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Tax answers for business owners and high earners
Plain-English guides on business taxes, IRS notices, hard forms and high-income planning. No jargon, no fear-mongering.
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- IRS notices and problemsWhat Triggers an IRS Audit for Small Business Owners
- Business ownersHow to Pay Yourself From an S-Corp: Salary, Distributions, and the Split That Matters
- High income and investorsTax Planning Before a Big Liquidity Event in California: What to Do Before You Sell
- Business ownersIRS Form 966: When Corporations Must File It, How to Fill It Out, and Where to Mail It
- IRS notices and problemsMissed the Tax Filing Deadline? Here's What to Do Now
- High income and investorsLoan-Out Corporation Taxes for California Entertainment Professionals: How the Structure Works
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IRS notices and problemsWhat to Do If You Owe the IRS and Cannot PayIf you owe the IRS and can't pay in full, file on time anyway, pay what you can, and apply for a payment plan or another relief option before collection starts. Penalties and interest keep running until the balance is paid.Nov 12, 2026
High income and investorsFamily Office Lite: How High-Net-Worth Families Organize Tax, Bookkeeping and EntitiesA family office lite is a coordinated setup of entity records, entity-level bookkeeping and one tax calendar, run without a full-time staff. Here is what it covers and how families build it.Nov 12, 2026
High income and investorsHigh-Income Tax Planning in California: What Changes Above $1M in IncomePast $1 million of income, California adds a 1% surtax, the federal SALT cap bottoms out at $10,000, and the estimated-tax rules tighten. Here is what changes and where planning still has room.Nov 11, 2026
High income and investorsReal Estate Professional Status: How Investors Qualify and What It SavesReal estate professional status (REPS) lets qualifying investors treat rental losses as non-passive, so they can offset wages and business income. Qualifying takes strict hour tests and records that hold up in an audit.Nov 11, 2026
California taxTax Deed Sales in California: How the Process Works and What Buyers and Owners Should KnowCalifornia counties sell tax-defaulted property at public auction after five years of unpaid property taxes. Here's how the sales work, the risks for buyers, and what owners can do first.Nov 10, 2026
Business ownersTax Deductions for a Car Detailing Business in Los AngelesA car detailing business can generally deduct ordinary and necessary costs like supplies, equipment, vehicle use, insurance, licenses and marketing. Here is what qualifies and what to document.Nov 10, 2026
High income and investorsState and Local Tax Deduction (SALT): How It Works and What the Cap Is NowThe state and local tax deduction lets itemizers deduct state income or sales tax plus property tax, up to a cap that rose to $40,000 for 2025. Here's how it works.Nov 8, 2026
Tax formsIRS Schedule 2: What It Reports, Who Files It, and How Line 3 WorksIRS Schedule 2 (Form 1040) reports taxes that sit on top of your regular income tax, such as AMT and self-employment tax. Here is what each part covers and who needs it.Nov 7, 2026
Business ownersQualified Business Income Deduction: Who Qualifies, How It's Calculated, and the LimitsThe qualified business income (QBI) deduction lets eligible owners of pass-through businesses deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income. Income limits, business type, and wages can shrink it.Nov 7, 2026
California taxLA County Property Tax Payment: How to Pay, When It's Due, and How to Check Your HistoryLA County property tax is paid to the Treasurer and Tax Collector in two installments, due November 1 and February 1. Here's how to pay, check your history, and avoid penalties.Nov 6, 2026
Tax formsIRS Schedule B: Who Has to File It and How to Fill It OutSchedule B is the Form 1040 attachment for interest and ordinary dividends, plus foreign account questions. You generally file it when taxable interest or dividends top $1,500, or when other triggers apply.Nov 6, 2026
Tax formsIRS Schedule 1 (Form 1040): What It Reports, Line by Line, and Who Needs ItSchedule 1 is the Form 1040 attachment for income and adjustments the main form has no room for, such as business income, unemployment, and the IRA deduction. It is separate from the newer Schedule 1-A.Nov 4, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Schedule D: What It Is, Who Files It, and How Capital Gains Get ReportedIRS Schedule D is the Form 1040 attachment that totals your capital gains and losses from selling stocks, crypto, and other assets. Here is who files it and how it works with Form 8949.Nov 4, 2026
Business ownersLLC Self-Employment Tax: Who Pays It, How It's Calculated, and Ways It ChangesAn LLC doesn't have its own self-employment tax. The owners pay it, usually at 15.3% on net earnings, unless the LLC has elected S-corp treatment. Here is how it works.Nov 3, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 6166: What It Is, How to Get It, and How Long It TakesIRS Form 6166 is a letter from the IRS certifying you're a U.S. tax resident, used to claim treaty benefits abroad. You request it with Form 8802, and it takes weeks.Nov 3, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Business and Specialty Tax Line: Phone Number, Hours, and What They Can Help WithThe IRS Business and Specialty Tax Line, 800-829-4933, answers business tax questions about EINs, employment taxes, and business accounts. Here's what to have ready and when to use something else.Nov 2, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 3520: Who Has to File It, What It Reports, and When It's DueForm 3520 reports transactions with foreign trusts and certain large gifts or inheritances from foreign persons. This guide covers who files, the thresholds, the due date, and how it differs from Form 3520-A.Nov 2, 2026
Business ownersLA County Sales Tax: Current Rate, What It's Made Of, and Who Collects ItMost of Los Angeles County charges a 9.75% combined sales tax rate, and some cities charge more. Here is how the rate is built, how to find yours, and what sellers owe.Nov 1, 2026
Business ownersFiling Taxes Self-Employed With No 1099: What You Report and HowSelf-employed income is taxable whether or not anyone sends you a 1099. Here's how to report it on Schedule C, calculate self-employment tax, and build records that hold up.Oct 31, 2026
Tax basicsMoving Expenses Tax Deduction: Who Can Still Claim ItMost people can no longer deduct moving expenses on a federal return. Only active-duty military and, starting in 2026, certain intelligence community employees still can. Business moves and California are separate questions.Oct 31, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8453: What the E-File Transmittal Is and When You Actually Mail ItIRS Form 8453 is a paper transmittal that accompanies an e-filed return when supporting documents can't be sent electronically. Here is who needs it, what goes with it, and when it's due.Oct 30, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Form 3949-A: How to Report Suspected Tax Fraud (and What Happens Next)IRS Form 3949-A lets you report someone you believe is violating the tax laws. It is not a whistleblower claim, it pays no reward, and the IRS will not tell you what it does with it.Oct 29, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8888: How to Split Your Tax Refund Between AccountsIRS Form 8888 lets you divide your federal tax refund among up to three bank, brokerage, or retirement accounts. Here's when it makes sense, how to complete it, and what happens if the IRS adjusts your refund.Oct 29, 2026
High income and investorsGift Tax Return (Form 709): Who Has to File It and When It's DueA gift tax return, Form 709, is filed by the person giving the gift when gifts to one person exceed the annual exclusion. Filing usually doesn't mean owing tax. Here's how it works.Oct 28, 2026
California taxCalifornia Mileage Tax: What's Been Proposed, What's Law, and What It Means for DriversThere is no California mileage tax today. Drivers pay the state gas tax at the pump, and owners of newer electric vehicles pay an annual road improvement fee with their registration. The state has tested a per-mile road charge as a possible replacement for the gas tax, but it would take a new law, and none has passed.Oct 28, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form SS-4: How to Apply for an EIN (Line by Line, Free)IRS Form SS-4 is the application for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), and applying through the IRS is free. Here is who needs one, how to apply, and what each line asks.Oct 27, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 945: What It Is, Who Files It, and When It's DueIRS Form 945 is the annual return for federal income tax withheld from nonpayroll payments such as backup withholding, pensions, and gambling winnings. Here is who files it, when it's due, and how Form 945-A fits in.Oct 27, 2026
Business ownersTax Planning for 1099 Contractors in California: What to Do Before the Year EndsCalifornia 1099 contractors owe federal income tax, self-employment tax, and state tax with no withholding, so planning means setting aside money, paying estimates, and tracking deductions all year.Oct 26, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 8938: Who Must File, Thresholds, and How It Differs From the FBARForm 8938 reports specified foreign financial assets to the IRS when their value passes certain thresholds. Here is who files it, what counts, and how it differs from the FBAR.Oct 26, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 1096: What It Is, Who Files It, and How to Order ItForm 1096 is the paper summary sheet that goes with 1099s and similar information returns mailed to the IRS. If you e-file, you skip it entirely.Oct 25, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 15620: What the Section 83(b) Election Form Is and How to File ItIRS Form 15620 is the IRS's form for making a Section 83(b) election on restricted property, usually startup stock. It must be filed within 30 days of the transfer, with no extensions.Oct 25, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 944: Who Files It, What It Reports, and When It's DueIRS Form 944 is the annual employment tax return for small employers whose yearly payroll tax liability is $1,000 or less. Here is who files it, when it's due, and how it compares to Form 941.Oct 24, 2026
California taxLos Angeles County Tax Assessor: What the Assessor Does, and What It Doesn'tThe Los Angeles County Assessor sets your property's assessed value, while a separate office bills and collects the tax. Here's who does what and where to start if the number looks wrong.Oct 24, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Form 12153: How to Request a Collection Due Process HearingIRS Form 12153 lets you appeal a federal tax lien or levy notice by requesting a Collection Due Process hearing. Here's who can file, the deadline, and how to send it.Oct 23, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Form 433-F: What the Collection Information Statement Asks and How to Fill It OutForm 433-F is the Collection Information Statement the IRS uses to see what you earn, own, and owe each month. Here's who gets asked for it, what goes on it, and how to answer accurately.Oct 23, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 5500: Who Has to File It, Which Version You Need, and When It's DueForm 5500 is the annual information return for employer retirement and benefit plans, filed electronically with the Department of Labor. Which version you file depends on plan size and who participates.Oct 22, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8879: What the E-File Signature Authorization Is and When You Sign ItForm 8879 is the IRS e-file signature authorization: a one-page form you sign so your tax preparer can file your return electronically, using your PIN as your signature. It is not your tax return and it isn't sent to the IRS; your preparer keeps it on file for three years. Sign it only after you've reviewed the finished return.Oct 22, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 4562: Who Files It, What's On It, and How Depreciation Gets ReportedForm 4562 is the IRS form for claiming depreciation, the Section 179 deduction, and amortization on business property. Here's who has to file it and how its parts work.Oct 21, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form W-7: How to Apply for an ITIN (Instructions and What to Expect)IRS Form W-7 is the application for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). It's for people who must file or appear on a U.S. tax return but can't get a Social Security number.Oct 21, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 3115: What It Is, Who Needs It, and How a Change in Accounting Method WorksIRS Form 3115 is how a taxpayer asks the IRS for consent to change an accounting method. This guide covers who files it, automatic vs. non-automatic changes, and the Section 481(a) adjustment.Oct 20, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 8594: How the Asset Acquisition Statement Works and Who Files ItForm 8594 is the Asset Acquisition Statement that both buyer and seller attach to their returns when a business changes hands, showing how the price was allocated across seven asset classes.Oct 20, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Form 9465: How to Request an Installment Agreement and Where to Send ItIRS Form 9465 is the paper request for a monthly payment plan on a tax balance you can't pay in full. This guide covers who qualifies, what to fill in, where to mail it, what it costs, and what happens after.Oct 19, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 4852: What It Is and How to File It When Your W-2 Is MissingIRS Form 4852 lets you file your return when a W-2 or 1099-R never arrives or is wrong. Here is when to use it, what to gather, and what happens after you file.Oct 19, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 3911: How to Trace a Missing Tax Refund (Instructions and Where to Send It)IRS Form 3911 asks the IRS to trace a refund that never arrived or came back damaged. Here is when to use it, how to complete it, and where it goes.Oct 18, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8822: How to Change Your Address With the IRS (and When You Need 8822-B Instead)Form 8822 tells the IRS your home address has changed, while Form 8822-B does the same for a business address or responsible party. Here's who files which and what to expect.Oct 18, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Transcript Request: How to Get Your Tax Transcript Online, by Mail, or Through a ProYou can request a free IRS tax transcript online through your IRS Online Account, by mail, by phone, or with Form 4506-T. Pick the right transcript type first, because the wrong one is the most common reason people re-request.Oct 17, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 1041: Who Files It, What's On It, and When It's DueIRS Form 1041 is the income tax return for estates and trusts. This guide covers who has to file, what goes on the form, when it's due, and how income reaches beneficiaries.Oct 17, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 1310: Who Needs It to Claim a Deceased Person's Tax RefundForm 1310 is the IRS statement you file to claim a federal tax refund owed to someone who has died. A surviving spouse filing a joint return doesn't need it, and neither does a court-appointed personal representative who attaches the court certificate to the original return. Anyone else claiming the refund, such as a family member without a court appointment, files Form 1310 with the decedent's final return.Oct 16, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 982: When Canceled Debt Isn't Taxable and How to Report ItIRS Form 982 reports canceled debt you can exclude from income, such as debt discharged in bankruptcy or while insolvent, and shows how your tax attributes are reduced in exchange.Oct 16, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 8283: Noncash Charitable Contributions, Who Files It, and How to Fill It OutIRS Form 8283 is how you report noncash charitable gifts when your total deduction for them is more than $500. Here's who files it, which section applies, and when an appraisal is required.Oct 15, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8606: Who Files It, What It Tracks, and How the Pro-Rata Rule WorksIRS Form 8606 records the after-tax money in your traditional IRA so it isn't taxed again when you convert or withdraw it. Here is who files it, what each part does, and what a missed form costs.Oct 15, 2026
Business ownersCalifornia Payroll Taxes: What Employers Withhold, Pay, and FileCalifornia payroll taxes combine federal withholding with four state taxes run through the EDD. Here is who pays each one, how to estimate the total, and which filings are due.Oct 14, 2026
IRS notices and problemsCalifornia Tax Payment Plan: How to Set Up an FTB Installment AgreementIf you can't pay your California tax bill in full, the Franchise Tax Board lets many taxpayers set up a monthly payment plan. Here's who qualifies, what it costs, and how to apply.Oct 14, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 8582: Passive Activity Loss Limitations ExplainedIRS Form 8582 figures out how much of your passive activity losses you can deduct this year and how much carries forward. Here is who files it, what goes on it, and where it fits.Oct 13, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 147C: What It Is and How to Get Your EIN Verification LetterIRS Letter 147C is the official written proof of your EIN when your original CP 575 notice is lost. You request it by phone from the IRS Business & Specialty Tax Line.Oct 13, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 2441: How the Child and Dependent Care Credit Works (2025 Instructions)IRS Form 2441 is how you claim the child and dependent care credit and report employer-provided dependent care benefits. Here is who qualifies, what counts, and how the math works.Oct 12, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 4797: How to Report the Sale of Business PropertyForm 4797 is how you report the sale of business property, including equipment, vehicles, and rental real estate. This guide covers each part, depreciation recapture, and where the numbers land.Oct 12, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 1065: Who Files It, What's On It, and When It's DueIRS Form 1065 is the annual information return for partnerships and multi-member LLCs taxed as partnerships. Here is who files it, what it reports, and when it's due.Oct 11, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 8832: What the Entity Classification Election Does and Who Needs to File ItForm 8832 is the IRS Entity Classification Election that an eligible entity, usually an LLC, files to be taxed as a corporation instead of its default. Here's who needs it and when.Oct 11, 2026
High income and investorsSchedule E Tax Form: What It Is, Who Files It, and How It WorksSchedule E is the Form 1040 attachment for rental real estate, royalties, and K-1 income from partnerships, S corporations, estates, and trusts. Here's how each part works and where filers usually go wrong.Oct 10, 2026
Business ownersSection 179 Deduction: How It Works, What Qualifies, and the Current LimitsSection 179 lets a business deduct the full cost of qualifying equipment, software, and some vehicles in the year it starts using them, instead of depreciating the cost over several years.Oct 10, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 941: What It Is, Who Files It, and When It's DueIRS Form 941 is the quarterly return employers use to report withheld income tax plus Social Security and Medicare taxes, due the last day of the month after each quarter ends.Oct 9, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 966: When Corporations Must File It, How to Fill It Out, and Where to Mail ItIRS Form 966 tells the IRS that a corporation has adopted a plan to dissolve or liquidate. It is due within 30 days after the resolution or plan is adopted, with a certified copy of the resolution attached. It is filed on its own, not attached to the corporation's final Form 1120 or 1120-S.Oct 9, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 8829: How to Claim the Home Office Deduction Line by LineIRS Form 8829 figures the actual-expense home office deduction for self-employed Schedule C filers, covering business-use percentage, home expenses, depreciation, and carryovers.Oct 8, 2026
IRS notices and problemsForm 1040-X: How to Amend Your Tax Return (and When You Shouldn't)Form 1040-X is the IRS form for correcting an individual tax return you already filed. You generally have three years to file it for a refund, and it can now be e-filed for recent years.Oct 8, 2026
Tax formsIRS Form 8889: How to Report Your HSA (2025 Instructions)Form 8889 is the IRS form that reports your health savings account. It covers what went in, what came out, and whether any of it is taxable, and you file it with your Form 1040 any year your HSA had activity.Oct 7, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 7004: How the Business Tax Extension Works (and What It Doesn't Cover)IRS Form 7004 gives most business entities an automatic extension of up to six months to file their return. It does not extend the time to pay, so any tax owed is still due by the original deadline.Oct 7, 2026
Business ownersSchedule C Tax Form: What It Is, Who Files It, and How It WorksSchedule C is the part of Form 1040 where sole proprietors, freelancers, and single-member LLC owners report business income and expenses. The net profit is what you pay income tax and self-employment tax on.Oct 6, 2026
Business ownersIRS Form 2553: How to Elect S-Corp Status (and Get It Right the First Time)IRS Form 2553 is how an eligible corporation or LLC asks the IRS to tax it as an S corporation. It has to be filed on time and signed by every shareholder to work.Oct 6, 2026
High income and investorsTax Planning Before a Big Liquidity Event in California: What to Do Before You SellA liquidity event in California β selling a business, exercising stock options, or selling a home β can trigger a combined federal and state tax bill exceeding 37%. The planning window is before the transaction closes.Oct 5, 2026
High income and investorsTax Planning for Physicians in Los Angeles: S-Corps, Retirement Plans, and the 199A QuestionFor most physicians in Los Angeles, the Β§199A deduction phases out entirely at their income level. The real tax planning is in retirement plan structure and S-corp elections that can shelter six figures annually.Oct 5, 2026
High income and investorsLoan-Out Corporation Taxes for California Entertainment Professionals: How the Structure WorksA loan-out corporation lets entertainment professionals contract their services through a separate entity to manage income, deductions, and benefits β here's how it works in California.Oct 4, 2026
IRS notices and problemsWhat Triggers an IRS Audit for Small Business OwnersThe IRS flags small business returns for large deductions relative to income, unreported income, repeated Schedule C losses, and cash-heavy industries. Clean books and accurate reporting are your best protection.Oct 4, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Audit Representation for High Earners: What to Expect and How to PrepareHigh earners face a significantly elevated audit risk, and the stakes climb when complex income is involved. This guide explains the audit process, what to gather, and why professional representation matters.Sep 14, 2026
High income and investorsPrivate Client Tax Services: What Discreet, NDA-Backed Tax Work Actually Looks LikeDiscreet, NDA-backed tax work is designed for high-net-worth individuals, celebrities, entertainment professionals, and business owners whose situations require more than standard prep.Sep 14, 2026
High income and investorsMulti-State Income Taxes for Touring Musicians, Athletes, and Traveling ProfessionalsIf you earn income in multiple states, each state generally taxes what you earned within its borders β meaning nonresident returns, home-state credits, and careful tracking of where you worked.Sep 13, 2026
High income and investorsCalifornia Mansion Tax Explained: What It Is, Who Pays It, and How Much It CostsCalifornia has no statewide mansion tax. The "mansion tax" is Measure ULA, a City of Los Angeles transfer tax of 4% on sales over $5.4 million and 5.5% on sales of $10.9 million or more, the thresholds in effect since July 1, 2026. It applies to the full sale price, and the seller normally pays it at closing.Sep 13, 2026
High income and investorsCalifornia Exit Tax: What's Been Proposed, What's Law, and What Leaving Actually Costs YouCalifornia has not passed an exit tax, but several proposals have come close β and the state's residency rules and income-sourcing laws already create significant tax obligations for people who leave.Sep 12, 2026
California taxCalifornia Tax Brackets: What You Actually Owe in State Income TaxCalifornia has nine income tax brackets ranging from 1% to 13.3%, with rates that apply only to income within each band β not your total income.Sep 12, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 1116: How the Foreign Tax Credit Works and Who Needs to File ItIRS Form 1116 is the form you file to claim the foreign tax credit β a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your U.S. tax bill for taxes you already paid to a foreign government.Sep 11, 2026
California taxCalifornia Tax Extension: What You Actually Need to DoCalifornia gives individuals an automatic six-month extension to file, to October 15, with no form to submit. It doesn't extend the time to pay: tax you owe is still due April 15, and you can send it with FTB Form 3519 or pay online. Interest and late-payment penalties run on any balance left unpaid after April 15.Sep 11, 2026
California taxCalifornia Vacancy Tax: What Property Owners Need to KnowCalifornia has no statewide vacancy tax, but San Francisco and Oakland both impose annual fees on chronically vacant properties. Here's what landlords and investors need to know about compliance and deductibility.Sep 10, 2026
California taxCalifornia Property Tax Due Dates: When to Pay and What Happens If You're LateCalifornia property taxes are paid in two installments: the first is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10, and the second is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10. The due date is when the bill can be paid; the delinquent date is the last day to pay before a 10% penalty is added. If December 10 or April 10 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day.Sep 10, 2026
California taxHow California Property Taxes Work: Rates, Reassessments, and What Drives Your BillCalifornia caps property taxes at 1% of your property's assessed value under Proposition 13, with annual increases limited to 2% β but your actual bill is usually higher once local bond measures are factored in.Sep 9, 2026
California taxCalifornia Property Tax Assessment: Rules, Triggers, and How to AppealCalifornia property taxes are based on assessed value controlled by Proposition 13 β not current market value. Here's how assessments work, what triggers a reset, and how to appeal.Sep 9, 2026
California taxWhat Is Transient Occupancy Tax in California?California's transient occupancy tax is a local taxβset by cities and counties, not the stateβon short-term stays of 30 days or fewer, paid by guests but collected and remitted by the host.Sep 8, 2026
California taxCan I Lower My Property Taxes? What to Know Before You AppealMost property owners have a realistic path to lower their property tax bill, whether through an assessment appeal, a missed exemption, or a factual error in their property record. Here's what to check first.Sep 8, 2026
Business ownersCalifornia Use Tax: What It Is, Who Owes It, and How to PayCalifornia use tax applies when out-of-state purchases arrive in California without sales tax collected at checkout β here's who owes it, what the rates are, and how individuals and businesses report it.Sep 7, 2026
California taxCalifornia Earned Income Tax Credit: Who Qualifies and What It's WorthCalifornia's Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable state credit that can put money back in your pocket even if you owe no state tax β and it stacks on top of the federal EITC.Sep 7, 2026
High income and investorsCalifornia Capital Gains Tax: Rates, Rules, and What to ExpectCalifornia taxes all capital gains as ordinary income at rates up to 13.3%βone of the highest in the country. Here's how it works and what it means for your tax bill.Sep 6, 2026
California taxLos Angeles Property Tax Appeals: How the Process Works and When It's Worth FilingFiling a property tax appeal in Los Angeles County can lower your assessed value and reduce your bill for years β here's how the process works from start to finish.Sep 6, 2026
Tax formsWhat Is the Tuition Tax Form? Your 1098-T and Education Credits ExplainedForm 1098-T is the tuition tax form your school sends each January β it's the starting point for claiming the American Opportunity or Lifetime Learning Credit on your federal return.Sep 5, 2026
High income and investorsIRS Form 6251: What It Is and Who Still Owes AMTIRS Form 6251 is the Alternative Minimum Tax calculation form for individuals. Most filers don't owe AMT after 2017, but ISO exercises and certain deductions can still trigger it.Sep 5, 2026
High income and investorsTrader Tax Status (TTS): IRS Requirements, Benefits, and How to QualifyTrader tax status (TTS) is an IRS designation that lets qualifying active traders treat trading as a business, unlocking expense deductions and the mark-to-market election.Sep 4, 2026
California taxCalifornia State Tax Refund Status: How to Check It and What Delays MeanYou can check your California state tax refund status at ftb.ca.gov using the Franchise Tax Board's Where's My Refund tool β you'll need your SSN, filing status, and exact refund amount.Sep 4, 2026
Business ownersCalifornia Estimated Tax Payments: Due Dates, Amounts, and How to PayCalifornia estimated taxes are due in three payments, not four: 30% of your annual estimate by April 15, 40% by June 15, and the last 30% by January 15 of the next year. There is no September payment, unlike the federal schedule. You can pay with Form 540-ES vouchers or online through the FTB's Web Pay.Sep 3, 2026
Business ownersIRS Business Codes: How to Find the Right One for Your Tax ReturnIRS principal business activity codes are six-digit numbers that classify your type of business on your tax return. Here's how to find and choose the right one for your situation.Sep 3, 2026
IRS notices and problemsIRS Form 9423: How to Use the Collection Appeals RequestIRS Form 9423 is the Collection Appeal Request form used to challenge IRS collection actions β including liens, levies, and installment agreement terminations β through a fast-track appeals process.Sep 2, 2026
Business ownersS-Corp Reasonable Salary: What Small Business Owners Actually Need to KnowThe IRS requires S-corp owner-employees to pay themselves a reasonable salary. Here's how the rule works, how to set the number, and what happens if you don't.Sep 1, 2026
IRS notices and problemsMissed the Tax Filing Deadline? Here's What to Do NowMissed the tax filing deadline? File as soon as possibleβpenalties and interest grow every month you wait. Here's exactly what to do and what it'll cost you.Aug 31, 2026
Business ownersHow to Deduct a Home Office on Your TaxesSelf-employed? You can deduct your home office using a simple $5/sq ft method or actual expenses. Here's who qualifies, how to calculate it, and what to avoid.Aug 30, 2026
Business ownersS-Corp vs LLC: The Real Tax Differences for Small Business OwnersS-corps and LLCs differ mainly on self-employment tax. Here's what actually changes, what it costs to run each, and when the switch makes financial sense.Aug 29, 2026
Business ownersWhat Business Expenses Are Actually Tax DeductibleLearn which business expenses the IRS considers tax deductible, what the rules actually require, and what commonly trips people up.Aug 28, 2026
Business ownersQuarterly Estimated Taxes for the Self-Employed: What to Pay and WhenSelf-employed? Learn how quarterly estimated taxes work, when payments are due, how to calculate what you owe, and how to avoid underpayment penalties.Aug 27, 2026
Business ownersHow to Pay Yourself From an S-Corp: Salary, Distributions, and the Split That MattersS-corp owners must pay themselves a W-2 salary before taking distributions. Here's how reasonable compensation works and how to do it right.Aug 26, 2026
Business ownersDo You Need to File a Tax Return for an LLC With No Income in California?California LLCs must file Form 568 and pay the $800 minimum franchise tax even with zero income. Here's what applies to your situation.Aug 25, 2026
Business ownersDo I Need to Send 1099s to My Contractors?If you paid a contractor $2,000 or more in 2026, you generally need to send a 1099-NEC ($600 for 2025 payments). Here's who gets one, who doesn't, and when they're due.Aug 24, 2026
IRS notices and problemsEstimated Tax Penalties: What They Cost and How to Avoid ThemThe IRS charges an underpayment penalty when you don't pay enough in estimated taxes throughout the year. Knowing the safe harbor rules eliminates this penalty for most taxpayers.Aug 24, 2026
Business ownersTax Deductions for Real Estate Agents in CaliforniaCalifornia real estate agents working as independent contractors can write off a wide range of business expenses β from mileage and MLS fees to home office costs and professional development.Aug 24, 2026
Business ownersCalifornia LLC Franchise Tax: What New Business Owners Actually OweEvery California LLC owes the state a minimum $800 annual franchise tax β separate from income taxes, due regardless of profit, and scaling upward once revenue crosses $250,000.Aug 24, 2026
Business ownersHow to Form an S-Corp in California (and What It Costs)Forming an S-corp in California requires two filings β one with the Secretary of State, one with the IRS β plus an $800 annual minimum franchise tax that applies whether you profit or not.Aug 24, 2026
Business ownersS-Corp vs LLC: Which Structure Actually Fits Your Business?An LLC is a legal entity; an S-corp is a tax election. This comparison breaks down self-employment tax, payroll, and paperwork so you can see which fits.Aug 24, 2026
California taxHow to Lower Your Property Taxes in Los Angeles County, Practical Steps and Expert StrategiesIf your Los Angeles County assessment looks too high, you can challenge it, decline-in-value review, assessment appeals, and the homeowners' exemption. The practical steps, in order.Jul 30, 2026
California taxHow do property assessments work in Los Angeles county?The Los Angeles County Assessor sets your property's assessed value, and that value, not the market, drives your tax bill. How assessments work and what to do when one looks wrong.Jul 30, 2026
Local guidesPalmdale Taxes: What Residents and Business Owners Actually PayPalmdale residents pay federal income tax, California income tax, LA County property tax, and sales tax. Here's how each works and which ones matter most for business owners.Nov 9, 2026
Local guidesQuartz Hill Tax Planning Services: What a Year-Round Plan Covers and How to Choose OneTax planning services in Quartz Hill help you make decisions before year-end, not just file afterward. Here's what a plan covers, who benefits, and how to choose a provider.Nov 9, 2026
Local guidesSelf-Employed Tax Deductions in Palmdale: A Category-by-Category Write-Off Checklist for 1099 ContractorsSelf-employed and 1099 contractors can generally deduct ordinary and necessary business expenses on Schedule C. This checklist covers the main categories, the records to keep, and the common mistakes.Nov 8, 2026
Local guidesTax Resolution in Palmdale, CA: How to Resolve IRS and FTB DebtTax resolution means settling IRS or FTB debt through a payment plan, a reduced settlement, a penalty request, or a hold on collection. Here is how each option works and where to start.Nov 5, 2026
Local guidesActon Property Tax: How the Rate Works for Acton, CA HomeownersProperty in Acton, California is taxed at a 1% base rate plus voter-approved charges, so most bills land a bit above 1% of assessed value. Here's how the bill is built and when it's due.Nov 5, 2026
Local guidesQuartz Hill IRS Problem: What to Do When You Get a Notice or Owe Back TaxesIf you have an IRS problem in Quartz Hill, start by reading the notice, noting the response deadline, and responding before it passes. Most problems have a defined path.Nov 1, 2026
Local guidesTax Preparation in Rosamond, CA: How to Choose a Preparer and What to BringRosamond residents can use a local Antelope Valley preparer in person or work remotely. Here's how to pick one, what to bring, and which filing situations need more than a basic return.Oct 30, 2026
Local guidesDo You Need a Lancaster, CA Business License β and How Does It Affect Your Taxes?Most businesses operating inside Lancaster city limits, including home-based businesses and independent contractors, need a City of Lancaster business license. You apply and renew online through the city, the license runs 12 months, and the fee depends on your business type and gross receipts. The fee is a deductible business expense.Sep 2, 2026
Local guidesBookkeeping Basics for Antelope Valley Small BusinessesGood bookkeeping isn't complicated, but skipping it is expensive. Here are the core habits Antelope Valley small business owners need to stay organized and tax-ready all year.Aug 24, 2026
Local guidesHow to Handle Taxes as an Antelope Valley Rideshare or Delivery DriverRideshare and delivery drivers in the Antelope Valley are independent contractors, which means self-employment tax, quarterly estimated payments, and a set of deductions that can significantly reduce what you owe.Aug 24, 2026
Local guidesHow to Choose a Tax Preparer in Glendale, CA: A Practical ChecklistA practical checklist for picking a Glendale tax preparer: which credentials matter, what to ask, red flags to avoid, and when to look beyond basic return prep.Jul 31, 2026
Local guidesTax Write-Offs for Self-Employed and 1099 Contractors in Palmdale: Essential Deductions, Compliance Tips, and Local ResourcesPalmdale contractors and 1099 workers leave real deductions on the table every year. The write-offs that matter, the documentation the IRS expects, and the California quirks to watch for.Jul 30, 2026
Local guidesWhat Lancaster landlords can deduct on their taxesLancaster rental owners can deduct mortgage interest, Los Angeles County property taxes, insurance, repairs, and depreciation on Schedule E. What counts, what does not, and the records that make deductions stick.Jul 30, 2026
Local guidesS-corp filing deadlines for Palmdale small businessesS corporations file earlier than most businesses, Form 1120-S is due in mid-March for calendar-year filers. The deadlines, the penalties for missing them, and how extensions actually work.Jul 30, 2026
Local guidesQuarterly estimated taxes for Antelope Valley self-employedSelf-employed income in the Antelope Valley usually means paying the IRS and the FTB four times a year. Who owes estimated taxes, how to calculate them, and the safe-harbor rules that avoid penalties.Jul 30, 2026Showing 12 of 129
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