Justin D Regan Accountancy Corporation

One of the easiest ways to reduce the size of your taxable estate is to take advantage of your gift tax annual exclusion. For 2026, you can transfer up to $19,000 per recipient gift-tax-free. And you can double the exclusion to $38,000 per recipient if you split the gifts with your spouse. But it’s critical to understand the rules of gift-splitting to avoid unintended tax consequences. To elect to split gifts, the spouse making the gift must file a gift tax return, and the other spouse must consent by checking a box on the return and signing it. Contact us at 661-568-6355 for additional details.

Tax returns and financial statements are important. But you know we can do so much more, right? Think of us as your year-round, human source of practical guidance. We can help you better understand the ups and downs of your cash flow, spot opportunities to cut costs or improve profitability, and plan for growth with greater confidence. Call us at 661-568-6355 to learn more and get the strategic support you need to achieve your business goals.

Did you request an extension to file your 2025 individual federal income tax return? If so, you have until Oct. 15, 2026, to file it. But if you have the tax-filing information you need, you may want to file now. There’s no advantage to waiting until the deadline. If you owe tax, the IRS offers short- and long-term payment plans, as well as installment agreements, to taxpayers who qualify. It’s important to act quickly if you owe because any amount that was due April 15 accrues interest until the balance is paid. Call us at 661-568-6355 if you need help filing your extended return or have questions regarding your current tax situation.

Roth IRA and Roth 401(k) accounts help you save for retirement with after-tax dollars. Both accounts grow tax-free, and distributions are also tax-free if you meet certain conditions. However, higher earners may be ineligible to contribute to a Roth IRA. Income limits don’t apply to Roth 401(k)s, which also allow higher annual contributions. If you’re unsure where to put your retirement savings, contact us at 661-568-6355 for more information on the tax considerations.

Many tax law changes went into effect this year. So it’s important to evaluate where your business stands — and where it’s headed — before year end. Tax planning opportunities may still be available, but they’ll become more limited as the calendar winds down. Whether you’re considering equipment purchases, compensation strategies, retirement plan contributions or other tax-saving moves, now is the time to look ahead and review your options. Call us at 661-568-6355 to bring your 2026 tax strategy into focus.

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of the awards are tax-free. To qualify for tax-free status, scholarships must meet three criteria: 1) The student must be a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution, 2) the award must be used to pay for tuition and fees, books, and certain supplies (not room and board or travel), and 3) the award can’t represent wages for teaching or research. Many graduate student awards have employment compensation components, so they may be taxable. Also, taxable scholarship money could potentially be subject to the “kiddie” tax. Contact us at 661-568-6355 for more information.

How’s your business’s health now that we’re more than halfway through the year? If you’re not sure, it’s time for a checkup. We can help identify strengths, diagnose risks and prescribe the right moves to keep your business thriving. Contact us at 661-568-6355 to schedule your business wellness check today!

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a long-time homeowner, mortgage interest may save you taxes. If you itemize deductions rather than claim the standard deduction, interest you pay on mortgage debt to buy, build or substantially improve a primary or second home generally is deductible. Points paid related to your primary residence may also be deductible. Beginning in 2026, mortgage insurance premiums potentially can be deducted as mortgage interest. The $750,000 debt limit for most mortgage debt incurred after Dec. 15, 2017, is now permanent. Contact us at 661-568-6355 to discuss your tax situation.

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising fuel costs. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup truck or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year. The revised rate for medical and eligible moving purposes is 23.5 cents per mile, up from 20.5 cents per mile. For charitable driving, the 14 cents per mile rate remains unchanged. These rates apply to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid ones. To protect your deduction, keep detailed mileage records. Call us at 661-568-6355 with questions.

If your estate might exceed the federal estate tax exemption ($15 million for 2026), you’re probably concerned about future estate tax liability. A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) may help. A SLAT can allow you to remove wealth from your estate tax-free while providing a safety net if your needs change in the future. Essentially, a SLAT is an irrevocable trust you establish for the benefit of your spouse plus your children or other relatives. Your spouse is granted limited access to the trust’s funds during his or her lifetime, giving you indirect access. Call us at 661-568-6355 to discuss whether a SLAT makes sense for you.