Marriage Penalty vs. Marriage Bonus: What Filing Jointly Really Costs (or Saves) You in 2026
A single $120K earner saves $7,530 filing jointly in 2026, while two top earners pay up to $10,250 more — federal thresholds decide.
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Tax
Tax strategies, planning, and compliance for individuals and businesses
The Deal Died — Can You Deduct What You Spent? Abandoned Acquisition Costs as a Section 165 Loss
IRS rules let dead-deal fees become an ordinary Section 165 loss in the year you abandon — if you split investigatory from facilitative costs and prove the end.
How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment: Comparable Sales, Unequal Appraisal Claims, and the Evidence That Actually Wins Reductions
Win a US property tax appeal with evidence: fix record errors, file 3-5 arm's-length comps, and add an unequal-appraisal claim before the 30-60 day deadline.
File Even If You Can't Pay: How IRS Late Penalties Stack to 47.5% of What You Owe
IRS failure-to-file costs 5% a month vs 0.5% for failure-to-pay under Section 6651, stacking to 47.5% — file on time, then request first-time abatement.
Selling U.S. Property as a Foreign Owner? How to Shrink the 15% FIRPTA Withholding and Get the Excess Back
Buyers must withhold 15% of your gross U.S. sale price under FIRPTA. File IRS Form 8288-B before closing to cut it, or claim the excess on Form 1040-NR.
IRS Raises High-Low Per Diem to $329/$230 on October 1: What Notice 2026-60 Means for Your Accountable Plan
IRS Notice 2026-60 lifts high-low per diem to $329 high-cost and $230 elsewhere from Oct 1, 2026; meal rates stay $86/$74. Update your accountable plan now.
The IRS Is Holding Your Refund — But Only for 3 Years
Unclaimed tax refunds become Treasury property 3 years after the return's due date — 2023 money expires April 15, 2027. File now.
New Mexico Just Said No to 100% Bonus Depreciation: What SB 151 Means for Your 2027 State Taxes
New Mexico SB 151 makes C corporations add back federal 100% bonus depreciation from 2027; pass-through owners keep it. Place assets in service in 2026.
Paying Nonresident Aliens: The Withholding and Reporting Rules That Apply When You Hire Across Borders
Paying a foreign contractor for U.S.-performed work means 30% IRS withholding unless a treaty applies; fully remote work needs only a W-8BEN on file.
Took the Company Plane on Vacation? How SIFL Values Personal Flights on Business Aircraft
IRS SIFL rules value personal flights on company jets at cents per mile, not charter cost — H2 2026 rates, control-employee multiples, W-2 reporting.
Your Stock Went to Zero: How the Worthless-Securities Deduction Works
Stock that became totally worthless is deemed sold Dec. 31 under IRS Section 165(g) — report $0 proceeds on Form 8949 and amend up to 7 years back.
Bonded Premises vs. Tax-Paid Tasting Room: A Craft Distillery's Guide to Booking Federal Excise Tax Correctly
Spirits in bond carry no excise tax; removal to a tasting room triggers $2.70–$13.50 per proof gallon. Book it as inventory cost so your ledger ties to TTB.