If you freelance or work gig jobs, you're probably used to gathering a handful of 1099 forms each spring. That part of tax season isn't going away, but starting in 2026, how those forms get issued will change. The new Federal Tax Bill (OBBBA) updates the reporting rules for businesses that pay freelancers and independent contractors, raising the threshold for when they must issue a Form 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC. Here's what those changes mean, as well as what hasn't changed at all when it comes to reporting your income.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, introduced several new tax provisions that affect both individuals and businesses. Among the most significant for retirees is a brand-new deduction aimed at seniors. Starting with the 2025 tax year, taxpayers age 65 and older may qualify for an additional deduction of up to $6,000 for single filers or $12,000 for married couples filing jointly if both spouses meet the age requirement.

Starting a new business takes courage, energy, and a willingness to take risks. Alongside the excitement, though, comes a reality that can't be ignored: taxes. How you set up your business, track expenses, and plan for profits makes a big difference in how smoothly you grow. A little planning today can prevent costly mistakes tomorrow.

Summer is when most of us have vacations, weddings, and family milestones on our minds, not taxes. Still, though, the choices you make in these months often have a direct effect on next spring's return. As autumn approaches, it's worth looking at a few common summer events that can influence your tax situation and planning ahead before the year closes.

For high-income earners, taxes involve more than filing on time and claiming common deductions. With wages, equity compensation, investment income, and business ownership in the mix, all your financial planning choices come with higher stakes. The passage of OBBBA on July 4, 2025, added another layer, changing deductions and benefits that affect both individuals and businesses. Strategic tax planning allows you to manage these moving parts with confidence and avoid surprises when tax season arrives.

For many people, tax season ends the moment the return is filed. But the smartest approach is to treat that filing as a weather report from last year. A tax projection, on the other hand, is the financial weather forecast for the year ahead. It uses what we know now to predict the conditions to come, giving you time to put on sunscreen or find an umbrella before you get caught in a storm.

Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings significant tax changes for individuals, families, and small businesses. Whether you earn wages, run a business, or rely on retirement income, these updates could affect how you plan for the year ahead. Here's what you should know now to prepare for the 2025 tax season and beyond.

The closer you get to retirement age, the more concerns about Social Security benefits begin to grow. It's natural to wonder how your benefits will stretch; as prices on what feels like everything continue to go up, it's fair to ask whether those monthly checks will be enough.

If there's any area of your life where you want a seasoned professional on your side, it's when you're choosing someone to help with your taxes and financial life. You want a knowledgeable partner who understands your goals, listens to your concerns, and gives you reliable, year-round advice. That's where a CPA comes in.

If this year's tax return was more painful than you expected, you're not alone. Surprises can happen when you're not actively planning. Still, a surprise bill or a smaller refund than you'd hoped for can throw off your entire financial rhythm. That's why right now is the best time to take control of next year's outcome instead of waiting for the tax season to catch you off guard again. Meeting with a CPA in the off-season can help you analyze the previous year, gain an understanding of what happened, and make recommendations as to what to do differently going forward.