Entries by IslerNW

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Think the IRS Is Slowing Down? Why That Might Actually Increase Your Audit Risk

You’ve probably seen the headlines: “IRS funding slashed.” “Audit rates down.” “Staffing cuts.” If you’re a business owner, investor, or part of a high-earning household, you may be thinking: Finally, some breathing room. But here’s the reality: The IRS isn’t pulling back. It’s just getting smarter about who it goes after. The IRS Isn’t Auditing […]

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Stop Guessing, Start Tagging: How to Make QuickBooks® Online Work Smarter for You

If you’ve ever wanted to slice and dice your financial data in QuickBooks® Online without changing your chart of accounts or creating new classes or locations, you’re in luck. The Tags feature in QuickBooks® Online offers an intuitive, flexible way to track transactions across any category you choose—clients, events, sales channels, campaigns, or even employee […]

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Don’t Let Your Side Hustle Become a Tax Nightmare

W-2 by Day, Wedding Photographer by Weekend? You started your side hustle for the flexibility. The extra income. The “hey, I’m good at this—why not get paid?” kind of freedom. And now it’s summer, and the bookings are rolling in. Weddings. Brand shoots. Freelance design projects. Extra coaching sessions. Maybe even some Airbnb income while […]

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Flat Tax Fever? States Ramp Up 2025 Income Tax Overhauls

Many U.S. states are considering or implementing flat income tax systems. These policies apply a single tax rate to all taxpayers regardless of income. While supporters say these reforms simplify tax codes and spur economic growth, critics argue they disproportionately benefit the wealthy and jeopardize state revenue. With South Carolina making national headlines with its […]

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Important July 2025 Due Dates

July 2025 Individual Due Dates July 1 – Time for a Mid-Year Tax Check Up Time to review your 2025 year-to-date income and expenses to ensure estimated tax payments and withholding are adequate to avoid underpayment penalties. July 10 – Report Tips to Employer If you are an employee who works for tips and received […]

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A Comprehensive Guide for Itemized Medical Deductions

Article Highlights: Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) limitation Itemized Deductions List of Over 60 Medical Issues and Their Deductibility In today’s world, where medical costs are soaring, understanding the intricacies of tax-deductible medical expenses is not just beneficial—it’s necessary for effective financial planning. This guide explores the ins and outs of deductible medical expenses, touching on […]

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Navigating IRS Penalty Abatement

Article Highlights: Understanding Reasonable Cause Abatement What Constitutes Reasonable Cause? How to Apply for Reasonable Cause Relief Who Can Apply? IRS Guidelines on Evaluating Reasonable Cause Grounds Used for Requesting Abatement Exploring First-Time Abatement Penalty Relief Qualifications for First-Time Abatement Is FTA a One-Time Benefit? Scope and Limitations of FTA How to Apply for FTA […]

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Summer Hiring? Here’s How to Handle Seasonal Workers, Interns, and Payroll Compliance Without the Headache

Hiring for the summer? That’s exciting—until the IRS gets involved. While onboarding interns or part-time help sounds simple enough, summer hiring is one of the most common ways small business owners get tripped up on payroll, compliance, and classification. And yes, even a single misstep—like putting a W-2 employee on a 1099 “just for the […]

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Tips Every Self-Employed Individual Should Know About Self-Employment Tax

Article Highlights: What is Self-Employment Tax? Net Earnings Subject to Self-Employment Tax Comparison: Employee vs. Self-Employment Prepayment and Estimation Exemptions from Self-Employment Tax Issues and Challenges Self-employment tax plays a crucial role in the life of every entrepreneur, freelancer, and business owner. Understanding this tax is essential for anyone who makes their living other than […]

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Summer Jobs for Your Children

Article Highlights Higher Standard Deduction IRA Options Typical Summer Jobs for Young Adults Self-Employed Parent Employing Your Child Tax Benefits Summer jobs for kids offer more than just extra cash—they provide valuable life lessons and skills that can benefit young individuals in their personal and professional lives. Whether they are saving up for a special […]