3R Tax Relief

IRS penalties can add up quickly. Fortunately, some taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief. There are three main types of relief: 1) first-time penalty abatement for taxpayers with a strong compliance history, 2) reasonable cause relief for situations such as serious illness or natural disasters, and 3) statutory exceptions. These exceptions generally apply to penalties resulting from erroneous written IRS advice or to taxpayers affected by certain federally declared disasters or involved in military combat-zone operations. If the IRS has assessed a penalty on your account, contact us at (407) 228-6630. We can help determine whether you qualify for penalty relief.

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss may be disallowed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid triggering the wash sale rule and still achieve your goals. Contact us at (407) 228-6630 to discuss balancing tax considerations with investment objectives.

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 (407) 228-6630 if you need help filing your extended return or have questions regarding your current tax situation.

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 (407) 228-6630 to schedule your business wellness check today!

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labor, materials and overhead tied to specific jobs or projects, you gain a clearer picture of profitability and operational efficiency. Without accurate data, it’s easy to underprice work, overlook cost overruns or misjudge your most profitable services. We can help you set up practical costing methods that improve financial insight and support better decision-making. Call us at (407) 228-6630 for more information.

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 (407) 228-6630 for more information.

If you’re age 50 or older, a great way to enhance your retirement nest egg is to make “catch-up” contributions to your 401(k), 403(b), 457 plan, SIMPLE or IRA. And workers age 60 to 63 can potentially boost their 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan up to 150% of the regular catch-up limit. For 2026, this means an extra contribution of $11,250 ($5,250 for SIMPLEs). Want to make the most of tax-advantaged savings opportunities? Contact us at (407) 228-6630.

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 (407) 228-6630 to discuss your next steps.

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 (407) 228-6630 with questions.

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 (407) 228-6630 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.