Tony W Hessling, CPA

04/12/2026

⏰ Need more time to file your Illinois taxes?
No worries — Illinois gives an automatic 6‑month extension (no form required!).
📆 New due date: Oct. 15, 2026
💵 If you owe, pay by Apr. 15, 2026 to avoid penalties.
🔍 Learn more: tax.illinois.gov

04/12/2026

All taxpayers should have an online account with the IRS.

Taxpayers who have an Individual Online Account can view and download their available wage and income transcripts for 2025. In some cases, a transcript may not populate and a message of “No record of return filed” may show. This is because the IRS has not received the data from the employer. These other tax documents can be downloaded:
o Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement
o Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement
o Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation
o Form 1099-DIV, Dividends and Distributions
o Form 1099-INT, Interest Income
o Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Information
For more information, visit: https://ow.ly/oIpq50YCvJS

04/10/2026

With the mandate to eliminate paper checks, including checks used to issue tax refunds, the transition to virtual payments is causing a mess. Here is what you need to know.

Over 1.4 million refunds are delayed and the number is quickly increasing. Much of the delay is due to the Presidential Executive Order eliminating paper checks. Here is what you need to know.

04/08/2026

Taxes aren't just for April. Life changes fast - and so should your strategy. Discover smart planning ideas and hidden tax traps to avoid costly surprises.

If you're interested in minimizing your tax obligations and maximizing your savings, consider the helpful tips and ideas you'll find in this newsletter. Call if you would like to discuss how any of this information relates to you. If you know someone that can benefit from this newsletter, feel free....

04/03/2026

Time to make an estimated quarterly tax payment!

Reminder: Tax returns AND first quarter estimated taxes are due by Wednesday, April 15th.

04/01/2026

From American tax history to everyday money habits, this issue connects past and present. Test your tax history knowledge, reset your finances, and rethink the tech ideas shaping your decisions.

Anniversaries have a way of bringing forgotten pieces of history back into view. As the United States marks 250 years of independence in 2026, we're reminded that money has shaped our national story in surprising and sometimes strange ways. In this month’s newsletter, test your own knowledge a...

03/27/2026

Early withdrawals from most retirement accounts prior to age 59 1/2 come with a steep 10% tax penalty.

When you are cash strapped, your retirement nest egg can look very tempting to solve your immediate financial problem. Is it ever a good idea?

03/20/2026

Here are the commonly overlooked deductions everyone should know.

The tax code is about 75,000 pages long, so it?s not surprising there are many overlooked money-saving deductions hidden within it. Check out this list of commonly overlooked deductions.

03/18/2026

Taxes for businesses don't stop at April 15th for business owners. Discover the other deadlines that matter - plus how to reduce them and strengthen controls around digital cash transactions.

April 15th isn’t a one-and-done tax deadline for businesses. Many other filing dates surface throughout the year. In this edition, we look at the range of taxes business owners face beyond their own annual income tax return and share practical ways to reduce them. We also examine digital cash...

03/13/2026

Not all income is taxable. Here are some to consider.

While it seems there are taxes everywhere, there is also a lot of income that the IRS does not tax. Here are ten of the more common income sources that are tax free.

03/11/2026

Stay tuned! Trump Accounts could yield free savings.

In mid 2026 Child Savings Accounts, called Trump Accounts can be opened. And there is a potential $1,250 deposit into these accounts.... if you act. This is what you need to know.

03/11/2026

As wealth grows, complexity follows. Keep your financial life clear and coordinated - and don't let tax penalties eat at your gains. Also learn how to stay ahead of IRS penalties in 2026.

If you're interested in minimizing your tax obligations and maximizing your savings, consider the helpful tips and ideas you'll find in this newsletter. Call if you would like to discuss how any of this information relates to you. If you know someone that can benefit from this newsletter, feel free....