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Tax School Blog

Practical tax insights for working tax professionals.
Written by tax professionals for CPAs, EAs, and tax preparers.

Federal Tax Updates | Business Tax Issues | Individual Tax Topics | IRS Operations | Practice Management | State & Local Tax | Tax School News

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Five Client Conversations Every Tax Practitioner Should Have Before Year-End

Five Client Conversations Every Tax Practitioner Should Have Before Year-End

A third-quarter client check-in can uncover life changes, income issues, filing status considerations, tax-saving opportunities, and business concerns while there is still time to act.
IRS Announces New Automatic Exemption from Penalty Program

IRS Announces New Automatic Exemption from Penalty Program

The IRS’s Automatic Exemption from Penalty program will provide automatic penalty relief to qualifying taxpayers. Learn who is eligible, which returns are covered, and how the program differs from First Time Abate.
Trump Accounts and §529 Plans: Planning Considerations for Families

Trump Accounts and §529 Plans: Planning Considerations for Families

Trump Accounts and §529 plans can both help families save for a child’s future, but they serve different purposes. See how the accounts compare and where each may fit into a broader savings strategy.
IRC §162(l) Deduction: Understanding the Interaction with the Premium Tax Credit

IRC §162(l) Deduction: Understanding the Interaction with the Premium Tax Credit

The self-employed health insurance deduction under IRC §162(l) does not operate in isolation. This article examines how Medicare eligibility and Premium Tax Credits can affect the deduction and highlights key considerations for tax practitioners.
Illinois Back-To-School State Sales Tax Holiday

Illinois Back-To-School State Sales Tax Holiday

Illinois shoppers can purchase qualifying clothing, footwear, and school supplies at a reduced state sales tax rate during the August 7-16, 2026, back-to-school sales tax holiday. This special announcement outlines qualifying items, reporting considerations for retailers, and what tax practitioners should know before the temporary tax reduction begins.
Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: Understanding the Eligibility Trap in IRC § 162(l)

Self-Employed Health Insurance Deduction: Understanding the Eligibility Trap in IRC § 162(l)

Can a self-employed taxpayer claim the self-employed health insurance deduction if they are eligible for coverage through the employer of a spouse but choose a different plan? The answer often surprises clients. The first article in our two-part series explains how IRC §162(l) determines eligibility for the deduction and offers practical guidance for explaining this commonly misunderstood rule.