#tax-preparation
Tax Preparation
Organize financial records and prepare tax filings accurately and on time
IRS Form 1098: The Complete Guide to Your Mortgage Interest Statement
IRS Form 1098 reports your mortgage interest paid and is the key document for claiming the mortgage interest deduction on Schedule A. Covers every box on the form, 2026 deduction limits, the expanded SALT cap, and step-by-step filing instructions.
IRS Form 2848: How to Authorize Someone to Represent You Before the IRS
IRS Form 2848 grants a limited power of attorney for federal tax matters, letting you designate a qualified CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent to handle IRS communications, audits, and collection negotiations on your behalf.
IRS Form 3520: The Complete Guide to Reporting Foreign Trusts and Foreign Gifts
IRS Form 3520 is an informational return required for U.S. taxpayers who receive foreign gifts over $100,000, own foreign trusts, or have transactions with foreign trusts — penalties start at $10,000 or 35% of the unreported amount.
IRS Form 433-B: A Complete Guide for Businesses Facing Tax Debt
IRS Form 433-B is required for corporations, partnerships, and LLCs negotiating payment plans, Currently Not Collectible status, or Offers in Compromise. This guide covers every section, required documents, and the five mistakes that most commonly derail applications.
IRS Form W-2: The Complete Guide for Employers and Employees
IRS Form W-2 reports annual wages and withheld taxes for every employee — this guide covers who must file, 2026 deadlines (February 2), penalty amounts up to $630 per form, a box-by-box breakdown, and what to do if your W-2 is missing or incorrect.
IRS Penalties: A Complete Guide to Types, Rates, and How to Get Relief
IRS penalties range from 0.5% to 75% of unpaid taxes depending on type—learn the six main categories, current 2026 rates, safe harbor rules, and how to request first-time abatement or reasonable cause relief.
Itemized Deductions: The Complete 2026 Guide to Maximizing Your Tax Savings
The 2026 SALT cap increase to $40,000 and a new 0.5% AGI floor on charitable giving change the math on itemizing. Here's who benefits, what qualifies on Schedule A, and how to maximize deductions—including bunching and donor-advised funds.
Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S): A Complete Guide for S-Corporation Shareholders
A practical guide to Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S) — how S-corporation shareholders report pass-through income, track basis, claim the QBI deduction, and avoid common errors that trigger IRS audits.
Tax Write-Offs Without Receipts: What You Can Deduct and How to Prove It
The IRS doesn't require receipts for every deduction—learn which business expenses you can claim without traditional receipts, what substitute documentation is accepted, and how to reconstruct records if you're audited.
1099 Reporting Requirements: The Complete Guide for Small Businesses
The reporting threshold for 1099-NEC and 1099-MISC forms rises to $2,000 in 2026. Learn which forms to file, key deadlines, how to collect W-9s, and how to avoid IRS penalties that can reach $680 per form.
How to File Back Taxes Without Records: A Step-by-Step Guide
A practical guide to reconstructing missing financial records and filing back taxes. Covers IRS wage transcripts, bank statements, alternative documentation, penalty math (5% vs 0.5% per month), and payment options for taxpayers with one to six years of unfiled returns.
IRS CP2000 Notice: What It Is and How to Respond
Over 4 million taxpayers receive IRS CP2000 notices each year—a proposed adjustment from the Automated Underreporter unit, not a bill. This guide explains what triggers a CP2000, how to respond within the 30-day deadline, when to dispute, and how to prevent future notices with better record-keeping.