MI Cottage Tax Services

04/12/2026

In case you didn't know: we offer referral discounts! Your friends and family can save an additional $20 on our already fair prices when they're referred by other clients. That combined with our capability for 100% remote preparations means you should tell everyone about your experience with us!

04/11/2026

03/23/2026

Just an update on our Harrison hours.
For the Passover week 3/29 - 4/ 5 we will be closed. We can still take remote clients.

03/16/2026

If any of these apply to you, please let us know and we will be so happy to include the Schedule 1A on your Federal Tax return....no extra charge for this form.

The has published Schedule 1-A along with updated instructions taxpayers will use with their 2025 federal tax returns to claim new deductions created by the One, Big, Beautiful Bill. This new schedule explains how to calculate and claim deductions that may help reduce your taxable income, including:
✅ Deduction for qualified tips earned on the job
✅ Deduction for overtime compensation
✅ Deduction for car loan interest on eligible vehicles
✅ Enhanced deduction for seniors (age 65+)

🔗Read more: https://ow.ly/vA2J50YoIfg

03/09/2026

Less than a month and a half left! Even if you're planning to use an extension: the amount you may owe is still due on 4/15/26. Visit with one of our qualified preparers to get a grasp on your tax situation today!
Lorie & Bryan in Harrison: 989*859*0346
Ben in Oscoda: 989*312*5823

03/05/2026

This link will take you to our Google calendar to schedule a 15 minute consultation with Ben. We can't wait to show you why filing your taxes with MI Cottage Tax Services is an expert decision.
https://calendar.app.google/wPAF5GELRgKknDZJ8
**Consultations are available in person and remotely**
**Located inside "Tait Shoppes" next-door to Tait's Bill of Faire. Go in the hallway and we are in the last office on the left**

02/20/2026

Visit https://www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund after filing to see exactly where your refund is in the IRS's process.

02/17/2026

Standard Deduction:
This is a flat dollar amount set by the IRS. You don’t need to list individual expenses—if you qualify, you simply take the deduction.

Faster and simpler
Works well for many taxpayers
No receipts required

If you're curious what your standard deduction will be for TY2025 you can find it here: https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/content/00/00_13_005.jsp

Itemized Deductions:
Instead of taking the flat amount, you list certain expenses you paid during the year, such as:

Mortgage interest
State and local taxes (with limits)
Charitable donations
Medical expenses over a certain threshold

Itemizing only makes sense if your total itemized expenses are higher than the standard deduction.

02/15/2026

To all our neighbors who aren't next door: MI Cottage Tax Services is firmly in the 21st century and we have lots of solutions to securely share documents and file your taxes even if you can't make it to us in rural Michigan this season! Ben Fliegel Lorie Fliegel Bryan Fliegel

02/12/2026

For the 2025 tax year, the "kiddie tax" applies to unearned income over $2,700 for children under age 18 (and certain older students). The first $1,350 of unearned income is tax-free, and the next $1,350 is taxed at the child's rate, with amounts exceeding $2,700 taxed at the parent's marginal rate. If unearned income is less than $13,500, parents may be able to report the income on their own return using Form 8814.

Know the difference: Earned income is any income from a job including tips and commissions while unearned income can come from investments or interest.
Unearned income is not subject to payroll taxes, but it is still taxable—and can affect credits or trigger things like the Kiddie Tax. If your child received a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV, always share it with your tax preparer—even if the amount seems small.

Our gift to you: If your child is required to file taxes this year we will prepare the return for your dependents basic return for free with your return!

02/11/2026

Some tax refunds may take a little longer, but the wait is worthwhile: If you claim certain credits, the is required to wait until mid-February to issue your refund. information can help you find out when you can expect your refund. Where's My Refund will show an updated status by February 22.

Find more information at www.irs.gov/refundtiming.