When customers or others don’t pay what they owe your business, you may be able to claim a bad debt deduction to help offset the financial loss. But it isn’t automatic. Businesses must satisfy specific federal tax rules and maintain adequate records to support the deduction.
Could Accessibility Upgrades Lower Your Tax Bill?
Improving accessibility at your business may come with a valuable tax break: Eligible small businesses can claim the Disabled Access Credit for certain costs related to improving accessibility for individuals with disabilities. A business may qualify if, in the prior tax year, it had gross receipts of $1 million or less or no more than 30 full-time employees.
Small Business Tax Planning: Maximize Your Credits and Deductions
Keeping more of your hard-earned revenue isn’t just about making sales; it’s about strategic, year-round tax planning. For small business owners, understanding how tax credits and tax deductions work together can mean the difference between paying a steep year-end tax bill and pocketing substantial savings.
Higher IRS Mileage Rates Take Effect
Due to rising fuel costs, the IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating certain vehicle deductions. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, SUV, van, pickup truck, or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year.
A New Type of Tax-Advantaged Account for Children
Families looking for another way to save for a child’s future may want to consider Section 530A accounts. Created by the 2025 tax legislation commonly referred to as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these tax-advantaged savings accounts, also known as Trump Accounts, are designed to help children build long-term assets. The ability to contribute became available on July 4, 2026. And some children may be eligible for a $1,000 government-funded deposit.
Can You Deduct Elder Care Costs?
If your parent or another elderly family member is moving into a nursing home, there may be tax implications. For example, long-term care expenses may qualify as an itemized deduction if they, along with other medical expenses, exceed 7.5% of adjusted gross income. (Only the amount over 7.5% is deductible.)
Strengthen Your Benefits Package with Educational Assistance
If your business is like many today, you’re seeking more ways to attract and retain talent. One option is to offer tax-advantaged educational assistance under Internal Revenue Code Section 127. Recent legislative changes have expanded the value of this benefit.
Employers Face New Limits on Meal Expense Deductions
Does your business provide complimentary on-site food and beverages for employees? The rules for deducting certain business meals have changed. Beginning in 2026, employers generally can’t deduct For the 2025 tax year, generally, the former were 100% deductible, and the …
Reducing IRS Audit Risk for Small Businesses
When business owners think about risk, they often focus on market pressures or operational challenges. An IRS audit usually isn’t top of mind — but it can be costly, disruptive and time-consuming. Although some taxpayers are randomly selected for an audit, many audits occur because the IRS has identified certain patterns or inconsistencies. Understanding where these risks typically arise can help you limit your business’s exposure.
How Hiring Your Child This Summer Can Reduce Taxes
The wages you pay your child are generally deductible as a business expense. For your child’s income tax purposes, wages received will be at least partially protected from federal income tax by his or her standard deduction. Any wages in excess of the standard deduction generally will be taxed at your child’s marginal rate, likely only 10%. So this strategy can reduce your family’s overall income tax liability.