Many rental property owners are surprised to learn that federal tax law often restricts their ability to deduct losses, treating most rental activities as passive unless specific requirements are met. But if you can qualify for the real estate professional exception, you may be able to turn otherwise suspended losses into immediate tax savings.
2026 Tax Law Changes for Businesses
Here’s a sampling of some significant tax law changes going into effect this year:
Estate Planning for 2026 and Beyond
Until recently, much tax uncertainty surrounded estate planning. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubled the federal gift and estate tax exemption to an inflation-adjusted $10 million, but only for 2018 through 2025.
Fortunately for those with larger estates, in 2025, legislation was signed into law that increases the exemption to $15 million for 2026, with annual inflation adjustments going forward — and no expiration date.
Which Parent Gets the Tax Breaks After Divorce?
IRS rules determine who can claim many child-related federal income tax breaks after parents divorce or legally separate.
Taking Control with Self-Directed IRAs
You have until April 15, 2026, the tax filing deadline, to make 2025 contributions to an IRA. If you’re seeking more than the traditional mix of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, a self-directed IRA offers greater autonomy and diversification. But it also introduces added complexity.
If You’re Closing Your Business, Don’t Forget These Tax Steps
Closing a business can be overwhelming. But it’s important not to let tax duties fall through the cracks. File a federal income tax return for your business’s final year and, if you have employees, make final federal tax deposits and report employment taxes.
Increase Business Deductions with Tangible Property Safe Harbors
Did your business make repairs to tangible property in 2025, such as buildings, equipment, or vehicles? In many cases, these costs may be fully deductible on your 2025 federal income tax return. However, expenses that qualify as improvements must generally be capitalized and depreciated over time.
March 16, 2026 Tax Deadlines for Pass-Through Entities
Do you operate your business as a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) taxed as a partnership, or an S corporation? These structures are known as pass-through entities because income, deductions, and tax credits pass through to owners and are reported on their individual federal tax returns.
Is Your Business Safe from Payroll Fraud?
Payroll fraud can be costly and devastating, especially for small businesses. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), the median loss from payroll fraud schemes is $50,000, and long-term fraud, particularly by upper management, can reach millions of dollars.
There’s Still Time to Set Up a SEP and Save on Taxes
If you own a business or are self-employed and haven’t already set up a tax-advantaged retirement plan, consider establishing one before you file your 2025 tax return.