Patricia Spivak CPA PC

Patricia Spivak CPA PC Income Tax preparation, Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services

Small business owners: Tax credits can reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. But using them isn’t always straightforwa...
06/24/2026

Small business owners: Tax credits can reduce your tax bill dollar for dollar. But using them isn’t always straightforward. Many business credits fall under the general business credit (GBC), which limits how much you can claim each year and governs how unused credits are carried back or forward. Missteps can mean lost or delayed tax benefits. We help small businesses identify eligible credits, apply the GBC rules correctly and optimize their tax outcomes over time. Contact us to see whether you’re making the most of the credits available to you.

Does your business use independent contractors? The reporting requirements for these workers differ from those for W-2 e...
06/23/2026

Does your business use independent contractors? The reporting requirements for these workers differ from those for W-2 employees. For payments made in 2026, businesses generally must issue Form 1099-NEC, “Nonemployee Compensation,” to contractors paid $2,000 or more (up from $600 for 2025). The higher threshold may reduce your administrative burden because you could have fewer forms to file with the IRS. However, it doesn’t change your recordkeeping, worker classification or backup withholding responsibilities. Contact us to help ensure you’re prepared for the updated reporting requirements.

For small business owners, tax planning shouldn’t be a once-a-year chore. It affects nearly every business decision you ...
06/22/2026

For small business owners, tax planning shouldn’t be a once-a-year chore. It affects nearly every business decision you make. From how you pay yourself to when you invest in equipment, the right moves can lower your tax bill … and the wrong ones can cost you. With major tax law changes taking effect in 2026, now’s the time to be proactive, not reactive. We can help you understand which strategies, deductions and credits matter most for your business. Call us to learn how smart planning today can lead to long-term tax savings.

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-...
06/19/2026

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-employed income over $400, such as earnings from mowing lawns or babysitting, must file an income tax return and may owe self-employment tax. If a teen works for an employer that withholds payroll taxes, the filing threshold is higher: $16,100 for 2026. In this case, the teen usually won’t owe income tax and may receive a refund if taxes were withheld. Call us with questions.

If you’d like to arrange for a transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider a dynasty trust. Assets are tax...
06/17/2026

If you’d like to arrange for a transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider a dynasty trust. Assets are taxed just once, when they’re initially transferred to the trust. There’s no estate or generation-skipping transfer tax due on any subsequent appreciation in value. A drawback is that the trust is irrevocable. This means it generally can never be revised.

If you own foreign assets and fail to properly address them in your estate plan, unexpected tax outcomes can result. For...
06/16/2026

If you own foreign assets and fail to properly address them in your estate plan, unexpected tax outcomes can result. For example, if you’re a U.S. citizen, your worldwide assets are potentially subject to federal gift and estate taxes, regardless of where you live or where the assets are located. So, if you own assets in other countries and the assets are subject to estate, inheritance or other death taxes in those countries, there’s a risk of double taxation. Call us to learn more about how to properly account for foreign assets in your estate plan.

If the IRS audits your income tax return, you may need to produce documentation. In general, the IRS has three years to ...
06/15/2026

If the IRS audits your income tax return, you may need to produce documentation. In general, the IRS has three years to assess additional tax, starting from the date the return was filed or due, whichever is later. For example, if you filed your 2022 return by the April 18 deadline in 2023, the IRS generally has until April 18, 2026, to assess a tax deficiency. So you potentially can discard records related to that return after April 2026. But records should be held longer in certain situations. And you should keep copies of your returns forever.

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a...
06/12/2026

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your...
06/10/2026

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your 1040 and uncover potential strategies you can implement this year to reduce your 2026 taxes. We also can assist with filing extended 2025 returns. Call us to set up an appointment.

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(...
06/09/2026

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(k). The employer contribution obligation generally exempts the plan from nondiscrimination testing and other onerous administrative duties. Plus, this plan enables highly compensated employees to max out their contributions and can help attract and retain workers. Typically, employees are eligible to participate if they're age 21 or older and have at least one year of service. Call us for details.

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184 S Hunter Highway
Drums, PA
18222

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