The Tax Preparer’s Blog
Quarterly Tax Payments: Deadlines, Who Must Pay, and How to Get Them Right
September 23, 2026
Quarterly tax payments cover income that has no withholding, like freelance or business earnings. This guide covers who must pay, deadlines, how to calculate them, and mistakes to avoid.
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Schedule C Tax Form: Complete Guide for Sole Proprietors and Self-Employed Filers
September 23, 2026
Schedule C is the form sole proprietors use to report business profit or loss with their Form 1040. This guide walks through each part, key deductions, and how it ties into self-employment tax.
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SALT Tax Deduction in 2026 and Beyond: How the Higher Cap Really Works
September 23, 2026
The SALT tax deduction lets itemizers subtract state and local taxes from federal taxable income. This guide covers the higher cap, the income phase-outs, and who actually benefits.
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IRS IP PIN: How Identity Protection PINs Work, Who Needs One, and How to Get Yours
September 23, 2026
An IRS IP PIN is a six-digit code that blocks anyone else from filing a return under your Social Security number. This guide covers how to get one, who is eligible, and how to recover a lost PIN.
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Married Filing Jointly: How This Filing Status Really Affects Your Federal Income Tax
September 23, 2026
Married filing jointly is the filing status most couples use, and it often lowers the tax bill. This guide covers who qualifies, the 2026 numbers, and when filing separately makes more sense.
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Doing Business As (DBA): How to Use an Assumed Name for Your Tax Preparation Business
September 23, 2026
A DBA lets you run your practice under a brand name instead of your legal name. This guide covers how to file one, publication rules, banking under a DBA, and how it compares to an LLC.
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Tax Deductions: How to Legally Shrink Your Taxable Income This Year
September 23, 2026
Tax deductions reduce the portion of your income that gets taxed. This guide covers standard vs. itemized deductions, above-the-line breaks, and the write-offs most people miss.
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Federal Income Tax: How It Works, What It Pays For, and How to Lower Your Tax Liability
September 23, 2026
Federal income tax is the largest source of revenue for the US government. This guide covers who pays it, how to calculate it, current brackets, and ways to lower your liability.
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Child Tax Credit 2026: Rules, Amounts, and How to Claim the Credit
September 23, 2026
The 2026 child tax credit is worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with part of it refundable. This guide covers the amounts, phase-outs, qualifying child tests, and how to claim it.
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What Is a 1099-K? A Practical Guide for Gig Workers, Side Hustlers, and Small Businesses
September 23, 2026
Form 1099-K reports payments you received through apps, card processors, and online marketplaces. This guide covers who gets one, current thresholds, and how to report it without overpaying.
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