Maria Serafica CPA

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Santa Monica, CA
Maria Serafica CPA

Your resource for personalized tax and accounting services.

06/17/2026

If you have unfiled tax returns, getting back on track may be easier than you think. But the longer you wait, the more costly it becomes. The IRS charges a failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month (up to 25%) of the unpaid tax. There’s also a separate failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month (up to 25%) of the unpaid tax. If both apply in the same month, the combined penalty is generally 5% per month. Returns over 60 days late are subject to a minimum penalty. Filing, even if you can’t pay in full, can reduce penalties and open the door to payment plans or other relief options. Call us at (805) 501-1430 for help.

06/16/2026

Technology decisions are a common pain point for small business owners. You might be unsure when to invest in new technology and how much to spend. After all, there’s nothing worse than a “solution” that doesn’t solve anything. Poor choices can lead to wasted money, time and staff effort. The good news? You can avoid this situation with a thoughtful, strategic approach to technology selection and implementation. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to discuss your needs, set a realistic budget and take the right steps to get a sound return on investment.

06/15/2026

For small business owners, tax planning shouldn’t be a once-a-year chore. It affects nearly every business decision you make. From how you pay yourself to when you invest in equipment, the right moves can lower your tax bill … and the wrong ones can cost you. With major tax law changes taking effect in 2026, now’s the time to be proactive, not reactive. We can help you understand which strategies, deductions and credits matter most for your business. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to learn how smart planning today can lead to long-term tax savings.

06/14/2026

The IRS has issued final regulations on the tax deduction for qualified cash tips. The legislation commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” created the deduction of up to $25,000 per year for 2025 through 2028. Qualified tips generally refer to cash tips received by an individual in an occupation that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before Dec. 31, 2024. The final regs list more than 70 eligible occupations. In addition to occupations previously listed in the proposed regs, the final regs add visual artists, floral designers and gas pump attendants. The final regs also provide clarifications to the definition of a qualified cash tip. For more details, call us at (805) 501-1430.

06/13/2026

Will Social Security benefits be available when you retire? Good question. These benefits are unlikely to disappear entirely. But payments may be smaller, and the qualifying age for full benefits (currently 65 to 67, depending on your date of birth) may increase. So it’s critical to take advantage of tax-deferred retirement vehicles and to make age-appropriate investments that can help you accumulate adequate savings. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to discuss your retirement goals and ways to achieve them.

06/12/2026

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us at (805) 501-1430 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

06/10/2026

It’s almost never too late to start planning for retirement. Whether you already have large 401(k) or IRA balances or are starting from scratch, we can help craft a strategy that reflects your personal situation and addresses your goals. So start thinking about what’s important to you: Building a big nest egg, reducing income tax liability, something else … We’re here to help make it possible!

06/09/2026

Fringe benefits offer multiple business advantages. They can boost morale, attract and retain top talent, and qualify for potential tax breaks. That’s why it’s smart to review which ones you sponsor and what you may be missing. Of course, you don’t want to spend time and resources sponsoring benefits your employees don’t value. And you must follow specific rules and documentation requirements to be eligible for tax-advantaged treatment. Contact us at (805) 501-1430 for help choosing the right fringe benefits for your business and managing the tax impact.

06/08/2026

Holding real estate within your operating company may lead to unfavorable tax outcomes and increased risk. For example, office or warehouse space owned by a C corporation is generally subject to double taxation when it’s sold. Or, if a customer is injured on company property, other business assets could be at risk. Separating real estate into its own entity, such as a limited liability company or partnership, can help reduce your exposure and provide greater flexibility for long-term planning. Call us at (805) 501-1430 to review your business structure and determine the best fit for your situation.

06/06/2026

Beginning July 4, 2026, parents, grandparents and others can contribute to Trump Accounts (TAs) for the benefit of eligible children. Certain children born 2025–2028 may also qualify for a $1,000 starter deposit from the federal government. TA contributions are generally limited to $5,000 per year (not counting the government deposit) and aren’t tax deductible. But earnings grow tax-deferred. At age 18, the TA will become a traditional IRA. For education goals, options like 529 plans may be better, because qualified education withdrawals are tax-free. Contact us at (805) 501-1430 to discuss what fits your family.

Address

100 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 700
Santa Monica, CA
90401

Website

http://seraficacpa.com/

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