R Todd Laytham CPA, LLC

📄 Need a copy of your tax records or transcripts?

Taxpayers may need tax information when filing a return, applying for a mortgage or loan, completing financial aid paperwork, or handling other important life events.

The IRS offers several types of transcripts free of charge:

✅ Tax Return Transcript
Shows most items from your original Form 1040-series return, including forms and schedules. Available for the current and three prior tax years.

✅ Tax Account Transcript
Shows basic tax information, including filing status, taxable income, payment types, and changes made after the original return was filed. Generally available for the current and nine prior tax years.

✅ Record of Account Transcript
Combines the tax return and tax account transcripts. Available for the current and three prior tax years.

✅ Wage and Income Transcript
Shows information reported to the IRS from Forms W-2, 1098, 1099, 5498, and other information returns. Available for the current and nine prior tax years.

✅ Verification of Non-Filing Letter
Confirms that the IRS has no record of a processed Form 1040-series return for a specific year. This does not determine whether a tax return was required.

How to request a transcript
You can:

🔹 Use your IRS Individual Online Account to view, print, or download transcripts.
🔹 Order a transcript by mail or call 800-908-9946. Delivery typically takes 5–10 calendar days.
🔹 Submit Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.

Please note: A transcript is not a photocopy of your original tax return. To request an actual copy, submit Form 4506. Processing fees and times may apply.

I hope everyone has enjoyed their weekend. Happy Labor Day!!

💼 Paid Family & Medical Leave Tax Credit for Employers

Offering paid family and medical leave may do more than support your team—it may also make your business eligible for a federal tax credit.

Eligible employers can receive a credit of 12.5% to 25% of qualifying paid leave wages or eligible PFML insurance premiums, for up to 12 weeks per employee each year.

The credit may apply to leave for:

👶 Welcoming a new baby, adoption, or foster placement
❤️ Caring for an employee’s own serious health condition
👨‍👩‍👧 Caring for a spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition
🇺🇸 Addressing certain military-family needs
🩺 Caring for an injured or seriously ill servicemember

Recent enhancements include:
✨ The credit is now permanent
✨ Eligibility may begin after 6 months of service
✨ Part-time employees working 20+ hours per week may qualify
✨ Employers may use qualifying wages paid during leave or qualifying PFML insurance premiums
✨ State and local mandated leave may help satisfy federal eligibility requirements

Hoping everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Don’t wait until October 15 to file your extended federal tax return. Taking a few simple steps now can help make the process faster, easier, and more accurate.

Tips for Extension Filers
Gather and review your tax documents. Having complete, accurate records can help prevent errors and processing delays. You can also use your IRS Individual Online Account to review account information and transcripts, make payments, and manage communication preferences.

See whether you qualify for free filing. IRS Free File is available to eligible taxpayers with 2025 adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less. Free File Fillable Forms are also available for those who are comfortable preparing and electronically filing their own return.

Explore free tax-preparation help. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs may provide free basic return preparation for qualified individuals, including people who may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, people with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency.

Choose a tax professional carefully. If you plan to use a tax preparer, take time to select someone qualified and trustworthy. Review the IRS guidance for choosing a tax professional before sharing your financial information.

File before the deadline. An extension to file is not an extension to pay. The filing deadline for most extension filers is October 15, 2026. Filing electronically and selecting direct deposit is generally the fastest and safest way to receive a refund.

Know your payment options. If you owe taxes and cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as possible by the deadline to help reduce interest and late-payment penalties. The IRS offers payment plans and other options for eligible taxpayers.

Taxpayers in federally declared disaster areas may have additional time to file. Visit IRS.gov for current disaster-relief information, payment options, and filing resources.

Hoping everyone had a great weekend. Happy Monday!

Got a Letter from the IRS? Don't Toss It.

Every spring and summer, a few of you call me in a mild panic because an envelope from the IRS just showed up in the mailbox. Take a breath. Most of these letters are routine, and the worst thing you can do is set it aside and forget about it.

Here is how I'd like you to handle one if it lands in your hands.

Read the notice to understand why the IRS contacted you.

Compare any changes or amounts listed with your tax return.

Respond promptly if the letter requests information, payment, or a response.

If you disagree, follow the dispute instructions in the notice—and contact me before replying.

Keep IRS notices with your tax records for at least three years.

Be alert for scams: the IRS does not contact taxpayers through social media or demand immediate payment by unexpected phone call or text. Their first contact is generally by mail.

Not sure what you received? Scan the letter and send it to me. I am happy to review it before it becomes a bigger issue.

The IRS Independent Office of Appeals provides taxpayers with a fair and unbiased review of certain IRS determinations.

A few important reminders:

Your appeal request must be submitted in writing.

Mail your request to the IRS office listed in the letter that explains your appeal rights.

Do not send your request directly to Appeals, as this can delay the process.

Appeals conferences may be held by phone, video, mail, or in person.

If more than 120 days have passed without an update, contact the IRS office you last worked with for a status update.

During the appeal, an Appeals officer will review the facts, applicable law, and information from both you and the IRS. The result may uphold the IRS decision, find in the taxpayer’s favor, or lead to a compromise when the facts or law are unclear.

Learn more about your Taxpayer Bill of Rights and the IRS appeals process at IRS.gov.

We enjoyed time at the MO State Fair. I thought this was an appropriate joke for dad joke Monday 🤣

Your Taxpayer Rights Matter. 📢

Did you know you have the right to appeal most IRS decisions—including many penalties—in a fair and impartial forum?

Under the Taxpayer Bill of Rights, the IRS Independent Office of Appeals must remain separate from the office that originally reviewed your case. If you disagree with an IRS decision, you may have options to appeal, request a written response, or—when applicable—petition U.S. Tax Court.

If you receive an IRS notice, don’t ignore it. Review it carefully, watch all deadlines, and consider speaking with a qualified tax professional about your situation.

Learn more through IRS Publication 5, Your Appeal Rights and How to Prepare a Protest If You Don’t Agree.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-rights-include-being-able-to-appeal-an-irs-decision-in-an-independent-forum