Michael S Jones, CPA LLC

Michael S Jones, CPA LLC Our goal is to treat each client like they are our best cleint

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax...
06/18/2026

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax implications related to a job loss may also require attention. For example, unemployment compensation and severance pay are generally taxable, at least at the federal level. And health insurance premiums you’d been paying pre-tax from your paycheck may now have to be paid after-tax — though you might be able to deduct them. There are also tax consequences to consider in relation to your retirement plan with your former employer or withdrawing funds from an IRA to replace some of your lost income. If you’d like guidance, contact us.

Are you thinking about selling your commercial or investment real estate? If the property has appreciated significantly,...
06/15/2026

Are you thinking about selling your commercial or investment real estate? If the property has appreciated significantly, a Sec. 1031 like-kind exchange may allow you to defer tax on some or all of the gain. With this transaction, you exchange the property for another qualifying property, generally deferring tax until the replacement property is sold.

But common misconceptions about Sec. 1031 exchanges can lead to missed opportunities or costly mistakes. For example, the property types don’t have to be identical, and receiving cash or debt relief (“boot”) may trigger taxable gain.

We can help demystify this tax strategy and determine whether it’s right for your situation. Contact us to learn more.

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can appl...
06/09/2026

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, the child’s unearned income in excess of $2,700 (for 2026) is taxed at the parent’s tax rate, if higher.

If your child has investment income from custodial accounts, consider reviewing the types of investments in those accounts. Growth-oriented investments that generate little current income may help reduce exposure to the kiddie tax until your child is old enough that the tax no longer applies.

If you’d like help evaluating your family’s situation, contact us.

Self-employed individuals often miss legitimate tax savings because they fail to keep adequate records or misunderstand ...
06/08/2026

Self-employed individuals often miss legitimate tax savings because they fail to keep adequate records or misunderstand the rules. Don’t let this happen to you.

Follow this golden rule: Business expenses must be ordinary (common in your industry) and necessary (helpful and appropriate for the business). Of course, you can deduct supplies, materials, and employee payroll and benefits. But don’t overlook other deductible costs — such as for your home office, education, business meals and travel, and business vehicles.

We can help you identify qualifying business expense deductions and establish recordkeeping practices that support them. Contact us to learn more.

If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not a...
06/02/2026

If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not aware of: after-tax, non-Roth contributions. These contributions aren’t subject to the annual elective deferral limit ($24,500 for 2026, plus catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older). So, if your plan allows, you can make them after you’ve maxed out your deferral limit, including catch-up contributions, if applicable. They create tax basis in your account that can eventually be withdrawn tax-free. And growth on the money won’t be taxed until you start taking withdrawals. We can review your situation and help you determine whether you might benefit.

Complex federal income tax rules apply to self-created intangible assets. Sales of self-created intangibles that qualify...
06/01/2026

Complex federal income tax rules apply to self-created intangible assets. Sales of self-created intangibles that qualify as capital assets — such as goodwill and customer lists — generate capital gains or losses (with gains typically taxed at 15% or 20%).

However, sales of noncapital self-created intangibles — such as certain patents and copyrights — may be subject to ordinary income tax rates, which can be as high as 37%. In short, the type of asset, who created it and who owns it can matter.

If you’re planning to sell or transfer intangible assets, we can help you understand the federal tax implications before your deal is finalized. Contact us to learn more.

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to crea...
05/27/2026

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Remember, the IRS will never contact you by email or text about a tax bill or refund. It also won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Most IRS communications are sent through regular mail — though fraudsters may send fake IRS notices by mail, often including QR codes.

Don’t click on links, open attachments or scan QR codes from unknown senders that might direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Contact us if you have questions.

Small business owners: If you think your income is too high for you to qualify to make Roth IRA contributions, think aga...
05/26/2026

Small business owners: If you think your income is too high for you to qualify to make Roth IRA contributions, think again. Many owners are eligible without realizing it because of various deductions for the self-employed.

A Roth IRA offers potential advantages over tax-deferred accounts. Although Roth contributions aren’t deductible, qualified withdrawals won’t be taxed. And you aren’t required to take withdrawals from your Roth IRA, meaning the account can continue to grow tax-free. Your heirs can also take tax-free withdrawals.

For help evaluating your Roth IRA eligibility and developing a long-term retirement strategy that aligns with your personal and financial goals, contact us.

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organiza...
05/20/2026

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organization receiving the piece and how it will be used. Your deduction will generally be reduced if the charity’s use of the artwork is unrelated to the purpose or function that’s the basis for its qualification as a tax-exempt organization. The reduction equals the amount of capital gain you would have realized had you sold the artwork instead of giving it to charity. Other deduction limits as well as special substantiation and appraisal rules also may apply. If you’re considering donating artwork or other valuable property, contact us for help ensuring the best tax outcome.

Certain “small businesses” may qualify for several valuable tax breaks. But different tax provisions use different size ...
05/18/2026

Certain “small businesses” may qualify for several valuable tax breaks. But different tax provisions use different size tests.

For instance, a gross receipts test is used to determine eligibility for cash accounting, simplified inventory rules, the completed contract method, relief from UNICAP requirements and exemption from the business interest deduction limitation. This threshold is adjusted for inflation. For 2026, your business may be eligible if its average annual gross receipts for the prior three-year period were $32 million or less.

Contact us to help evaluate your eligibility for these and other tax-saving opportunities based on your business’s structure and operations.

Address

4306 Evergreen Lane #102
Annandale, VA
22003

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+17036420750

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Michael S Jones, CPA LLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category