Innovative Tax Solutions of Central Florida Inc

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

Keep an eye out for common charitable contributions scams

Scammers have been known to take advantage of people's kindness and generosity. Whether it's creating a fake charity or encouraging the use of inaccurate estimates for donated property, taxpayers should be aware and proceed with caution.

Let's explore these common scams and schemes around charitable donations that were part of the 2026 Dirty Dozen list.

Fake charities
After a disaster or tragedy, scams of all kinds often increase. A common one is when fraudsters create fake charities to collect donations and personal information. A few things to keep in mind before donating:

Verify if the organization is a qualified tax-exempt organization. Donations to individuals are not deductible. Taxpayers can use the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov to verify whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity may be able to claim a deduction on their federal tax return if they itemize deductions.

Taxpayers who don't itemize still may be able to deduct cash contributions. It's important to know donations only count if they go towards a qualified tax-exempt organization according to the IRS.

Keep receipts and documentation of all donations, whether cash or other property.

Non-cash charitable contribution schemes
This scheme isn't directly related to disasters but is still one that taxpayers need to be mindful of. Some schemes involve inflated appraisals of donated property such as syndicated conservation easements, art, or other assets.

If a taxpayer donates property or goods, they need to keep good records and accurately document the fair market value. Don't be tempted by promises to eliminate or substantially reduce tax liability.

Reporting a suspected scam
Taxpayers and tax professionals can report suspected tax fraud, scams, identity theft, or other tax-related wrongdoings to the IRS.

Tips can be submitted confidentially using a smartphone, tablet, or computer at IRS.gov/submitatip. It consolidates IRS fraud-reporting options into one location and routes tips to the appropriate IRS office.

If a taxpayer thinks their tax identity has been compromised, they should visit IRS.gov/idtheft for steps to protect their account.

08/19/2026

Reminder...tomorrow is the last day for the Sales Tax Holiday!!

08/10/2026

Tips for tracking charitable donations and new deduction rules for 2026

Taxpayers who have made or plan to make charitable donations during the year should keep good records of all their contributions. Organized records can make tax filing easier and help support a deduction if it's claimed on a federal tax return.

Here are some tips to help taxpayers keep track of charitable donations:

General deduction rules. Generally, taxpayers must itemize deductions on Schedule A (Form 1040), Itemized Deductions to claim a deduction for charitable contributions. However, beginning with tax year 2026, taxpayers who do not itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in cash contributions, or $2,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly, made to certain qualified organizations.

Know what qualifies. Donations to individuals are not deductible. Examples of this include gifts or individual fundraising accounts. Taxpayers can use the Tax Exempt Organization Search tool on IRS.gov to verify whether an organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Keep proof of all cash donations. For any cash, check or other monetary gifts, taxpayers should keep a bank record or written communication from the charitable organization showing the organization's name, the date of the contribution and the amount donated.

Get a written acknowledgment for larger donations. Contributions of $250 or more, cash or property, require a written acknowledgment from the qualified organization before the deduction can be claimed. The documentation must include the amount of cash or description of the property. It also must state if the organization provided any goods or services in exchange for the gift. If so, description and a good faith estimate of the value of those goods or services must be provided.

Maintain records for non-cash donations. Taxpayers should keep records describing donated property and its fair market value. Additional documentation, including Form 8283, Noncash Charitable Contributions, and a qualified appraisal may be required for larger noncash donations.

Special rules apply to donations of certain types of property such as automobiles, inventory and certain other readily valued property. For more information, refer to Publication 526. For information on determining the value of noncash contributions, refer to Publication 561.

08/03/2026

📚 **Back-to-School Reminder from Our Tax Office** ✏️

There is no single “official” nationwide back-to-school day because school start dates vary by state, county, and local school district.

Here in Central Florida, the upcoming **2026–2027 school year begins in August**, with local districts setting their own calendars.

Current local start dates include:

**Orange County Public Schools**
Classes begin **Tuesday, August 11, 2026**

**Seminole County Public Schools**
Classes begin **Monday, August 10, 2026**

**Osceola County School District**
Classes begin **Monday, August 10, 2026**

As families prepare for a new school year, our tax office knows this season can be busy — school supplies, schedules, childcare arrangements, transportation, and important paperwork all start piling up.

This is also a good reminder to keep receipts and records for any expenses that may matter at tax time, especially childcare-related costs.

From our tax office to your home, we wish every student, parent, teacher, and school employee a safe, successful, and wonderful back-to-school season! 🍎

**Innovative Tax Solutions of CFL Inc.**

07/31/2026

More scams!!

07/30/2026

🤝 **International Day of Friendship 2026** 🤝

On **Thursday, July 30, 2026**, we recognize the **International Day of Friendship**.

Here at **Innovative Tax Solutions of CFL Inc.**, we believe strong relationships are built on trust, kindness, and understanding. That is true in friendships, in families, in communities, and even in the work we do with our clients.

We are grateful for the people who walk through our doors, call our office, refer their friends and family, and trust us during important moments in their lives.

Today is a reminder to appreciate the friends, neighbors, coworkers, clients, and loved ones who make life a little better.

From our office to your home, we wish you a happy International Day of Friendship. 🤝

**Innovative Tax Solutions of CFL Inc.**

07/27/2026

Types of major life events and how they can affect filing

There are several kinds of major life events that can affect a taxpayer's filing requirements, tax benefits and withholding. It could be marriage, welcoming a new child, divorce, or loss of a loved one- all of these can impact their tax situation. Here are some common life events and an overview of their effects.

Marriage
Getting married may affect a taxpayer's filing status, tax withholding and eligibility for certain tax benefits. Newly married couples should report any name change to the Social Security Administration and any address change to the U.S. Postal Service, employers and the IRS. They should also review their tax withholding and update their W-4 with their employer, if needed.

Birth or adoption of a child
A new child may make taxpayers eligible for tax benefits, including the Child Tax Credit, Adoption Credit or Child and Dependent Care Credit. There are individual eligibility requirements for each type of credit. The parent's or taxpayer must have a valid Social Security number along with the child, to apply.

Divorce or legal separation
Getting divorced or legally separated affects filing status, tax withholding, who can claim dependents, and eligibility for certain credits and deductions. Changes to income, withholding and filing status may require taxpayers to update their Form W-4.

Death of a spouse or family member
The death of a spouse or loved one can affect filing requirements and status. In general, a final individual income tax return of a deceased person should be filed the same way if the person were alive. All income must be reported up to the date of death along with the claiming of any eligible credits or deductions.

After any major life event, taxpayers should review their withholding, update their personal information and keep important records. IRS online tools and resources at IRS.gov can help taxpayers understand how these changes may affect their taxes and prepare them for the next filing season.

07/24/2026

Identity Protection PINs help taxpayers guard against tax-related identity theft

One of the best ways taxpayers can protect themselves from identity theft is by requesting an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.

What taxpayers should know about an IP PIN

Anyone with a Social Security number or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number can request a free IP PIN, including taxpayers living abroad.
It's a unique six-digit number known only to the taxpayer and the IRS.
It helps verify a taxpayer's identity when they file a federal tax return. It also protects the taxpayer's account, even if they aren't required to file a return.
Taxpayers must verify their identity before receiving an IP PIN.
Tax professionals cannot request an IP PIN for a client but may use the number provided by the taxpayer when preparing and filing a return.
A new IP PIN is issued each year for added security.
Taxpayers who request an IP PIN online will need to retrieve their new one annually, starting mid to late January.
Taxpayers who receive an IP PIN must include it on all federal tax returns they file during the year, including prior-year and amended returns.
The IRS will never call, email, text, or message a taxpayer through social media channels to request their IP PIN.
The fastest way to get an IP PIN
The quickest and easiest way to request an IP PIN is through an IRS Individual Account. After signing in, taxpayers can select the IP PIN option under their profile. Those who do not already have an account will need to complete the identity verification process before requesting an IP PIN.

Options for taxpayers who can't verify their identity online
Taxpayers who are unable to verify their identity online may still be able to get an IP PIN.

Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income below $84,000 for individuals or $168,000 for married filing joint may apply by submitting Form 15227, Application for an Identity Protection Personal Identification Number.
Taxpayers who cannot verify their identity online or by phone, are not eligible to use Form 15227, or experience technical issues can make an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center to complete the process in person.
More information

Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals, Publication 5293
Identity Theft Central