Our Blog
Fighting the IRS
How-To Guide for Fighting the IRS Fighting the IRS – it can seem hard, but it can be done. And in some ways, the IRS is prepared to help you do it. Fighting the IRS: First Steps Fighting the IRS involves formally appealing decisions, using the Independent Office of...
Someone Filed Taxes Using Your Social Security Number
Someone Filed Taxes Using Your Social Security Number – What to Do Someone filed taxes using your Social Security number? Did you try to file your tax return electronically and the IRS rejected it? There’s a solid chance that someone has indeed stolen your Social...
Backdoor Roths: Ins and Outs
Backdoor Roths Are Retirement Plans that Offer Benefits to High Earners Backdoor Roths aren’t an “official” type of retirement fund. Also known as Roth conversions, they constitute a strategy that allows high-earning workers to enjoy some of the tax benefits available...
Retirement Annuities
Retirement Annuities Offer a Steady Stream of Income at a Price Retirement annuities involve a long-term contract with an insurance company designed to provide a steady income stream in retirement. As an investor, you can make one lump-sum payment. Or you can make a...
Switching to an Online Bank
Switching to an Online Bank Has Pros and Cons Switching to an online bank can offer some advantages. But depending on your situation, an online solution may not meet all your banking needs. Switching to an Online Bank: Pros Online banks typically offer much higher...
Maximizing Your 401(k)
Maximizing Your 401(k) Can Mean Extra Thousands for Retirement Maximizing your 401(k) retirement fund is a matter of planning and timing. Take a little extra care with both, and you could reap extra thousands of dollars for your retirement and tax benefits today....
Education Tax Breaks
Education Tax Breaks Include Credits and Deductions Education tax breaks can help recoup some of the costs of post-secondary learning. These tax breaks come in two forms: One is credits, which go dollar-for-dollar toward paying your taxes (and in some cases can even...
IRS Dirty Dozen List of Tax Scams
IRS Dirty Dozen Warns of Scams Targeting Taxpayers and Tax Professionals The IRS Dirty Dozen List for 2026 has been released. The list details common schemes fraudsters use to dupe unsuspecting taxpayers. As well, these scams can target professionals who handle tax...
Estate Tax in Washington State
Estate Tax in Washington State Focuses on Estate, Not Heirs The estate tax in Washington state deals with the estate itself, not the person(s) inheriting the estate. The estate pays the tax, and the heirs receive what’s left. So how does it work? Estate Tax in...
Prediction Markets
‘Invest’ in Prediction Markets to Bet On Possible Outcomes Prediction markets describe specialized marketplaces where anyone can trade. “Investors” buy and sell contracts based on the outcome of future events. These events can include elections, sports, entertainment...
Senior Tax Issues
Senior Tax Issues for 2026 a Mix of Old and New Senior tax issues have a new – sorry, have to say it – wrinkle in 2026. There’s also details that have been around for a while, but are good to review. Senior Tax Issues: New for 2026 The primary change for older...
Economic Impact of the Super Bowl
Economic Impact of the Super Bowl Goes Beyond Pricey TV Ads The economic impact of the Super Bowl is undeniable. The “Big Game” acts as a major, temporary economic engine. This year’s edition is projected to generate more than $20 billion in total consumer spending....
Warning Signs of Bogus Tax Preparers
Warning Signs of Bogus Tax Preparers – When to Steer Clear Warning signs of bogus tax preparers are something to keep in mind when deciding who will file your return. Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous preparers out there. If what they promise sounds too good to be...
Keeping Cash at Home
Keeping Cash at Home a Good Idea for Emergencies Keeping cash at home is a good idea, a number of financial advisers agree. But how much should you keep stuck under your mattress? And for that matter, should you be sticking it under your mattress at all? Why Keeping...
New Year Money Resolutions
New Year Money Resolutions That Can Pay Off in 2026 A large number of people make New Year money resolutions. But how many stick with them through to the end of the year? Here are some saving and investment New Year money resolutions that may be easier to pull off....
New Car Interest Deduction
New Car Interest Deduction Good for Up to $10K The new car interest deduction has been getting more attention as a new tax season gets ready to start. The IRS recently revealed guidelines for the deduction, which covers qualified vehicles bought in 2025 through 2028....
Pets As Dependents
Pets As Dependents? New Lawsuit Against IRS Says Yes Pets as dependents? According to a recent survey, more than 97 percent of pet owners in America think of their pets as family. The Internal Revenue Service, on the other hand, doesn’t. But as reported in Forbes...
No Tax on Tips
No Tax on Tips Benefits Many Who Receive Gratuities No tax on tips is part of the new tax laws for those filing in 2026 for tax year 2025. Not every profession that earns tips will get the tax break. But those who do won’t have to pay income tax on the first $25,000...