Kirby Ashley & Associates, LLC

10/08/2026

Are you thinking of launching a new business as a C corporation? Beware of double taxation. First, the company will pay tax at the entity level. Then the individual shareholders may owe additional tax when they receive dividends and other taxable distributions or sell their shares. Reducing corporate taxable income can lessen the impact. For example, the company can generally deduct reasonable salaries, bonuses and eligible fringe benefits provided to shareholder-employees. This strategy also has potential downsides. Choosing your business entity requires careful consideration. Contact us at (708) 756-1500 to compare your options and determine whether a C corporation is the right structure for your start-up.

10/07/2026

Tax problems can leave you tied in knots. Whether you’re dealing with an IRS notice, penalty or another tax issue, you don’t have to sort through the complexities alone. We can help untangle the issues, explain your options and determine your next steps. Contact us at (708) 756-1500 to discuss your situation.

10/06/2026

Are you paid to care for a family member? Don’t overlook the tax implications. Depending on the arrangement, a family caregiver may be considered a household employee, which can create employment tax and Form W-2 obligations for the person receiving care. In other situations, the caregiver may not be an employee but still must report the payments as income. Self-employment tax may also apply if the caregiver operates a trade or business providing care services. But employment tax or self-employment tax exceptions may apply when caring for a spouse, parent, child or other relative. Contact us at (708) 756-1500 to discuss your family’s situation.

10/05/2026

Up to $5,120 of the Adoption Tax Credit Is Refundable for 2026 – Did You Know?

The Adoption Tax Credit helps eligible families manage qualified costs such as adoption fees, travel, legal services and home studies. In recent years, the credit was nonrefundable: it could reduce a person's federal income tax, but any unused amount generally had to be carried forward.

Under rules that took effect in 2025, part of the credit is now refundable. For tax year 2026, up to $5,120 per eligible child may be refundable, even if the taxpayer owes no federal income tax. Any unused nonrefundable portion may be carried forward for up to five years, but a carryforward cannot become refundable in a later year.

The Adoption Tax Credit is subject to income limits and other restrictions, and the timing of a claim depends on the circumstances of the adoption. A tax professional can help determine whether you qualify and how much credit you may claim.

10/05/2026

We’re more than just tax and accounting professionals. We’re your partners in business growth. Beyond preparing your tax returns and keeping your books in order, we can help you improve cash flow, safely plan for expansion and make smarter financial decisions. Let’s talk about how our advisory services can strengthen your strategic planning, streamline operations, and uncover new opportunities for long-term growth and success. Call us today at (708) 756-1500 to schedule a consultation.

10/01/2026

Does your business hold intangible assets? Intangibles are nonphysical, long-term resources that can add significant value to a business. Examples include copyrights, licenses and customer lists. The tax implications can be complex. IRS regulations require the capitalization of costs to 1) acquire or create intangibles; 2) create or enhance a separate, distinct intangible; 3) create or enhance a future benefit identified in IRS guidance as capitalizable; or 4) facilitate the acquisition or creation of intangibles. Capitalized costs can’t be fully deducted in the year paid or incurred. They generally must be ratably deducted over the asset’s life. Questions? We’re here to help. Call us at (708) 756-1500.

09/30/2026

09/30/2026

Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Childcare Costs – Did You Know? (2/2)

If you pay for care for your child under 13 years of age, or for your spouse or other dependent who requires help with basic self-care, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help reduce your federal income tax based on care expenses that you pay in order to work or seek work.

The CDCTC is calculated as a percentage of eligible care expenses. As in the past, the credit is subject to phase-down ranges, meaning that the maximum credit amount may decrease based on a person's adjusted gross income (AGI). However, new rules that took effect this year have significantly increased the maximum credit amount for people with AGIs both below and within the phase-down ranges.

For example, a married couple filing a joint return with an AGI of $75,000-$150,000 may qualify for a credit of up to 35% of eligible care costs, up from 20% in 2025. Meanwhile, a single filer with an AGI of $15,000 or less may be entitled to a credit equaling 50% of qualifying expenses. Above $15,000, the rate gradually declines, reaching 35% once AGI exceeds $43,000. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify for the CDCTC, and if so, what percentage you may use to figure your credit amount.

09/30/2026

There are several benefits to having an estate plan. It can protect your wealth while giving you peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your intentions. In addition, it can save taxes, minimize legal complications and family disputes, and reduce expenses for your heirs. Do you have young children? An estate plan is a must so you can name guardians for them in the event of your untimely death. If you’re ready to begin your estate planning journey, or if you’d like us to review your current plan, contact us at (708) 756-1500.

09/29/2026

If you work remotely and split your time between two states during the year, it can create state tax issues. A state with an income tax generally can tax all income of its residents and income earned within its borders by nonresidents. Residency rules vary but may consider your domicile, days spent in the state and whether you maintain a home is there. Your domicile is generally your true, fixed, permanent home — the place you intend to return to. Some states may treat you as a resident for income tax purposes if you maintain a home and spend a specified number of days there. Contact us at (708) 756-1500 to review your situation and help determine whether you may have tax obligations in more than one state.