Essential Solutions LLC

Now is the time to visit your tax obligation. Here are some areas worth your attention.

Client Update Newsletter: October 2026 Fall is now upon us meaning there are only three months left to consider making smart moves to manage your tax obligation. With this in mind, why not review the tips included here to see if there is an area or two worthy of your attention. Plus consider a deeper dive into the long held idea of creat...

Up to $5,120 of the Adoption Tax Credit Is Refundable for 2026 – Did You Know?

The Adoption Tax Credit helps eligible families manage qualified costs such as adoption fees, travel, legal services and home studies. In recent years, the credit was nonrefundable: it could reduce a person's federal income tax, but any unused amount generally had to be carried forward.

Under rules that took effect in 2025, part of the credit is now refundable. For tax year 2026, up to $5,120 per eligible child may be refundable, even if the taxpayer owes no federal income tax. Any unused nonrefundable portion may be carried forward for up to five years, but a carryforward cannot become refundable in a later year.

The Adoption Tax Credit is subject to income limits and other restrictions, and the timing of a claim depends on the circumstances of the adoption. A tax professional can help determine whether you qualify and how much credit you may claim.

Here are key happenings and announcements from the IRS that you should understand.

IRS News You Should Know Here are recent changes as announced by the IRS that will impact most of us.

If you're an independent contractor, don't forget to plan for and pay your taxes. Here are some of the basic rules you need to understand.

Contractor Versus Employee - Knowing the difference is very important! Get this wrong and it could cost you and/or your employer. Are you a contractor or an employee?

Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Care Costs – Did You Know? (1/2)

If you pay for care for your qualifying child under age 13, or for your spouse or other qualifying person who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives with you for more than half the year, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help cover care expenses you pay in order to work or seek work. Rule changes that took effect this year have made the CDCTC more valuable for many households.

As in past years, you may use up to $3,000 of eligible expenses to figure the credit for one qualifying person, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. However, beginning in 2026, the maximum credit rate increased from 35% to 50% of eligible expenses. The applicable percentage declines as adjusted gross income rises, but many households may qualify for a larger credit than under prior law. The increase can be as much as $900 for taxpayers with two or more qualifying persons.

In general, the CDCTC is available for all filing statuses except married filing separately (MFS). However, MFS filers may qualify if they meet special requirements, including filing separately, maintaining a home for a qualifying person for more than half the year, paying more than half the cost of maintaining the home, and not living with their spouse during the last six months of the year. To claim the credit, you must provide information about both the care recipient and care provider on your tax return. A tax professional can help you determine whether you are eligible for the CDCTC, and if so, help you meet the reporting requirements to claim the largest possible credit.

Tax savings ideas still abound. Here are some to consider if you wish to retire early.

Tax Tips to Aid in Retiring Early - Don't forget to look at the retirement specials on the tax menu The federal government needs all its citizens to plan for a financially secure retirement. In an effort to assist in planning for retirement, there are a number of provisions in the tax code that benefit seniors. Are you aware of them and using them to your advantage?

Did you receive IRS Notice CP16 and you're not sure why? While your tax return may say you are owed a refund, the IRS may offset that refund with tax debts due from a prior year. Learn more about this notice and what steps you should take.

Don't bury your head in the sack! 🤣

Create a list of tax forms you expect to receive. Then check them off as you receive them to make sure none of them are missing.

Missing a Form? Not an Excuse. Every year you receive information tax forms, including W-2s, 1098s, and 1099s. If you fail to receive a form, you are still liable for the tax it creates. Here are some tips to avoid this possible audit risk.