Vazquez & Santana Tax Services and Bookkeeping

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penalties, tax liens, asset seizures — and even the denial or revocation of your passport. These consequences can make it difficult to move forward. The good news is relief may be just a phone call away. We can assess your situation and help you find a path forward. Contact us at 281-819-1040 to discuss your next steps.

If you’re getting married, or were recently married, congratulations! Taxes are likely the furthest from your mind, but there are a few tax-related chores you need to consider. For example, next year, for 2026, you’ll be filing your first tax return as a married person. That could affect the amount of tax you should have withheld from your paycheck. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator to check. Then provide your employer with a new Form W-4. If your last name has changed, notify the Social Security Administration, which will inform the IRS. You and your new spouse should also review financial accounts, insurance coverage, estate plans and tax strategies. We can help. Contact us at 281-819-1040.

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social Security benefits? Can I retire before Medicare coverage kicks in? What about taxes in retirement? We can provide you with answers based on your individual financial circumstances and retirement goals. Contact us at 281-819-1040.

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you probably can’t change the nature of your transactions, you can control the accuracy of your tax returns. Minimize errors by maintaining meticulous documentation. Generally, you should keep tax records for at least three years — the normal statute of limitations for an IRS adjustment. And don’t try to go it alone: Call us at 281-819-1040 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usually give retirees a choice between receiving payouts as a lump sum or an annuity. A lump-sum distribution allows you to invest the money as you see fit. Annuity payments can provide guaranteed income for life. Call us at 281-819-1040 to discuss the costs, risks and advantages of each option.

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a business, one key decision is choosing its structure, commonly sole proprietorship, C corporation, S corporation, partnership or limited liability company. In addition to owner liability variations, all have different tax requirements that can affect everything from hiring to cash flow to owner income. Another critical decision is choosing a tax year — either a calendar year or a fiscal year (12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December). Call us at 281-819-1040. We can help you make the best decisions for your current situation and your business’s future.

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 281-819-1040 for additional details.

You’ll probably owe tax on your retirement income — how much depends on factors such as the types of retirement accounts you own and your other income sources. In general, retirees should withdraw funds from any taxable accounts first, tax-deferred accounts second and tax-free accounts last. But different withdrawal strategies may benefit you. The important thing is to start planning before you retire. Call us at 281-819-1040 for help.

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expenses. But if a vehicle (including a car, van, pickup or panel truck) is used both for business and personal purposes, the expenses must be split based on mileage. These rules apply to both owned and leased vehicles. There are two methods for calculating auto expenses: actual expenses and the standard mileage rate. Both require careful recordkeeping, though using the mileage rate is generally easier. Contact us at 281-819-1040 to determine which method makes sense for your situation.

Home renovations can improve a residence’s comfort, functionality, aesthetics and resale value. They might also provide tax benefits. You may be able to deduct mortgage interest on debt used to substantially improve your home. Certain improvements can also increase your tax basis, potentially reducing taxable gain when you sell. Medically necessary modifications may qualify as deductible medical expenses, subject to limits. And if you overlooked claiming now-expired credits for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements you made in 2025, an amended return may be worth considering. Call us at 281-819-1040 to talk taxes before or after a home renovation.