The Hidden Homeownership Tax: Why Mortgage Shopping Can Be a Smart Financial Move
For many homeowners, the most expensive financial mistake they make may happen before they ever move into the house. It is not necessarily buying the wrong home, choosing the wrong neighborhood, or underestimating maintenance costs. It may be accepting the first mortgage quote they receive. Recent Bankrate research has brought attention to what it calls […]
What Taxpayers Need to Know About Tokenized Securities and 2026 Tax Reporting
A tokenized security is a digital token that represents an ownership interest in a traditional security (for example, shares in a company, a fund unit, debt, or a similar interest). Tax rules follow the economic substance of the interest (equity→dividends/capital gain; debt→interest; partnership interest→partnership rules), even when the interest is tokenized. Expect information reporting on […]
Understanding Social Security: Why Planning Matters More Than Ever
For many Americans, Social Security will become one of the largest and most dependable sources of retirement income they’ll ever receive. Yet surprisingly few people understand just how many decisions surround those benefits—or how much those decisions can influence their long-term financial security. Most people know they can begin claiming benefits at age 62. Many […]
Trump Accounts Scam Alerts: How to Protect Your Child’s Savings
Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-advantaged savings account designed for children under 18, with a government seed contribution available for certain children born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028. Starting January 1, 2026, parents have been able to open these accounts for eligible children, though contributions aren’t permitted until July 4, […]
Weddings, Childcare, Children’s Summer Employment, and Travel: Navigating Summer’s Tax Minefield
Summer brings weddings, camps, teen paychecks, weekend trips and sometimes the chance to rent your home for a short-term event. Those warm-weather plans make memories — and they can also change the way you file your taxes. This guide explains, the most common summer activities that affect an individual tax return: getting married, summer childcare […]
You Got the Tax Deduction. But Do You Still Control the Money?
A new lawsuit is raising questions about one of the most popular charitable giving strategies in America: donor-advised funds. For years, donor-advised funds (DAFs) have been promoted as a flexible way to support charitable causes while maximizing tax benefits. Wealthy donors can contribute appreciated assets, claim an immediate charitable deduction, avoid capital gains taxes, and […]
Could Your Dog Qualify for a Tax Break? A New Proposal Says ‘Yes!’
Americans spend billions of dollars each year caring for their pets. Food, veterinary visits, medications, grooming, boarding, toys, insurance, and emergency medical care can quickly add up. In fact, some estimates put the lifetime cost of owning a dog at nearly $30,000 nationwide, with costs in some states climbing even higher. Now, New Jersey lawmakers […]
Florida Is Rethinking Property Taxes. Other States Are Watching Closely.
For years, Florida’s tax reputation has been relatively simple: No state income tax. Moderate property taxes. Heavy reliance on sales taxes and tourism. Now, that formula may be changing. In recent weeks, Florida lawmakers and Governor Ron DeSantis have advanced a series of tax proposals ranging from targeted tax breaks to one of the most […]
Why an IRS Online Account Matters — And How to Create One
For many taxpayers, dealing with the IRS can feel slow, confusing, and paper-heavy. An IRS online account offers a faster, more convenient way to manage many tax tasks from your computer or phone — from checking your refund to viewing tax transcripts to setting up payments — without a trip to a post office or […]
July 2026 Individual Due Dates
July is an ideal time to review your tax situation and make any necessary adjustments before the second half of the year. Below are the key individual tax deadlines and reminders for July 2026. July 1 – Time for a Mid-Year Tax Check Up – Time to review your 2026 year-to-date income and expenses to […]