IRS 2026 inflation adjustments and One, Big, Beautiful Bill overview by a CPA

Tax law reaches into almost every corner of life, from settlements that compensate someone for an injury to retirement accounts that are lost through legal action. I find that reading about unusual cases is one of the best ways to understand how the Internal Revenue Code defines income. Two recent decisions highlight that definition in very different ways.

As annual open enrollment season approaches, it is an ideal time to review your health coverage options and consider the financial advantages of a Health Savings Account (HSA). Among the many tax-favored benefits available to individuals, the HSA remains one of the most flexible and powerful tools in the tax code. It can be used by nearly every taxpayer, provided that one important requirement is met.

Learn which deductions are not allowed, why IRS matching catches missing income, and how to lower taxes legally with proven strategies.

Crypto wash-sale rules don’t apply in 2025 but IRS Form 1099-DA changes reporting. Learn what’s next for digital asset tax loss harvesting.

Form 1099-DA changes crypto tax reporting in 2025. Learn what each box means, from proceeds to NFTs, and why IRS oversight is tightening.

In Ataya v. Commissioner (2025), the Tax Court upheld penalties despite overstated income. Learn why inflated revenue is not a defense and how to safeguard your business.

Learn how to handle business expenses in S-Corps, C-Corps, and partnerships. Avoid IRS pitfalls with proper documentation and reimbursement plans.

Employers can provide up to $5,250 per year in tax-free education benefits, including student loan repayment. This IRS-approved program lowers payroll taxes while helping employees reduce financial stress. It is a win-win strategy for businesses and their teams.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a preliminary list of tipped professions for the OBBBA no tax on tips rule. While restaurant and hospitality workers are expected, the list also includes occupations such as locksmiths, wedding officiants, and digital creators. This guidance will be important for workers and employers alike.

Discover how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 makes key Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions permanent. Learn about new deductions for seniors and tipped workers, farmland sale rules, and expanded expensing options for businesses.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made several significant changes to the rules governing depreciation and expensing that business owners should consider when acquiring or selling capital assets. These changes enhance short-term deductions while creating additional layers of decision-making regarding long-term tax consequences.

When you start or invest in a new business, your mind is usually on products, customers, and funding. But one of the most important decisions you make is how to structure the company. The choice can have a dramatic impact on the taxes you will pay if you eventually sell the business.

Taxpayers in every state pay varied tax rates based on their state and how they earn a living. The variety of tax treatments creates confusion when trying to make comparisons across states and across income levels.

I model federal and California positions side by side for 2025 and later, measure where OBBBA reduces federal tax but not California tax, and plan elections and timing that fit California’s current rules. I also monitor SB 711 and any targeted conformity bills, then update projections and entity strategies when the Legislature acts. Contact me if you want a focused review of your 2025 plan with these differences in mind

Clients ask two questions about the new law. When do the changes start, and when do they end. This guide answers both and groups provisions by start and end date so you can act on them before deadlines pass.

As 2025 winds down, it is prime time for strategic tax moves, especially with the sweeping changes introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed into law on July 4, 2025. Below are five timely strategies designed for high-income taxpayers who want to maximize deductions and minimize liabilities before the year closes.

Why Business Owners and Investors Should Be Paying Attention

A legal case currently moving through the courts—Sirius Solutions LLLP v. Commissioner has the potential to reshape how the IRS and courts define “limited partner” for purposes of the self-employment tax exclusion under Internal Revenue Code Section 1402(a)(13).

If your business operates through a partnership or LLC, or you are involved in investment management, consulting, or professional services, this case may affect how your income is taxed.

If you are a business owner or investor operating through a partnership or LLC, you may be at risk of unexpected self-employment taxes even if your role is labeled as a "limited partner."

A recent Tax Court decision in Denham Capital Management, LP v. Commissioner, T.C. Memo. 2024‑114, underscores this risk. The Court ruled that certain partners could not use the limited partner exclusion under tax law because they were actively involved in the business.

In the complex world of the tax code, it’s rare to find a provision that works in the taxpayer’s favor no matter which way the investment swings. Net Section 1231 gains are one of those rare gems — offering long-term capital gain treatment when you win, and ordinary loss treatment when you lose.

If you receive a Schedule K-1 from a partnership, S corporation, or other pass-through entity, you may have seen a line for “Net Section 1231 Gain (Loss)” — often appearing on Line 10. Understanding how these amounts work can help you maximize tax benefits and make better investment choices.