Target Alpha Financial

IRS penalties can add up quickly. Fortunately, some taxpayers may qualify for penalty relief. There are three main types of relief: 1) first-time penalty abatement for taxpayers with a strong compliance history, 2) reasonable cause relief for situations such as serious illness or natural disasters, and 3) statutory exceptions. These exceptions generally apply to penalties resulting from erroneous written IRS advice or to taxpayers affected by certain federally declared disasters or involved in military combat-zone operations. If the IRS has assessed a penalty on your account, contact us at (970) 223-3635. We can help determine whether you qualify for penalty relief.

The IRS is more likely to audit certain types of businesses, such as those that are primarily cash-based. Although you probably can’t change the nature of your transactions, you can control the accuracy of your tax returns. Minimize errors by maintaining meticulous documentation. Generally, you should keep tax records for at least three years — the normal statute of limitations for an IRS adjustment. And don’t try to go it alone: Call us at (970) 223-3635 for help reducing the likelihood of attracting IRS scrutiny, as well as for support if your tax return is ever questioned.

You may be eligible for the Child and Dependent Care Credit if you pay for care so you can work. For 2026, the credit for lower-income taxpayers increases from 35% to 50% of the first $3,000 of qualified expenses for one child ($6,000 for two or more children). Some middle-income taxpayers may also qualify for a larger percentage than in prior years. Call us at (970) 223-3635 to learn how the updated rules may apply to your family.

Contributions to Section 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) are now eligible for the gift tax annual exclusion. If, for example, you contribute cash (including via check or EFT) to a child or grandchild’s account, that contribution won’t be subject to the federal gift tax or related reporting requirements, as long as your total gifts to the child for the year don’t exceed $19,000. Note that contributions from most sources are limited to $5,000 per year (not including the initial federal government contribution of $1,000 if the child qualifies), per Section 530A account. Also, the recipient must be under age 18 at the end of the tax year. Have questions? Call us at (970) 223-3635.

Owning assets jointly with your adult child can invite unwelcome tax consequences that may outweigh potential benefits. For example, owning an asset together as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” can open up transfer tax exposure. If you add your child to the title of property you already own, it may be considered a taxable gift of half the property’s value. And when you die, half of the property’s value will be included in your taxable estate. A properly designed trust can be a more tax-efficient option. Call us at (970) 223-3635 for details.

Tax planning requires more than preparing returns at filing time. We work with individuals and businesses throughout the year to identify tax-saving opportunities, address compliance requirements and respond to changing tax laws. Call us at (970) 223-3635 to schedule an appointment to discuss your tax needs.

Grabbing lunch with a client doesn’t just build rapport. It can also trim your tax bill. Under federal tax law, you can generally deduct 50% of qualifying business meal costs. Whether you're dining with clients, partners or employees, these deductions can reduce your taxable income. Keep detailed records of the expenses, including receipts. Document the business purpose of each meal and the business relationship of the people you dine with. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 with any questions about this deduction.

The ultimate success of a business often comes back to decisions made at its inception. If you’re planning to start a business, one key decision is choosing its structure, commonly sole proprietorship, C corporation, S corporation, partnership or limited liability company. In addition to owner liability variations, all have different tax requirements that can affect everything from hiring to cash flow to owner income. Another critical decision is choosing a tax year — either a calendar year or a fiscal year (12 consecutive months ending on the last day of any month except December). Call us at (970) 223-3635. We can help you make the best decisions for your current situation and your business’s future.

You probably have retirement questions: How much should I save before I quit working? When should I start taking Social Security benefits? Can I retire before Medicare coverage kicks in? What about taxes in retirement? We can provide you with answers based on your individual financial circumstances and retirement goals. Contact us at (970) 223-3635.

How’s your business’s health now that we’re more than halfway through the year? If you’re not sure, it’s time for a checkup. We can help identify strengths, diagnose risks and prescribe the right moves to keep your business thriving. Contact us at (970) 223-3635 to schedule your business wellness check today!