MLM Bookkeeping

MLM Bookkeeping Construction, Service and Retail Industry Accounting Services. LLC filing and annual updates. Registered 1099 filer with IRS.

04/01/2026

Contact MLM Bookkeeping for your business accounting needs.
810-691-8917

Be informed, not fooled by ghost preparers and tax credit scams

The tax filing season is coming to an end in a couple of weeks, but that doesn’t mean scammers and schemers take a break. Here’s a couple more things from the recently released Dirty Dozen, that taxpayers should be mindful of.

Ghost preparers
Taxpayers should choose their tax professional wisely. Paid preparers must sign and include a valid Preparer Tax Identification Number on every tax return. A “ghost” preparer prepares a return but refuses to sign it and/or refuses to include a PTIN. These unlicensed or unethical tax return preparers should be avoided. When a preparer refuses to sign or provide a PTIN, that is a major red flag; the taxpayer is legally responsible for what is filed. Taxpayers should never sign a blank or incomplete return.

Ghost preparers also often exploit credits by promising large refunds. These preparers may:

Exaggerate eligibility for deductions
Claim credits that taxpayers do not qualify for
Disappear after filing, leaving the taxpayer responsible for penalties, interest, or audits
People can make a complaint about a tax return preparer, if a paid preparer filed a fraudulent return, without consent or if they followed improper tax preparation practices.

Phony “Self-Employment Tax Credit”
Another one from the Dirty Dozen is misleading information being shared about a “self-employment tax credit,” which can result in an inaccurate filing. Many taxpayers do not qualify for these credits, and the IRS is closely reviewing claims coming in under this provision, so taxpayers filing claims do so at their own risk. Be informed about any tax credits and eligibility requirements before claiming them. The IRS Interactive Tax Assistant can help a person decide if they're eligible for many popular tax credits and deductions.

Taxpayers are reminded to rely on trusted sources and qualified tax professionals, not bad tax advice on social media.

03/12/2026

Tax credits and deductions for education

The costs for continuing education can add up quickly and get expensive. There are several tax benefits such as credits and deductions that can help eligible taxpayers reduce these costs. A tax credit reduces the amount a person owes in income taxes dollar-for-dollar. Let’s look at a few of the most common ones.

Education tax credits
There are two tax credits designed to help taxpayers reduce education costs: the American Opportunity Tax Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit.

The taxpayer can claim one or the other but not both. Taxpayers must complete Form 8863, Education Credits and file it with their federal tax return.
To be eligible for either credit:

The taxpayer, dependent or a third party paid qualified education expenses for post high school education.
An eligible student must be enrolled at an eligible educational institution.
The eligible student is the taxpayer, taxpayer’s spouse or a dependent listed on the tax return.
Key points for AOTC and LLC
The AOTC is:

Worth a maximum benefit of up to $2,500 per eligible student
Available only for the first four years at an eligible college or vocational school
For students pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential
Partially refundable. People could get up to $1,000 back
The LLC is:

Worth a maximum benefit of up to $2,000 per tax return, per year
Available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills
Available for an unlimited number of tax years
Education related deductions
Deductions lower the taxable income resulting in lowering the federal income tax obligation.
Student loan interest:

Taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income is between $85,000 and $100,000 ($170,000 and $200,000 if filing jointly)
An eligible student may deduct student loan interest paid during the year on a qualified student loan
May reduce taxable income up to $2,500
Business deduction for work-related education:

Eligible self-employed individuals, Armed Forces reservists, certain artists, and certain government officials may be able to deduct the costs of qualifying work-related education as business expenses. Individuals with a disability can deduct impairment expenses related to this education as an itemized deduction.
More information

IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education
Tax benefits for education: Information center
Compare education credits

01/22/2026

End of year accounting time is here.
In need of part time bookkeeping help?
Need to clean your books up for taxes?
Need to file an LLC or an annual report?
Just need help creating a budget and paying bills?
Contact Mary at MLM Bookkeeping. Accounting services to fit your needs.
Call today, smile tomorrow
810-691-8917
email: [email protected]

01/08/2026

Issue Number: Tax Tip 2026-02
When preparing to file taxes, keep an eye out for scams

It’s a new year and tax season is around the corner. Tax season is a busy time for criminals too as they ramp up efforts to trick people into sharing sensitive personal information. Identity thieves might use this information to try filing false tax returns and stealing refunds.

The IRS and Security Summit partners want taxpayers, tax professionals and businesses to keep a watchful eye out for the threats listed below.

Social media scams: Bad tax advice on social media can mislead taxpayers about their credit or refund eligibility. Influencers may convince taxpayers to lie on tax forms or suggest the IRS is keeping a tax credit secret from them. Social media posts may put taxpayers in touch with scammers.

Phishing and smishing: The IRS frequently warns against phishing emails and smishing texts, which are common tactics used by criminals to steal personal and financial information. The impersonator wants taxpayers to send them money. Opening links and attachments may harm their computer.

Protection for seniors: Scammers target people over age 65 or nearing retirement for personal or financial information or money. Often, once seniors give them money, they ask for more. When scammers trick them to withdraw from their retirement account, it could affect their taxes.

Protections for businesses and tax professionals: The IRS reminds tax professionals of their legal obligation to have a Written Information Security Plan and to use multi-factor authentication. Businesses are also advised to update their security measures and remain vigilant against cyberattacks.

Identity Protection PIN: An identity protection PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a tax return using a taxpayers Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number. If taxpayers don't already have an IP PIN, they may get an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Anyone with an SSN or an ITIN can get an IP PIN including individuals living abroad.

Need help organizing your 2025 data? Call today.
MLM Bookkeeping 810-691-8917

11/21/2025

No Tax on overtime - must file tax return to receive credit.

For tax years 2025 through 2028, individuals who receive qualified overtime compensation may deduct the pay that exceeds their regular rate of pay (generally, the “half” portion of “time-and-a-half” compensation) that is required by the Fair Labor Standards Act and reported on a Form W-2, Form 1099, or other specified statement furnished to the individual.

Maximum annual deduction is $12,500 ($25,000 for joint filers).
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers).
The deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.

If you need accounting help, contact MLM Bookkeeping. 810-691-8917.

11/18/2025

In need of parttime bookkeeping help?
Need to clean your books up for tax time?
Need to file an LLC or an annual report?
Just need help creating a budget and paying bills?
Contact Mary at MLM Bookkeeping. Accounting services to fit your needs.
Call today, smile tomorrow
810-691-8917
email: [email protected]

11/10/2025

Do you know - overtime is tax exempt. However, you will see taxes taken out on your paychecks. When you file your 2025 tax return you will be refunded the taxes withdrawn for overtime hours.

11/06/2025

Do you own an LLC business?
It's time to file your Annual Report with LARA. If you need assistance with this please contact me. Cost is $75 per LLC filed.

Mary
810-691-8917
[email protected]

10/06/2025

4th quarter is here.
Are you ready for the end of year accounting requirements?
Need to file your LLC Annual Report?
Need to file 1099's for your subcontractors?
Not sure what you need to provide to a CPA to have your taxes filed?
Call MLM Bookkeeping today for help with all your accounting needs. 810-691-8917
Or email: [email protected]

09/19/2025

Are you ready for end of year?
It's not to early to prepare for 1099's.
LLC's need to file annual reports.

If you would like assistance with your accounting and end of year preparation contact:

MLM Bookkeeping

via messenger
via phone: 810-691-8917
via email: [email protected]

Call today, Smile tomorrow.

09/08/2025

“No Tax on Car Loan Interest”

New deduction: Effective for 2025 through 2028, individuals may deduct interest paid on a loan used to purchase a qualified vehicle, provided the vehicle is purchased for personal use and meets other eligibility criteria. (Lease payments do not qualify.)
Maximum annual deduction is $10,000.
Deduction phases out for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $100,000 ($200,000 for joint filers).
Qualified interest: To qualify for the deduction, the interest must be paid on a loan that is:
originated after December 31, 2024,
used to purchase a vehicle, the original use of which starts with the taxpayer (used vehicles do not qualify),
for a personal use vehicle (not for business or commercial use) and
secured by a lien on the vehicle.
If a qualifying vehicle loan is later refinanced, interest paid on the refinanced amount is generally eligible for the deduction.

Qualified vehicle: A qualified vehicle is a car, minivan, van, SUV, pick-up truck or motorcycle, with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 14,000 pounds, and that has undergone final assembly in the United States.
Final assembly in the United States: The location of final assembly will be listed on the vehicle information label attached to each vehicle on a dealer's premises. Alternatively, taxpayers may rely on the vehicle’s plant of manufacture as reported in the vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine whether a vehicle has undergone final assembly in the United States.
The VIN Decoder website for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provides plant of manufacture information. Taxpayers can follow the instructions on that website to determine if the vehicle’s plant of manufacture was located in the United States.
Taxpayer eligibility: Deduction is available for both itemizing and non-itemizing taxpayers.
The taxpayer must include the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the qualified vehicle on the tax return for any year in which the deduction is claimed.
Reporting: Lenders or other recipients of qualified interest must file information returns with the IRS and furnish statements to taxpayers showing the total amount of interest received during the taxable year.
Guidance: The IRS will provide transition relief for tax year 2025 for interest recipients subject to the new reporting requirements.

Address

PO Box 17
Clio, MI
48420

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+18106918917

Website

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