🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented surge in data center construction. Developers, private equity sponsors and their tax advisors are navigating a complicated web of questions that touch everything from ownership structure to site selection to power sourcing. Get the early decisions wrong and the tax consequences can follow a project for years. Why REITs Have Become the Structure of Choice Private equity has increasingly turned to real estate investment trusts when backing data center projects. Structure a REIT correctly, and you sidestep corporate-level taxation entirely. Foreign investors get an even better deal. Sovereign wealth funds and foreign pension funds can participate without any obligation to file U.S. tax returns. Data centers, with their heavy […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Picture two things happening at the same time. The agency responsible for reviewing your tax return is understaffed and buried under a backlog, and the software that the agency uses to catch filing errors just keeps getting better. That combination should give any taxpayer pause this season. Not because an audit is necessarily coming, but because if something does go wrong, the window for getting it resolved quickly has shrunk considerably. The IRS Is Running Lean, But It’s Technology Isn’t The agency lost more than a quarter of its workforce in 2025. The National Taxpayer Advocate’s most recent annual report to Congress documented the drop: from roughly 102,000 employees to about 74,000. Those departures, through […]

🖨 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 […]

🖨 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 […]

🖨 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 […]

🖨 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 […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read America’s housing crisis has reached a breaking point. With median home prices soaring past $400,000, the National Association of Home Builders reports that 60 percent of U.S. households can’t even afford a $300,000 home. The math has become impossible for most American families. While we often blame high mortgage rates, restrictive zoning laws and rising construction costs for the housing shortage, there’s another culprit hiding in plain sight: a decades-old tax rule that’s trapping millions of homeowners in houses they’d rather leave. The $500,000 Problem When Congress overhauled capital gains taxes on home sales in 1997, they created what seemed like a generous benefit: homeowners could exclude up to $250,000 in profits from taxes ($500,000 […]

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min read The IRS has released draft Schedule 1-A, introducing four new temporary deductions within the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. If you are wondering what the new form looks like and how the calculations work, read on as we explore each below. Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) It is important to note that all four deductions require calculating your MAGI first, which determines eligibility and phaseout amounts for each deduction. The Four New Deductions and How the Calculations Work These deductions are all referred to on the schedule by their colloquial names, for example: “No Tax on Tips,” “No Tax on Overtime” and “No Tax on Car Loan Interest.” The sole exception, however, is popularly referred […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Required minimum distributions (RMDs) from traditional IRAs and 401(k)s often become a significant tax burden during retirement. As the percentage of your IRA that must be distributed increases each year, many retirees face higher adjusted gross income and increased exposure to stealth taxes. However, with strategic planning, you can transform RMDs from burdens into opportunities. Timing Your First RMD The RMD starting age has changed recently: age 72 for those born before 1951, age 73 for those born 1951-1959, and age 75 for those born in 1960 or later. Your first RMD must be taken by April 1 of the year following when you reach the required age. While you can delay your first RMD […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min readReceiving restricted stock units (RSUs) may seem straightforward, but the tax and financial planning complexities can catch many employees off guard. Understanding these key strategies might help you avoid costly mistakes and optimize your financial outcomes. 1. Manage Tax Withholding at Vesting The most common pitfall with RSUs is inadequate tax withholding when shares vest. Companies typically withhold taxes at a flat 22 percent rate for federal taxes (37 percent for amounts over $1 million annually), but this often falls short of your actual tax obligation. Financial planners identify this as the biggest issue they see with RSU clients. Many are surprised by large tax bills because the withholding didn’t cover their full liability. Managing proper […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Running a small business often means working with a mix of people: some full-time staff, part-time helpers, seasonal workers or project-based contractors. While this flexibility helps manage costs and workload, it creates a crucial decision point that many business owners underestimate: properly classifying each worker. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Companies like FedEx have paid nearly half a billion dollars for getting this wrong, and even tech giants like Microsoft and Lyft have faced costly legal battles over worker misclassification. Why Classification Matters More Than You Think The difference between an employee and an independent contractor goes far beyond semantics; it fundamentally changes your legal and financial obligations. When someone is your employee, you must: […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read The rise of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Grok has transformed how Americans seek information. From meal planning to complex financial questions, these platforms offer instant answers to virtually any query. But when it comes to U.S. tax advice – especially international tax matters – relying on AI can lead to serious and costly mistakes. The Allure and Limitations of AI Tax Help The appeal of AI for tax questions is understandable. However, AI’s limitations become glaringly apparent in international tax matters. This specialized field combines extraordinary complexity with constant change, creating a perfect storm that exposes AI’s weaknesses. The landscape shifts regularly through regulatory updates, IRS interpretations, and court decisions – changes that […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read For many high-income earners and those approaching retirement, a Roth IRA conversion represents a strategic financial move that can significantly impact long-term wealth preservation. This approach allows you to restructure your retirement savings in a way that could potentially reduce your overall tax burden while creating more flexibility in your golden years. Understanding Roth IRA Conversions A Roth IRA conversion is when you transfer funds from traditional tax-deferred retirement accounts – such as a 401(k) or Traditional IRA – into a Roth IRA. While this transaction triggers an immediate tax obligation on the converted amount, it eliminates future taxation on both the principal and all investment growth, provided you follow IRS guidelines. The IRS website […]

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min read The Basics of Tax Reporting in Legal Settlements When you collect a settlement for a lawsuit, you’ll likely also receive a Form 1099 from the IRS. This form serves as a reminder to pay taxes on your settlement; copies are sent to both you and the IRS. These forms match reported income for income tax purposes, making them critical for accurate tax filing. In lawsuit contexts, two common forms 1099 are issued: Form 1099-MISC: This version can include various types of settlement payments, often termed other income Form 1099-NEC: Used specifically for non-employee compensation Understanding the Difference Between Forms The distinction between these forms is significant. A Form 1099-NEC informs the IRS that taxes for […]

🖨 Print⏱ 3 min read As tax filing season begins, scammers are ramping up efforts to steal taxpayers’ personal information through increasingly sophisticated schemes. Below, we discuss the latest scam, what to look out for in general, and what to do if you suspect something malicious. New Scam of the Season The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) recently issued an alert about a prevalent scam involving Economic Impact Payments. In this scheme, taxpayers receive texts claiming they’re eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment, requesting personal information and bank details for deposit. While the IRS is indeed processing some legitimate Recovery Rebate Credit payments from 2021 tax returns, they will never request personal information via text or […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read As 2025 unfolds, U.S. tax policy is poised for significant shifts, particularly with a new Republican administration under President Donald Trump. The year ahead will likely see a range of tax reforms, largely driven by the GOP’s objectives and campaign promises. In this article, we’ll explore the major tax policy trends, legislative developments, and administration changes that may shape U.S. tax law in 2025. The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions 2024 also saw two major Supreme Court decisions with significant tax implications. In the Moore case, the Court ruled narrowly on the issue of wealth taxation, leaving open the possibility of revisiting the question in the future. While wealth tax proposals had gained some traction […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read The word “innocent” in innocent spouse relief can be misleading. It doesn’t imply you’re perfect or blameless – it’s more about whether you knew or should have known about the tax issue. The IRS defines “innocence” in a specific way, and it hinges on the concept of reasonable ignorance. In short, the issue isn’t one of morality; it’s about whether you could have reasonably been unaware of a tax problem. Innocent spouse relief allows you to avoid being held responsible for tax debts, penalties, and interest stemming from a joint tax filing. In the case that a spouse (or ex-spouse) made an error that led to a tax issue, regardless of intention, you may not […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Personal Income Tax Planning Strategies for Year-End 2024 As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to review your personal income tax situation and implement strategies to minimize your tax liability for the year. Proactive year-end tax planning can lead to significant savings, as well as ensure that you take full advantage of tax credits, deductions and other opportunities available to you. 1. Maximize Contributions to Retirement Accounts One of the most effective ways to reduce your taxable income is by contributing to tax-advantaged retirement accounts. In 2024, you may contribute up to $23,000 to a 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored plan, with an additional $7,500 catch-up contribution if you’re over age 50. These […]

🖨 Print⏱ 2 min read According to estimates, inflation adjustments to the Internal Revenue Code are expected to yield increases of 2.8 percent compared to 2024 amounts. This means wider tax brackets and increased exemptions, among other things. With the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index (CPI) moderating, this increase is about 50 percent less than 2024’s inflation adjustment. Below, we’ll look at what the projected 2025 inflation adjustment means in terms of dollars and cents for you and your taxes. Individual Income Tax Brackets The tables below illustrate the individual income tax rates and brackets for 2025. Individual Income Tax Brackets & Rates: Tax Year 2025 Single Taxpayers 10% 0 – $11,925 12% $11,926 – $48,475 22% […]

🖨 Print⏱ 4 min read Former President and current candidate Donald Trump introduced a new policy of his in a recent Arizona rally: No more income tax on overtime pay. This follows both Trump and Vice President Harris’ proposal for a no income tax on tips policy, as well. Below we will look at the two recent proposals and what they could mean for both taxpayers and businesses. No Tax on Tips The no tax on tips policy looks to lighten the tax burden on service industry workers. According to the Fair Labor and Standards Act, anyone who “customarily and regularly” receives $30 or more in tips per month is considered a tipped worker. The mechanism to exempt tip income […]