Tax Tips & More
USPS’ New Postmark Rules Set an Ugly Trap for Taxpayers
For decades, taxpayers trusted a simple rule: if you mailed a tax return or payment by the deadline, the IRS treated it as timely filed. Recent U.S. Postal Service (USPS) practices have changed that reality and created a serious trap for anyone who relies on last-minute mailing.
When Family Ties Cause Tax Trouble
Family relationships and overlapping ownership can quietly sabotage well-intentioned tax planning. Internal Revenue Code Section 267 often causes the damage.
Should You Skip Home-Office Depreciation to Dodge Recapture?
Many taxpayers panic when they hear the term “depreciation recapture” and decide to skip depreciation on a home office to avoid future tax. Should you do this?
Why Serious Landlords Rely on the 1031 Exchange
Serious real estate investors rely on the Section 1031 exchange because it allows them to grow wealth faster while legally deferring federal income taxes.
The No Tax on Tips Deduction for 2025
The No Tax on Tips deduction applies retroactively beginning January 1, 2025, and the IRS has designated 2025 as a transition year. As a result, the deduction operates differently for 2025 than for later years.
When Work Clothing is Deductible
Taxpayers often assume that clothing purchased for work qualifies as a tax deduction. The tax law takes a much narrower view.
Best Practices When E-Filing Returns
Avoid future problems by following these best practices for e-filing.
Common Mistakes in Tax Preparation
Avoid errors that can occur when preparing tax returns by learning these common mistakes.
What Are Your Chances of Being Audited?
These red flags could increase your chances of the IRS selecting your return for audit.
April 2026 Tax Due Dates
April 1: First required minimum distribution (RMD) by individuals who turned 73 in 2025
April 10: Tips for March 2026 reported to employer
April 15: 2025 tax return and pay tax due
April 15: File Form 4868 to request six-month income tax return filing extension (payment of tax not extended)
April 15: File Schedule H (1040) and pay employment taxes for household employees (file separately if Form 1040 is not filed)
April 15: Estimated tax payment for first quarter of 2026
April 15: Contribute to individual retirement account (IRA) for 2025
April 15: Withdraw excess IRA contributions in 2025 to avoid penalty if filing of form 1040 was not extended
April 15: Contribute to health savings account (HSA) for 2025
April 15: Contribute to solo 401(k) plan or simplified employee pension (SEP) plan for 2025 by self-employed if filing of form 1040 was not extended
April 15: File 2022 tax return (Form 1040) to request unclaimed tax refund for the 2022 tax year
May 2026 Tax Due Dates
May 11: Tips for April 2026 reported to employer (Form 4070)
May 15: Deadline for certain tax-exempt organizations on a calendar-year basis to file Form 990 series
June 2026 Tax Due Dates
June 10: Tips for May 2026 reported to employer
June 15: Estimated tax payment for 2nd quarter of 2026
June 15: U.S. taxpayers living and working abroad file 2025 tax return
June 15: U.S. taxpayers living and working abroad file Form 4868 to request four-month income tax return filing extension (payment of tax not extended)
June 15: Military personnel on duty outside the U.S. file 2025 tax return
June 15: Military personnel on duty outside the U.S. file Form 4868 to request four-month income tax return filing extension (payment of tax not extended)