A+ Tax Service

05/29/2026

National 529 Day – Did You Know?

If you put money into a 529 education savings plan, earnings may be withdrawn federal income tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, computers, and for students enrolled at least half-time, certain room and board costs.

While 529 contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, many states offer a full or partial state income tax deduction or credit for contributions. Some states and plan sponsors may also offer special incentives around National 529 Day.

Recent law changes expanded the use of 529 plans. In 2026, up to $20,000 per year, per student, may be used for qualified K–12 education expenses at public, private, or religious schools. Prior years were generally limited to $10,000 annually.

05/18/2026

Qualifying Dependents – Did You Know?

In addition to your children and parents, a number of other individuals may qualify as your dependents for tax purposes. Important factors can include the person's income, how much support you provide, and how much of the year the person lives with you. In some limited cases, even a non-relative who lives with you year round as a member of your household may qualify as a dependent.

05/16/2026

Eligible taxpayers may be able to resolve tax debt through an offer in compromise

There are options available to taxpayers if they can’t pay their tax debt in full or if doing so would cause financial hardship. One of them is called an offer in compromise. Factors such as income, expenses, asset equity and ability to pay are considered when a taxpayer applies for this option.

What’s an offer in compromise
This is an agreement between a taxpayer and the IRS that settles a tax debt for less than the full amount owed.

The goal is a compromise that's in the best interest of both the taxpayer and the IRS. The OIC application requires a fee of $205 and an initial payment. Qualifying low-income taxpayers don't have to pay either the fee or the initial payment. Taxpayers should review the instructions for Form 656-B, Offer in Compromise, to see if they meet the qualifications to have these initial costs waived.

Who’s eligible
Taxpayers can use the Offer in Compromise Pre-Qualifier Tool to check their eligibility to file an OIC and prepare a preliminary proposal. Individual taxpayers can make OIC payments online through their Individual Online Account. Eligible taxpayers who use Business Tax Account can now make their OIC payments through BTA. However, they can’t apply or submit an offer through BTA.

Review the Offer in Compromise Booklet
Eligible taxpayers should download and review the latest version of the OIC Booklet to avoid processing delays. This booklet covers everything a taxpayer needs to know about submitting an OIC including:

Eligibility
Costs to apply
Application process
Forms

Beware of “OIC mills”
“OIC mills” are aggressive or misleading marketing schemes that often overpromise results and charge high fees to taxpayers who don’t qualify for an OIC. They’re also on the 2026 IRS Dirty Dozen List. Taxpayers can check OIC eligibility using free IRS tools to avoid high-pressure sales tactics. For assistance filing an OIC from a legitimate representative, taxpayers are encouraged to check for a licensed enrolled agent or a reputable accountant in their area.

Send a message to learn more

05/12/2026

Got mail from the IRS? Don’t toss it

Some taxpayers may get mail from the IRS. It’s important that they open any mail they receive and read it carefully.

Most letters or notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice will outline the specific issue and include steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return or credit.

Review the information. If the mail is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don't agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if there’s a balance due.

Take any requested action. This may include making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.

Reply only if needed. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. If a taxpayer needs to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.

Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn't agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.

Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS for three years from the date the tax return was filed. These include adjustment notices.

Watch for scams.
The IRS will never contact a taxpayer using social media. The first contact from the IRS usually comes in the mail.

Send a message to learn more

05/04/2026

Receiving Online Payments - Did You Know?

If you are self-employed and receive payments through online payment processing platforms, take care to separate business and personal transactions. You can do this by setting up separate business accounts on the platforms, or by using features that allow you to specify the purpose of payments. Otherwise, the platforms may overreport your income.

04/30/2026

It’s not too early to start planning for next year: Check withholding now

Even though the tax filing deadline for tax year 2025 passed a couple weeks ago, it’s not too early to start planning for next filing season. Planning now can help taxpayers avoid surprises next year. One action that can be taken is checking for proper tax withholding.

What is withholding?
Taxpayers need to pay their tax as they receive their income, and they do this through withholding. For employees, “withholding” refers to the federal income tax portion of each paycheck that an employer takes out for tax purposes. It can also be the amount from earnings self-employed people and others voluntarily set aside to pay their estimated taxes.

How taxpayers can check their withholding
The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps workers and retirees estimate the amount of federal income tax to withhold from their paychecks now for the taxes they will owe next year.

The estimator reflects the changes to credits and deductions under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. This includes the deductions for tips, overtime, car loan interest and enhanced deduction for seniors. It also accounts for updates tied to family-related credits, homeownership, and charitable giving.

What are the benefits of using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator?
By using the estimator, taxpayers can manage their estimates based on any personal life change, such as buying a home, changing jobs, having a child or changing their marital status.

For people who recently completed their 2025 tax return, the IRS advises using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to consider all income sources such as full-time wages, side jobs and any sale of services or goods.

By adjusting tax withholding, taxpayers can:

Prevent owing money and potential penalties at tax time
Adjust withholding to increase take-home pay instead of waiting for a refund

What else taxpayers need
For an effective tax withholding estimate, taxpayers will need certain documents including:

All income statements, including their spouse’s if filing jointly
Data from other sources of earnings
Their most recent income tax return

04/28/2026

The Truth About “Fresh Start” Programs (And Who Actually Qualifies)

If you’ve searched online for tax help, you’ve likely seen ads promising an “IRS Fresh Start” that will eliminate your tax debt or let you settle for pennies on the dollar. These claims sound appealing—especially if you’re overwhelmed by IRS notices—but they often leave out critical details.

The truth is, there is no single, universal “Fresh Start Program” that automatically wipes away tax debt. Understanding what the term really means—and who actually qualifies for relief—is the first step toward avoiding costly misinformation.

What the IRS “Fresh Start” Really Is

The Internal Revenue Service introduced the Fresh Start Initiative as a series of internal policy changes designed to make it easier for some taxpayers to resolve their tax debts. It is not a standalone program you apply for, and it does not guarantee forgiveness.

Instead, “Fresh Start” is an umbrella term used to describe expanded access to existing IRS resolution options, such as:

• Installment Agreements

• Offers in Compromise

• Penalty relief

• Lien filing threshold increases

These tools have existed for years. The Fresh Start Initiative simply adjusted certain rules to make qualifying slightly easier for eligible taxpayers.

The Biggest Marketing Myths About “Fresh Start” Programs

Many tax relief advertisements stretch the truth—or ignore it entirely. Common myths include:

• “Everyone qualifies” – Not true. Most taxpayers do not qualify for major reductions.

• “Your debt can disappear” – Only under very specific financial circumstances.

• “It’s a government program you must apply for now” – There is no special enrollment window.

• “No matter how much you owe, you’ll settle for pennies” – Settlement amounts are based on ability to pay, not balance size.

These claims often set unrealistic expectations and can lead taxpayers into agreements that don’t actually solve their problem.

Who Actually Qualifies for Meaningful Relief

True IRS relief is based on financial reality, not marketing promises. Factors the IRS evaluates include:

• Current income and expenses

• Assets and equity

• Filing compliance (all required returns filed)

• Ability to pay now or over time

• Length of time remaining on the collection statute

Taxpayers with limited income, minimal assets, or genuine financial hardship are more likely to qualify for reductions. Higher-income taxpayers or those with significant assets may still get relief—but often through structured payment plans rather than settlements.

Why “Fresh Start” Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

Two taxpayers with the same tax balance can receive completely different outcomes. One might qualify for a reduced settlement, while the other may only qualify for monthly payments—or temporary collection relief.

That’s why relying on generic promises is dangerous. The IRS doesn’t care what an advertisement says—it cares about documented financial facts.

How an Honest Tax Resolution Firm Makes the Difference

An experienced tax resolution firm doesn’t sell shortcuts—it explains reality. A proper review determines:

• Which IRS programs you actually qualify for

• Whether a settlement is realistic or unlikely

• How to avoid unnecessary liens, levies, or defaults

• The most cost-effective path to compliance

At A+ Tax Service, we focus on education first, strategy second, and long-term protection always. Our role is to give you clarity—not false hope.

Final Thought: Real Relief Comes From the Right Strategy

The IRS Fresh Start Initiative isn’t a magic wand—but it can be helpful when applied correctly. The key is knowing what options truly apply to your situation and avoiding firms that promise outcomes the IRS rarely approves.

If you’re dealing with back taxes, IRS notices, or aggressive collection actions, A+ Tax Service can help you cut through the noise, understand your real options, and build a resolution plan that actually works.

Contact A+ Tax Service today for a confidential consultation and get honest answers—before the IRS makes the next move.

04/27/2026

Updated Withholding Estimator Available for 2026

Having the right amount of tax withheld from your pay protects you against unpleasant spring surprises, while ensuring that you do not unnecessarily sacrifice take-home pay. The IRS recently made important updates to its Withholding Estimator tool (link below), to account for tax law changes enacted in 2025. Those changes include the "No Tax on Tips" and "No Tax on Overtime" deductions, the car loan interest deduction and special deduction for seniors, and the new deduction rules for charitable donations.

Verifying the accuracy of your withholding a couple of times a year is especially important if you and your spouse both work, or if you owed tax this spring, work multiple jobs, or have self-employment or investment income. It is also a good idea to complete a withholding checkup anytime you experience a major life change like marriage, or the birth or adoption of a child. Using the Withholding Estimator typically takes 25 minutes or less, and you do not have to log in or provide any personally identifying information. If an adjustment to your withholding is needed, the tool can help you complete a new W-4 form to submit to your employer.

IRS Withholding Estimator Tool: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

04/20/2026

IRS Impersonation Scams – Did You Know?

Criminals continue to use IRS impersonation scams to steal money and personal information. Understanding how the IRS actually communicates can help you recognize and avoid these schemes.

The IRS generally initiates contact by sending a letter through the mail on official letterhead. If you have an IRS online account, you can log in to verify whether a notice is legitimate. If you are unsure, you can contact the IRS directly at 800-829-1040.

Scammers, however, often pose as the IRS in several ways:

By mail: Fake letters may look official but include incorrect contact details or suspicious language such as “in relation to your unclaimed refund.”

By email or text: The IRS does not initiate contact this way. Messages promising refunds, credits or urgent fixes often contain links to fraudulent websites designed to steal your information.

By phone: Scammers may leave threatening messages or demand immediate payment using gift cards or other unusual methods—tactics the IRS does not use.

In person: Unannounced visits are extremely rare. Most legitimate IRS appointments are scheduled in advance by letter.

If you suspect a scam, do not respond, click links or share information. Instead, contact the IRS using an official phone number to verify the situation.

04/01/2026

He Claimed He Didn’t Have to Pay Taxes—Now He’s Headed to Prison

An Independence, Missouri man was recently sentenced to 23 months in prison for tax evasion after failing to pay income taxes over several years. According to the announcement, he falsely claimed to be exempt from federal and state income taxes, avoided withholding from his wages, and either refused to pay or submitted false tax documents to evade payment. He was also ordered to pay more than $361,000 in restitution.

This case is a reminder that willfully failing to pay taxes or submitting false information to avoid tax obligations can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges, prison time, and substantial financial penalties. The IRS takes tax evasion seriously, and these cases show that ignoring tax debt or relying on false positions can make a difficult situation much worse.

For taxpayers who have unfiled returns, unpaid balances, or years of unresolved tax issues, the best step is to address the problem before enforcement escalates. In many cases, there may be legitimate options available to get back into compliance and work toward a resolution.

At A+ Tax Service, Anette helps taxpayers deal with IRS debt, unfiled returns, tax notices, payment options, and other tax resolution matters. If you are facing a serious tax issue, it is important to get reliable guidance before the situation becomes more severe.

Call to Action:

Contact Anette at A+ Tax Service @ 979-323-8500 today to discuss your tax situation and learn what options may be available.