Strauss Tax Service

10/16/2026

Read this and let it sink in. They are withholding information that is bad- that the latest tax bill moved the tax burden more on those that can least afford it-and gave a gift to the rich. And with 31,000 less employees and no permanent commissioner the IRS can hardly function.

The IRS is months behind on releasing data that would show how changes in the GOP’s signature law played out in this year’s tax filings.

10/15/2026

Yes I still take pride in helping people, understand the truly complex and ever changing crazy world of taxes and money and that my head still works. Way more than 50...!!

10/13/2026

We are recommending everyone get an ID ME account now! To access your IRS information and also SSA data. We have instructions available for you - call or email for them. WE can also help you if needed.

09/23/2026

Another so frustrating IRS day... been calling my tax pro line for way over a week to try and get tax docs with powers of attorney for older parents of a client. Never got through. Today got through/ was on hold for two hours/ then 5pm and they said sorry and hung up. Ugh! Smart me called the taxpayer advocate/ pleaded my case after a 15 minute hold/ faxed the powers of attorney. And got the needed tax docs!!
Got home close to 6:30 but worth it. Can now do the return... trying to help you and maybe not work so hard now...lol.

09/18/2026

Always on top of what's new! There is a brand new AEP (automatic penalty exemption) program launched in June 2026. If you are a first time late payer etc and have never had a prior penalty it is automatically waived. With this I saved a new client dealing with a major crypto owing from 2022 $169,000 yesterday! Working in an offer in compromise next. But they were were more than happy to pay me...!!

09/17/2026

The IRS is a lot more techy!! They can now "find" possible issues in real time and generate notices to you! Many many more notices. You call us. We explain. Almost impossible to reach them by phone/even me/ with 30% less employees. Letters are almost useless. The new world of AI has reached the IRS too. Ugh!!!😖

08/22/2026

Yesterday I passed and went into a new bank/ investment concept. Chase Private Client group. On Michigan Avenue. Talked to them. They want to be your complete banking/ investment/ tax/ planning / estate planning / for fees of course. Lots of personal attention but no clear answer about what investments/ fees or... great marketing but my sense keep your banking separate from your investing/ from your attorney and tax person. Great idea for them - this is the first of many planned. I am not sure it is best for many of my clients. I work with your investment advisors and often attorneys and of course you to present options and explain it all.

08/18/2026

Not a tax post but I am so proud to announce that my article for Streetwise the magazine helping the homeless is the cover story. Please if you live in Chicago find a vendor and buy a copy or contact me and I will get you one. And please support this wonderful magazine...streetwise.com

08/14/2026

Will your car be your last car? Or how old is your car? Besides the cost of housing and food, this is truly scary!!

08/11/2026

Something I learned but did not like today. Amazon hires independent contractors instead of employees to avoid paying social security/ Medicare and all benefits. Much less expensive for them but truly not good for them or all of us too...