Advantage-Points Tax Office

10/08/2025

"The IRS began furloughing employees on Wednesday as the government shutdown entered its second week."

~ Martha Waggoner, Journal of Accountancy

In a message to employees posted on its website Wednesday, the IRS said most agency operations are closed. Employees had been kept on the job for five business days.

10/07/2025

10/01/2025

On September 30 at midnight, the government will run out of money for the next fiscal year. That means that, unless a compromise is reached in Washington, there will be a government shutdown.

While it feels like we are always under the threat of a shutdown these days, that wasn’t always the case. Since 1980, the government has only been shut down 10 times. Until 1990, not one of the shutdowns lasted more than a single day. That changed in 1990 when the government turned off the lights for three days.

More recently, the government stopped operating twice during President Trump’s first term. The December 22, 2018, shutdown lasted 35 days, the longest in history.

Taxpayers and tax professionals remember it well—by the time it ended, the IRS was weeks behind schedule on training and new hires for the 2019 tax season. At the time, the National Taxpayer Advocate advised House officials that it would take "at least a year" for the IRS to return to normal operations.

09/27/2025

"In extreme cases of dust buildup, your PC can overheat to the point of significant thermal throttling, resulting in stutter and poor performance. In fact, it might even shut down completely."

~ Ismar Hrnjicevic, Senior Author at How-To Geek

A little dusting goes a long way.

09/25/2025

"It's crucial for retirees and those approaching retirement to understand these projections for proper financial planning."

~ Donna LeValley, Kiplinger Retirement Writer

Medicare beneficiaries will face higher premiums, deductibles and surcharges starting in 2026 and continuing over the next decade. Here's what you need to know.

09/10/2025

"Mailing addresses for Form 1040 payments and estimated tax payments (Form 1040-ES) have changed. Here’s what you need to know."

~ Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff

Ready to mail your third-quarter estimated tax payment? Mailing addresses for some Forms 1040-ES have changed.

09/05/2025

Eligible Occupations For “No Tax On Tips”

~ Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff ~

The Treasury has released a preliminary list of jobs that qualify for the new tip deduction. A whopping 68 occupations, including podcasters and bakers, made the list—some of them may surprise you.

08/31/2025

08/12/2025

In February 2025, the IRS had approximately 103,000 employees. By March, more than 11,400 of those workers had received termination notices. More cuts are expected...

More than 25,000 IRS employees separated, accepted a deferred resignation program offer, or took some other incentive to leave between January and May of 2025.

07/18/2025

Here’s a look at a quick summary of each provision, followed by information from the IRS.

Still confused about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)? The IRS has issued some initial guidance with respect to new provisions that take effect for 2025.

07/16/2025

Below are descriptions of new provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, as Public Law 119-21, that go into effect for 2025...

FS-2025-03, July 14, 2025 — Provisions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law on July 4, 2025.

07/05/2025

Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed—and how it might impact you...

Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House on July 3, and is expected to be signed into law by President Donald Trump. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed—and how it might impact you.