#tax-planning
Tax Planning
Strategic tax planning to minimize liability and maximize savings
The EV Tax Credit: What Happened, What's Next, and What You Can Still Claim
The federal EV tax credit (up to $7,500) expired September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Here's who can still claim it on their 2025 return, how the new car loan interest deduction works, and what records to keep.
Form 8829: The Complete Guide to Home Office Deductions for Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed workers can deduct home office expenses on Form 8829, but millions miss it each year. Learn the exclusive-use test, how to calculate your business-use percentage, when to claim depreciation, and which method—simplified or regular—yields a larger deduction.
Form 8832 Entity Classification Election: Complete Guide for LLCs
Form 8832 lets LLCs override their default IRS tax classification—single-member (disregarded entity) or multi-member (partnership)—to elect C corporation treatment at the 21% flat rate, with a 60-month lock-in and a 75-day retroactive filing window.
Form 8941: The Small Business Owner's Guide to Health Insurance Tax Credits
Form 8941 lets small businesses claim up to 50% of employee health insurance premiums as a direct tax credit — but only if you have fewer than 25 FTE employees, pay average wages below ~$65,000, and purchase coverage through the SHOP Marketplace. Here's how to calculate and claim it before your two-year eligibility window closes.
Form 8995 and the QBI Deduction: A Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
The QBI deduction lets pass-through business owners deduct up to 20% of qualified business income—Form 8995 is how you claim it. Covers who qualifies, income thresholds, SSTB rules, calculation examples, and 2026 permanent-status changes.
Hiring a Tax Professional: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose the Right One
A practical breakdown of when hiring a CPA or enrolled agent pays off versus when DIY software is enough—including cost benchmarks, credential differences, and red flags to avoid.
How Far Back Can the IRS Audit You? The Complete Guide to Audit Statutes of Limitations
The IRS has 3 years to audit most returns, 6 years if you omit 25%+ of gross income, and unlimited time for fraud or unfiled returns — here's what each window means for your record-keeping strategy and audit risk.
How Much Do You Owe the IRS? 5 Ways to Find Out (and What to Do Next)
Check your IRS balance using 5 methods—online account, phone, notices, transcript, or in-person—then choose the right path: pay in full, set up a payment plan, or apply for penalty abatement. Covers 2026 penalty rates and collection timelines.
How to File a Federal Tax Extension: A Complete Guide
A step-by-step guide to filing a federal tax extension with Form 4868 or 7004 — including how to estimate what you owe, avoid failure-to-pay penalties, and meet the safe harbor threshold to prevent underpayment charges.
How to Pay Small Business Taxes: A Complete Guide
A practical guide to small business taxes covering income tax, self-employment tax (15.3%), payroll taxes, 2026 quarterly estimated payment deadlines, IRS payment methods, and strategies to reduce your tax burden.
Income Tax Liability: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and How to Reduce It
A practical guide to calculating income tax liability for sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, and C-corps—covering 2026 tax law changes including the 23% QBI deduction and 100% bonus depreciation, plus 7 strategies to legally reduce what you owe.
Independent Contractor Tax Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Independent contractors pay a 15.3% self-employment tax plus federal income tax on net profit. This guide covers quarterly estimated payment deadlines, every major Schedule C deduction, and year-round bookkeeping habits to minimize what you owe.