Cox & Company

06/09/2026

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, the child’s unearned income in excess of $2,700 (for 2026) is taxed at the parent’s tax rate, if higher.

If your child has investment income from custodial accounts, consider reviewing the types of investments in those accounts. Growth-oriented investments that generate little current income may help reduce exposure to the kiddie tax until your child is old enough that the tax no longer applies.

If you’d like help evaluating your family’s situation, contact us.

06/08/2026

Self-employed individuals often miss legitimate tax savings because they fail to keep adequate records or misunderstand the rules. Don’t let this happen to you.

Follow this golden rule: Business expenses must be ordinary (common in your industry) and necessary (helpful and appropriate for the business). Of course, you can deduct supplies, materials, and employee payroll and benefits. But don’t overlook other deductible costs — such as for your home office, education, business meals and travel, and business vehicles.

We can help you identify qualifying business expense deductions and establish recordkeeping practices that support them. Contact us to learn more.

06/04/2026

Complex federal income tax rules apply to self-created intangible assets. Sales of self-created intangibles that qualify as capital assets — such as goodwill and customer lists — generate capital gains or losses (with gains typically taxed at 15% or 20%).

However, sales of noncapital self-created intangibles — such as certain patents and copyrights — may be subject to ordinary income tax rates, which can be as high as 37%. In short, the type of asset, who created it and who owns it can matter.

If you’re planning to sell or transfer intangible assets, we can help you understand the federal tax implications before your deal is finalized. Contact us to learn more.

06/02/2026

If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not aware of: after-tax, non-Roth contributions. These contributions aren’t subject to the annual elective deferral limit ($24,500 for 2026, plus catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older). So, if your plan allows, you can make them after you’ve maxed out your deferral limit, including catch-up contributions, if applicable. They create tax basis in your account that can eventually be withdrawn tax-free. And growth on the money won’t be taxed until you start taking withdrawals. We can review your situation and help you determine whether you might benefit.

05/28/2026

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Remember, the IRS will never contact you by email or text about a tax bill or refund. It also won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Most IRS communications are sent through regular mail — though fraudsters may send fake IRS notices by mail, often including QR codes.

Don’t click on links, open attachments or scan QR codes from unknown senders that might direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Contact us if you have questions.

05/27/2026

Small business owners: If you think your income is too high for you to qualify to make Roth IRA contributions, think again. Many owners are eligible without realizing it because of various deductions for the self-employed.

A Roth IRA offers potential advantages over tax-deferred accounts. Although Roth contributions aren’t deductible, qualified withdrawals won’t be taxed. And you aren’t required to take withdrawals from your Roth IRA, meaning the account can continue to grow tax-free. Your heirs can also take tax-free withdrawals.

For help evaluating your Roth IRA eligibility and developing a long-term retirement strategy that aligns with your personal and financial goals, contact us.

05/26/2026

05/19/2026

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organization receiving the piece and how it will be used. Your deduction will generally be reduced if the charity’s use of the artwork is unrelated to the purpose or function that’s the basis for its qualification as a tax-exempt organization. The reduction equals the amount of capital gain you would have realized had you sold the artwork instead of giving it to charity. Other deduction limits as well as special substantiation and appraisal rules also may apply. If you’re considering donating artwork or other valuable property, contact us for help ensuring the best tax outcome.

05/18/2026

Certain “small businesses” may qualify for several valuable tax breaks. But different tax provisions use different size tests.

For instance, a gross receipts test is used to determine eligibility for cash accounting, simplified inventory rules, the completed contract method, relief from UNICAP requirements and exemption from the business interest deduction limitation. This threshold is adjusted for inflation. For 2026, your business may be eligible if its average annual gross receipts for the prior three-year period were $32 million or less.

Contact us to help evaluate your eligibility for these and other tax-saving opportunities based on your business’s structure and operations.