McSwain & Company, PS
Burying Time Capsules, Ending Payments to Dead People, and Safeguarding Voting Rights for U.S. Citizens
March 1, 2026 · Blog, Congress at Work, Uncategorized
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These articles provide general information on tax, accounting, and financial topics for small businesses and individuals. They are educational in nature and are not specific legal, accounting, financial, tax, or other professional advice, and should not be relied upon as such. This content was prepared by Service2Client and may have been reviewed or edited by the website owner for accuracy and compliance. Look for a trust mark below for verification details. No representation is made that any approach described will achieve a particular result, and no regulatory or professional body has reviewed or endorsed this content. Because each situation is different, readers should consult a qualified professional about their specific circumstances before acting. Images accompanying these articles are protected by copyright and may not be copied or reused.
March 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on March 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min read Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the DC Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 (HJRes 142) – After passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Council of the District of Columbia (DC) opted out of the tax code from the Act, amending several provisions and restoring the DC child tax credit. This resolution nullifies DC’s amended legislation. It was introduced on Jan. 22 by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX). It passed in the House on Feb. 4, the Senate on Feb. 12, and was enacted on Feb. 18. Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act (S 3705) – This bill instructs the Architect of the […]
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March 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on March 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min read Tax season is here, and while the IRS opened its doors for 2025 returns on Jan. 26, with the familiar April 15 deadline intact, this year’s filing experience is shaping up to be anything but routine. A perfect storm of workforce cuts, rushed new tax breaks, and strained systems means that getting your return right the first time has never been more important. A Smaller IRS With a Bigger Job The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the Taxpayer Advocate, the IRS entered this filing season with 27 percent fewer employees than it had just a year ago. Congressional funding clawbacks combined with the Department of Government Efficiency’s push for retirements and reductions have hollowed […]
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March 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on March 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min readWhen investors think about building a strong equity portfolio, U.S. stocks often dominate the conversation. The United States is home to many of the world’s most innovative, profitable, and well-known companies, and has a history of delivering strong long-term returns. However, the United States is not the only country with successful, growth-oriented businesses. In fact, nearly half of the global equity market is located outside the United States, offering investors a much broader opportunity than in domestic markets alone. Despite this reality, many investors stick to a home country bias. This behavioral tendency means they prefer companies headquartered in their own country because they’re more familiar and feel safer. Unfortunately, home country bias can unintentionally increase […]
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March 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on March 1, 2026
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If you’re a high-income earner, generally defined as household incomes over $350,000, there are some key things you might want to keep in mind come tax season. Here are a few of the strategies to consider…
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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Whether you are an investor, an owner or an internal financial analyst, understanding how the equity multiplier works and how to interpret it is a helpful skill.
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readCommerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 6938) – This Act is one of the remaining budget bills to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2026. It includes funding for several agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on Jan. 6. It passed in the House on Jan. 8, the Senate on Jan. 15, and was signed into law on Jan. 23. Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7006) – […]
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read After a whirlwind 2025 that produced what may be the largest tax bill in American history, the coming year looks dramatically different. Tax policy experts are predicting a legislative standstill, a turbulent tax filing season, and lingering questions about how new provisions will work when put into practice. A Year of Legislative Gridlock The forecast for 2026 tax legislation is bleak. With Republicans clinging to an impossibly thin House majority of just 218 or 219 seats following recent resignations, passing any significant bills will be extraordinarily difficult. Every single Republican vote would be needed to advance legislation through reconciliation, and as 2025 demonstrated, keeping the caucus unified is no small feat. While there has been […]
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 6 min readWiring money is like sending cash: Once you’ve sent it, it’s gone. It is very difficult to retrieve – in fact, more difficult than recovering physical dollar bills. For businesses, always call the recipient to verify ACH details before sending; this is required by law in 50 states. This law does not require calling, but if the sender’s or recipient’s email is hacked, calling will help prevent the hacker from changing ACH details in a hacked email account. If wire fraud takes place due to a security breach, such as a hacker infiltrating your account and initiating a wire transfer, you may have protection. Reputable financial institutions will generally cover your losses in the case of a cyber attack. […]
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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For private equity investors, 2026 is going to be a good year. Financing conditions are stabilizing, interest rates are decreasing and valuations are beginning to reset. Further, these firms are moving to growth-at-any-cost strategies, deeper diligence…
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February 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on February 1, 2026
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readEvery modern business is paying rent. Not for office space or equipment, but for the digital infrastructure that runs the company. This might include the cost of CRMs, email platforms, project management tools, automation tools, analytical dashboards, and countless other tools designed to solve a specific business need. Individually, these tools seem affordable; collectively, they form a permanent tax on business growth. For several years now, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has been sold as a form of freedom. Businesses were promised low upfront cost, instant deployment, and minimal complexity. For a long time, SaaS delivered on this promise. It helped companies move faster, scale quickl,y and compete globally regardless of size. But this is shifting. Now, business leaders […]
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readVeterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2025 (S 2392) – This Act was introduced by Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on July 23. It passed in the Senate on Nov. 9, the House on Nov. 17, and was signed into law on Nov. 25. The purpose of this bill is to increase rates of compensation for veterans with service-connected disabilities, as well as the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. The rate hikes became effective on Dec. 1. Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025 (HR 970) – This bipartisan Act was introduced on Feb. 4 by Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA). It authorizes increases to servicemember and veteran […]
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min read American parents now have access to a completely new savings tool designed to give children a financial foundation for the future. Established through The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these accounts carry the name of the current president and come with a unique set of rules that the IRS has just begun to clarify. Who Can Open One? Any minor holding a Social Security number who has not yet turned 18 by Dec. 31 of the current year meets the eligibility criteria. Getting started requires an authorized adult, typically a parent or legal guardian, to submit an application to the Treasury Department. Once processed, the government establishes the child’s account. Free Money for Newborns Families […]
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readCampaign messaging would have you believe retirees just scored a major victory. The talking point is everywhere: Social Security benefits are now tax-free. But anyone who reads the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will discover something different. The legislation contains nothing that removes Social Security from federal taxation. Zero provisions. The tax structure that has applied to benefits for over four decades remains fully intact. So, what did pass? A new deduction aimed at older Americans. And through some rhetorical gymnastics, that deduction is being sold as something it fundamentally is not. A Deduction Is Not an Exemption The OBBBA creates an additional deduction exclusively for seniors. Single filers get $6,000 while married couples receive $12,000. […]
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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If you’re tired of the 9 to 5 grind, then passive income could be for you. While not a get-rich-quick scheme, it’s a way to build systems that contribute to financial stability and extra money. It can even support long-terms…
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readThe way people interact with the web is changing fast. Attention spans are shorter, app fatigue is real, and users no longer want to download, sign up, or navigate complex interfaces just to engage with content. New technologies like frictionless web-based augmented reality (WebAR) are emerging as powerful solutions. This shift opens great opportunities for creators, brands, and small businesses. What is Frictionless WebAR? Every extra step between a user and an experience reduces engagement. Downloading apps, dealing with permissions, updates, and onboarding screens all create friction. However, frictionless WebAR is delivered directly through a web browser. It uses web standards like WebXR and WebGL to deliver digital content without downloads or installations. With a shift […]
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January 1, 2026
Published by Service2Client on January 1, 2026
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An activity cost driver is anything that causes a company's variable costs to either reduce or grow. Since measuring an activity cost driver is a way to streamline the administration of managing production costs, it’s…
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December 1, 2025
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2025
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 3 min readEpstein Files Transparency Act (HR 4405) – The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Justice to release all documents and records in its possession of investigations and court cases related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was previously convicted of soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, and also faced new sex trafficking charges prior to his 2019 death in custody. The files are expected to reveal the names of other people involved in the sex trafficking scheme. The act was initially introduced by Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) on July 15. It was updated and passed in the House on Nov. 18, in the Senate the next day, with only one opposing vote between the […]
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December 1, 2025
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2025
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đź–¨ Print⏱ 4 min read Tax planning feels like homework nobody wants to do, but here’s the reality: real money is sitting on the table. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act changed the rules this year, and most people are still figuring out what matters for their wallets. Max Out Everything While You Can Here’s something many people miss. Every Dec. 31, workplace retirement accounts basically close their books for the year. That’s it, opportunity gone. The limit is $23,500 this year, or $31,000 for those over 50. Also, anyone between 60 and 63 can throw in an extra $11,250 with the new super catch-up provision. That’s serious money that could be working harder instead of going to taxes. HSAs […]
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December 1, 2025
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2025
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🖨 Print⏱ 5 min readIn 2024, the median household income in the United States was $83,730. However, the national average annual cost of 24-hour paid long-term care (LTC) for a retiree age 65 and older was more than $125,000, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Moreover, one in five seniors will require care for more than five years. Obviously, the math varies by household, but the reality is that the majority of older Americans who rely on paid caregiving will use much of their retirement savings and investments to pay for it. When considering insurance, there are presently two options: Long Term Care Insurance (LTCi) and Hybrid Life Insurance with an LTC component. Be aware that each […]
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December 1, 2025
Published by Service2Client on December 1, 2025
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Giving to charity is good for a couple of reasons. First, giving to organizations you believe in is intrinsically good – for them and for you. When we give, the “love hormone” oxytocin is released. Second…
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