isn’t your primary reason for supporting your favorite charities. But tax deductions can be a valuable added benefit. If you donate long-term appreciated stock, you potentially can save even more. Not just a deduction Appreciated publicly traded stock you’ve held more than one year is long-term capital gains property. If you donate […]
Read more