by Mike Murray, EA, LTC | Aug 11, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: The IRS automatically gives the dependent tax claim to the parent the child slept under the same roof with for at least 183 nights. A noncustodial parent can only claim the child if the custodial parent officially signs IRS Form 8332 to pass over...
by Mike Murray, EA, LTC | Aug 7, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: In 2026, the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction allows you to write off up to $40,400 on Schedule A, but a Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) over $505,000 triggers a 30% phaseout that reduces the cap down to a $10,000 floor. To legally bypass...
by Mike Murray, EA, LTC | Jul 31, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: If your business falls behind on payroll taxes, the IRS has the legal authority to look past your corporation or LLC shield and hold you personally liable for the employee’s withheld portion under the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty. Because these...
by Mike Murray, EA, LTC | Jul 29, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: Contributions to a 529 plan are made with post-tax dollars, allowing your investment to compound shielded from federal and state capital gains taxes during the growth phase. Withdrawals are 100% tax-free when used for qualified education expenses,...
by Mike Murray, EA, LTC | Jul 22, 2026 | Uncategorized
Quick Answer: The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is a non-refundable federal tax credit worth up to $2,000 per tax return. It’s calculated as 20% of the first $10,000 in qualifying higher education tuition and fees, with no limit on the number of tax years it can...
