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 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.

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.

With student loan forgiveness being a hot topic in recent years, it’s important to understand how any amount of forgiven debt could affect your taxes. While the discussions in Washington continue to evolve, many borrowers are curious about what happens if their student loans are forgiven, especially when it comes to the IRS. Let’s break down how the IRS views student loan forgiveness and why staying on top of repayment and forgiveness options is essential.

When it comes to managing your finances, communication with your tax advisor is critical. It's easy to think that the job is done once your return has been filed—but a good tax advisor does so much more than file your taxes. If your CPA just processes the numbers without offering proactive advice, you might miss some crucial opportunities to save money or to make more advantageous financial decisions.