Ernie Lookabill CPA

Time to make an estimated quarterly tax payment!

It's Tax Time! Don't Forget 1st Quarter Estimated Payments. - Now is the time to pay your taxes AND make your estimated tax payment. Reminder: Tax returns AND first quarter estimated taxes are due by Wednesday, April 15th.

From American tax history to everyday money habits, this issue connects past and present. Test your tax history knowledge, reset your finances, and rethink the tech ideas shaping your decisions.

Client Update Newsletter: April 2026 Anniversaries have a way of bringing forgotten pieces of history back into view. As the United States marks 250 years of independence in 2026, we're reminded that money has shaped our national story in surprising and sometimes strange ways. In this month’s newsletter, test your own knowledge a...

Early withdrawals from most retirement accounts prior to age 59 1/2 come with a steep 10% tax penalty.

Should I Tap into my Retirement Funds? When you are cash strapped, your retirement nest egg can look very tempting to solve your immediate financial problem. Is it ever a good idea?

Here are the commonly overlooked deductions everyone should know.

Commonly Overlooked Deductions - Don't forget these ideas to lower your taxes The tax code is about 75,000 pages long, so it?s not surprising there are many overlooked money-saving deductions hidden within it. Check out this list of commonly overlooked deductions.

Not all income is taxable. Here are some to consider.

10 Sources of Tax-Free Income - What everyone should know While it seems there are taxes everywhere, there is also a lot of income that the IRS does not tax. Here are ten of the more common income sources that are tax free.

If your gross income is less than the federal standard deduction, you usually do NOT need to file a tax return, but getting this wrong can cost you. Know the exceptions to the rule!

Do You Need to File a Tax Return? - Getting this wrong can cost you Do you need to file a tax return this year? Here are some handy tips to help you decide.

March momentum starts now - smart 2026 tax planning, credits vs. deductions, retirement tips for every age, and stronger protection against 2FA scams. Read more in this month's newsletter.

Client Update Newsletter: March 2026 March is all about momentum, especially when it comes to planning ahead for 2026. In this month’s newsletter, we explore why your tax planning cycle begins now and share practical steps to help you get started in the right direction. A key part of this strategy is understanding the difference...

Don't run out of money during retirement. Here are five great ideas.

NON-Retiree Retirement Ideas - Want money when you retire? Here are some tips. Retirement planning and tax planning go hand in hand. Here are five great planning ideas on how to ensure you have a nest egg when you are ready to retire.

One of the best tax deductions is your home. Know the rules to maximize your tax benefit.

Your Home. A Bundle of Tax Benefits. Are you capturing all the tax benefits built into homeownership? Here are the most common.

Did you know you can rent your home or cabin tax-free for up to 14 days per year?

Tax-Free Rental of Your Property Did you know you can rent out your home or vacation property for up to 14 days and not need to claim the income? Here are some tips to take advantage of this opportunity.