Essential Solutions LLC

11/02/2026

2027 Healthcare Open Enrollment

The 2027 open enrollment period for Marketplace health insurance began on Sunday, November 1, 2026, and runs through January 15, 2027. To obtain coverage starting January 1, 2027, you must enroll by December 15, 2026. If you enroll between December 16, 2026, and January 15, 2027, your coverage will generally begin February 1, 2027. During this period, you can enroll in, renew, or change health plans for the coming year.

Once the Open Enrollment period is over, you generally can only enroll in or change Marketplace plans if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, such as after certain qualifying life events.

Enrollment can be completed at https://www.healthcare.gov, and information on how to prepare for enrollment, including what documents you'll need, can be found here: https://www.healthcare.gov/apply-and-enroll/get-ready-to-apply/.

10/30/2026

Health Savings Accounts offer a powerful tax-advantaged way to pay for medical expenses. But they also come with some hidden tax traps. Here's what everyone should know.

Here's a tax tip worth keeping in your back pocket. Some may need it now, while others simply need to know this quirk exists.

10/28/2026

The IRS operates under the burden of proof, meaning taxpayers must substantiate deductions with adequate records.

Acceptable documentation includes receipts, canceled checks, invoices marked paid, or digital copies. Digital and scanned receipts are fully accepted as long as they are legible and contain all required elements

Under an audit, NO RECEIPTS, NO DEDUCTIONS!

10/28/2026

We have received numerous emails from clients who are receiving love letters from the State of Alabama with interest and penalties assessed for their 2025 tax returns when they paid the amount due when the return was filed. Here is the problem....

While you filed an extension, it is only an extension to FILE the return, the Taxes are still DUE on April 15th.

So when you owe on the filing of the extended return, interest and penalties are assessed BACK to the original due date of the return of April 15th. 😟

10/27/2026

Accurate W-2 Reporting Is Required to Deduct 2026 Overtime – Did You Know?

Eligible taxpayers may deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime compensation ($25,000 for joint filers) on their 2026 federal income tax returns without itemizing. The deduction begins phasing out when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers). Married taxpayers generally must file jointly. Qualified overtime generally means the “half” portion of time-and-a-half pay required under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Social Security and Medicare taxes still generally apply.

For 2026, employers must report qualified overtime on Form W-2 in box 12 using code “TT.” If the amount is missing or incorrect, contact your employer and keep supporting pay stubs handy. Be sure to obtain a corrected Form W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) if your employer omitted or incorrectly reported your qualified overtime pay.

10/23/2026

If you make a mistake on your tax return, it may be noticed by the IRS. Here are some of the most common causes.

October 15th marks the end of the 2025 tax filing season. Now the formal audit period for 2025 tax returns is underway. Here are some tips to be prepared.

10/19/2026

Educators Have New Options to Deduct 2026 Classroom Expenses – Did You Know?

If you work as a K–12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours during the school year at a qualifying school, you may be able to deduct qualifying unreimbursed classroom expenses on your tax return.

For 2026, eligible educators may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses as an above-the-line deduction without itemizing, or up to $700 for a married couple filing jointly if both qualify, with a limit of $350 each.

Additionally, a new itemized deduction is available beginning in 2026 for educator expenses, with no separate dollar cap. You must itemize deductions to claim this additional deduction. It is also available to interscholastic sports administrators and coaches who meet the K–12 school and 900-hour requirements, and may cover additional expenses.

Eligible educators may claim both deductions, as long as the expenses used to figure each deduction do not overlap. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify and which deduction strategy yields the greatest possible tax savings.

10/16/2026

Sports betting comes with IRS strings. Know them and plan accordingly.

As sports betting grows in popularity, the IRS is paying attention. Do you know how your winnings and losses are taxed?

10/15/2026

10/15/2026

There's nothing scary about transitioning to fully electronic federal payments both to and from the , because using secure electronic options improves speed, accuracy and protection for the public and the government.

Take human intervention out of your paper check payment and pay on line!