Tax School Blog

Welcome to the U of I Tax School blog – where you’ll find current, relevant, and actionable information for your practice (and have some fun doing it).

The U of I Tax School blog is written by tax professionals for tax professionals.

Subscribe to Blog

The End of Paper Refund Checks—and What It Means for Filing Season Prep

The IRS is eliminating paper refund checks, shifting refunds and payments fully toward electronic methods. This change has important implications for filing season preparation, client intake, and payment planning. Learn what tax professionals should address now to help prevent delays once returns are filed.

What You Read Most in 2025: Top 10 Tax School Blog Posts

A look back at the 10 most-read Tax School blog posts published in 2025, highlighting the tax topics that drew the most attention from readers throughout the year.

IRS Year in Review: Another Year of Transition

The IRS spent 2025 juggling leadership turnover, shutdown disruptions, and stalled modernization efforts. Here’s a grounded look at what actually changed this year—and what tax professionals should expect heading into 2026.

OBBBA Update: Qualified Tips and Overtime Compensation for Tax Year 2025

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted as Public Law 119-21, introduced two new deductions for tax years 2025 through 2028: qualified tips and qualified overtime compensation. This article outlines eligibility rules, phase-outs, substantiation requirements, and practical considerations for tax practitioners as they prepare clients for the year ahead.

Holiday Tax Deduction Myths: Sorting Fact from Fiction

Clients often bring surprising holiday tax questions—about meals, gifts, events, and charitable giving. This article breaks down the most common myths and what the IRS actually allows.

Can Your Clients Deduct Customer Appreciation Events and Team Building Costs?

Customer appreciation and team-building events can be great strategies for taxpayers to network and improve working relationships. While these expenses may certainly relate to a taxpayer’s business, they aren’t always fully deductible.