Month: December 2025

Tips To Avoid Credit Card Debt This Holiday Season

Typically, credit card balances follow a seasonal pattern, increasing significantly in the fourth quarter and coinciding with holiday shopping. This year is no exception; unfortunately, it coincides with higher credit card interest rates. With more people than ever depending on credit cards to cover basic expenses due to inflation, this could lead to an ever-increasing debt load. In fact, credit card balances are approaching pre-pandemic levels, increasing by $38 billion (a 15 percent increase year-over-year) since the second quarter – the largest increase in more than 20 years (Federal Reserve Bank of New York).

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Chess board and scattered chess figures on Russo blue background and the white words "Tax Tips."

Advertising and Marketing Costs May Be Tax Deductible

As a small business owner, you may be able to deduct advertising and marketing expenses that help bring in new customers and keep existing ones. Even better is that these deductions help small businesses save money on their taxes. Here’s what you need to know about this valuable tax deduction:

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Using PTE Elections to Optimize SALT Deduction Limits—PART 1

Overview

The SALT deduction cap limits federal itemized deductions for state and local taxes, including state income taxes, property taxes, and personal property taxes.

With the cap now increased to $40,000, more taxpayers can deduct state and local taxes, but PTE elections remain a powerful strategy for high-income owners, non-itemizers, and pass-through businesses seeking federal tax efficiency. The IRS continues to recognize entity-level PTE deductions under Notice 2020-75.

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Russo CPA tax tips: tax break refunds

Important Information About Charitable Giving This Year

For many nonprofits and taxpayers alike, Giving Tuesday is the start of the charitable giving season. While most organizations are legitimate, taxpayers should always research charities before donating.

It is also a good idea to understand the expanded tax benefits of giving to causes that mean something to you personally. Taxpayers should also know that they may be able to deduct donations to tax-exempt organizations on their tax returns.

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