When it comes to stressful life experiences, receiving a notice from the IRS about an audit or tax dispute ranks near the top. Whether it's a disagreement over an audit or an assessed penalty, taxpayers often assume their only options are filing an appeal or preparing for a long, expensive legal battle. What you may not realize is that there is a third option: mediation. Also known as alternative dispute resolution, it can be a faster, less costly path to resolving IRS issues.

Understanding when mediation makes sense and how it compares to other resolution options can help you take control of your tax situation while finding a solution that works in your favor.

For many taxpayers, a hefty refund feels like a financial win - after all, who doesn't love a big check from the IRS to celebrate after filing taxes? But is that refund really the windfall it seems? In reality, it often means you've been giving the government an interest-free loan all year. With some strategic planning, you can keep more money in your pocket throughout the year and use it to meet your personal financial goals.

Let's break down why big refunds might not be ideal and how adjusting your tax withholding might be a financial game changer.

The 2024 tax season brings with it a new sense of uncertainty and confusion, which can make it feel even more stressful than usual. Proposed tax law changes from an incoming Presidential administration could include retroactive adjustments, potentially affecting your financial plans for the year. While all of this might seem overwhelming, the right strategies and a proactive approach can help you stay ahead of the curve.

When most people think about taxes, they picture gathering documents and racing to meet the filing deadline. But there's a lot more to managing taxes than filing once a year. Tax preparation and tax strategy may sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. While one focuses on compliance, the other focuses on building long-term financial benefits.

Let's break down these concepts and explain why working with a trusted CPA can make a significant difference in your financial outlook.

Congratulations to all new homeowners in the Washington, D.C. area! While you're busy settling in and making your house a home, don’t forget that there are potential tax benefits waiting to be unlocked. It's time to dive head-first into the world of tax deductions, programs, and housing allowances that could help to ease your financial burden and have some money left in your budget for repairs and home decorating.

Seeing a letter from the IRS in your mailbox is never a good feeling, especially when you're not sure why they're contacting you or what steps you should take next. No matter why the IRS is contacting you, understanding the reasoning behind the communication is the key to resolving the issue once and for all; and with the right approach and professional support, you can confidently handle IRS concerns without the ensuing panic.

As the year begins to wind down, now is the perfect time to take stock of your finances so you can make strategic moves that reduce your tax liability - or could even turn a potential payment into a refund. The single most powerful way to optimize your financial outlook and set yourself up for success in the coming year is to invest in proactive year-end tax planning, alongside decorating and getting ready for the holidays. If you want to make sure you're prepared before tax season hits, here's a closer look at how to meet your goals.

As the end of the year approaches, it’s easy to get caught up in the holiday rush. Still, setting aside a little time to organize your tax documents now to get ahead of the time crunch can save you stress heading into the new year. 

Here are some simple ways to get your documents in order and tips on setting up your tax planning meeting.

Crowdfunding has become a popular way to raise funds for everything from new business ventures to charitable causes. Platforms like Kickstarter and GoFundMe make it easy to reach a wide audience and gather financial support, but if you’re organizing a crowdfunding campaign, it’s essential to understand the tax obligations that come with those contributions. In some cases, money raised through these platforms may be subject to income tax, requiring careful record keeping and reporting.

If you're a gig worker, freelancer, or have a side hustle, managing your taxes can be tricky. Unlike traditional employees, gig workers don't have automatic tax withholding from their income. That means you may face an unexpected tax bill or even penalties if you don't plan ahead. To avoid surprises at tax time, it's crucial to regularly review your tax situation, ideally before the end of the year.