Bradley T. Barnes, CPA, PC

04/06/2026

⏰ The deadline is almost here! We still have a limited number of appointments available this week — but don't wait. If you need more time, we can file an extension for you, but keep in mind: an extension gives you more time to file, not more time to pay. If you think you'll owe, an estimated payment is due by the deadline regardless. Call our office today and let's get you taken care of. 📞

04/02/2026

The circumstances when individual taxpayers can deduct vehicle-related expenses are limited, but tax-saving opportunities are available.

If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, contact us.

The circumstances when individual taxpayers can deduct vehicle-related expenses are limited, but tax-saving opportunities are available.

03/24/2026

Making a 2025 IRA contribution can provide tax savings today or when you take distributions in retirement. And you can benefit from tax-deferred or tax-free compounding. But the contribution deadline is coming up soon.

Have questions about making 2025 IRA contributions? Contact us at my office at (641) 682-3440.

Making a 2025 IRA contribution can provide tax savings today or when you take distributions in retirement. And you can benefit from tax-deferred or tax-free compounding. But the contribution deadline is coming up soon.

03/19/2026

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) terminated several clean energy tax incentives earlier than previously scheduled. But if you bought an electric vehicle or made certain green home improvements last year, you might be eligible for a tax credit on your 2025 individual income tax return. Possible credits include ones for purchasing a new or used clean vehicle (if done by Sept. 30, 2025), making energy-efficient home improvements, or installing renewable energy systems or electric vehicle charging ports at your home. But various rules and limits apply. If you’re wondering whether you might qualify for one or more of these credits, contact my office at (641) 682-3440.

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) terminated several clean energy tax incentives earlier than previously scheduled. But if you bought an electric vehicle or made certain green home improvements last year, you might be eligible for a tax credit on your 2025 individual income tax return...

03/12/2026

Depending on your situation, you may have more to do by April 15 than file your Form 1040. What you do — or don’t do — by that date could either save you or cost you taxes, interest and penalties.

Tax season is already well underway! Contact my office to set up your tax appointment and we'll advise you on deductions, extensions, and applicable deadlines.

Depending on your situation, you may have more to do by April 15 than file your Form 1040. What you do — or don’t do — by that date could either save you or cost you taxes, interest and penalties.

03/05/2026

Personal interest expense generally can’t be deducted for federal tax purposes. But there are exceptions.

You probably already know that home mortgage interest may be deductible if you itemize deductions rather than claiming the standard deduction. But new for 2025 through 2028, you may be eligible to deduct up to $10,000 of car loan interest if the vehicle’s “final assembly” was in the U.S. and other requirements are met. Other potential interest expense deductions are student loan interest and investment interest.

Make sure you're maximizing all the deductions available to you. A CPA and tax pro is worth the investment. Contact my office with any questions or to schedule your tax appointment.

The rules for interest expense deductions for individual taxpayers are complex. Find out what you might be able to deduct on your 2025 income tax return.

02/26/2026

Raising a family comes with plenty of expenses, but it may also make you eligible for various tax breaks. Some of the most valuable are tax credits, because they reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar (unlike deductions, which only reduce the amount of income subject to tax). Child, dependent, adoption and education tax credits can provide significant tax savings, but the rules are complex.

If you’d like help determining which family-related credits you may qualify for on your 2025 return, contact us at our office in Ottumwa. We can help ensure you maximize your tax savings from these and other tax breaks you’re eligible for.

Raising a family comes with plenty of expenses, but it may also make you eligible for various tax breaks. Some of the most valuable are tax credits, because they reduce your tax liability dollar for dollar (unlike deductions, which only reduce the amount of income subject to tax). Which credits migh

02/18/2026

If you have high state and local tax expenses but have been claiming the standard deduction in recent years, it’s time to revisit itemizing.

Recent tax law changes have increased state and local tax deduction limits. Contact my office and we can assess the impact of the SALT limit change on your tax situation to see if you benefit.

If you have high state and local tax expenses but have been claiming the standard deduction in recent years, it’s time to revisit itemizing. Recent tax law changes have increased state and local tax deduction limits. We can assess the impact of the SALT limit change on your tax situation to see if

02/13/2026

Married couples have a choice when filing their 2025 federal income tax returns. - joint or separate? What you choose will affect your standard deduction, eligibility for certain tax breaks, tax bracket and, ultimately, your tax liability.

Contact my office to discuss the factors that may affect your particular situation. We're always happy to help!

Typically, filing jointly will save taxes for married couples compared to filing separately. But that isn’t always the case. And sometimes it may make sense to file separately even if it won’t save taxes for the couple overall.

02/04/2026

Charitable donations can be a powerful tax saver for anyone who itemizes deductions. But you must comply with many rules, including obtaining proper substantiation for your gifts.

Contact us for help determining what you can deduct on your 2025 tax return!

Charitable donations can be a powerful tax saver for anyone who itemizes deductions. But you must comply with many rules, including obtaining proper substantiation for your gifts.

02/02/2026

Thank you so much Brad Barnes! 🏁🏁🏁