When you get preapproved for a mortgage, you’ll know exactly how much of a monthly payment you can afford. This will also tell you how much of a home you can afford. During preapproval, you’ll work with a mortgage lender that will check your credit reports and three-digit credit score. You’ll also provide your lender […]

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that the optional standard mileage rate for business use of automobiles will increase by 2.5 cents in 2026, while the mileage rate for vehicles used for medical purposes will decrease by half a cent, reflecting updated cost data and annual inflation adjustments. Optional standard mileage rates are used to […]

The Treasury Department and the IRS are offering guidance on OBBBA expanded Health Savings Account eligibility that allows more people to save and pay for healthcare costs. Here are the details of the expanded HSA access: Telehealth and Remote Care Services—The OBBBA made permanent the ability to receive telehealth and other remote care services before […]

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), signed into law on July 4, 2025 (Pub. L. 119-21), introduces a wide range of tax and payroll changes that will affect multiple filing seasons. The IRS and Treasury have been steadily releasing draft forms, guidance and proposed regulations to help employers and employees prepare. Here’s a comprehensive update covering the latest […]

Most of the papers you need to document the income, interest and withheld taxes you report arrive in your mailbox in January, with investment-related 1099s often coming in February. Get ready for their arrival by creating print and online folders. It’s a good idea to create a paper and an email tax folder for messages […]

The IRS Get Ready campaign offers tips, reminders and new information on what you need to prepare for the 2026 tax filing season. Among the changes and additions the OBBBA brings are tax deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest and seniors. Here are tips to prepare for filing season: Access or login to an […]

The free credit score that your bank, credit union or credit card providers furnish when you check your credit is just one of many credit scores that you might have. When you apply for a mortgage, there’s no guarantee that the score you get from your credit card company is the same one that your […]

Small-business owners should recognize this sometimes-overlooked fact: Success often relies less on acquiring new funding and more on wisely utilizing existing resources. In other words, growth for its own sake isn’t always good business. By monitoring expenses, reevaluating pricing, and analyzing which products or services truly deliver value, you can strengthen your bottom line and […]

We generally assume that children aren’t required to pay taxes. But if your child has unearned income — such as interest and dividends from investments — the IRS may require them to file a return. There are two main situations to consider. Their unearned income exceeds $2,600 Your child will fall under what’s known as […]

Retiring from a business you founded isn’t like leaving a job. It’s a personal, financial and emotional process that takes time and coordination. Whether you want to sell, pass the business to family or simply step back, the best outcomes follow thoughtful preparation. Start with a clear plan Begin by asking key questions: When do […]