VGA CPA

Cryptocurrency holders: Be alert for a new IRS impersonation scam. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters directing recipients to a bogus “Digital Asset Compliance Portal.” The letters instruct recipients to scan a QR code that leads to a fraudulent website designed to look like IRS.gov. The site may ask for personal information, cryptocurrency wallet details, or exchange account credentials that criminals can use to steal identities or digital assets. If you receive one of these letters, don’t respond. Report any suspicious communication to the IRS immediately. If you have questions about an IRS notice or digital asset reporting, we’re here to help. Contact us at (516) 496-9119.

Do you donate thousands of dollars to charity each year? Do you miss out on the itemized charitable deduction because you don’t have enough total itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction? Consider “bunching” most of your donations into alternating years. By combining two years of gifts into one year, you may push your itemized deductions above your standard deduction and get a greater tax benefit from your charitable giving — even with the new deduction for nonitemizers starting in 2026. Contact us at (516) 496-9119 for help determining if you can benefit from this strategy.

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen when an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) is entered on your tax return or when Social Security Administration (SSA) records mistakenly indicate that you or your spouse have died. If you receive IRS Notice CP01H, verify that the SSN on the return in question matches your Social Security card. If it does, contact the SSA to see whether its records need to be corrected. Then follow the notice instructions to unlock your IRS account. Call us at (516) 496-9119 for help resolving this issue promptly.

Last year the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions increased from $10,000 to $40,000. The 2026 cap is $40,400. If your 2027 property taxes have already been assessed, prepaying them in 2026 could help you maximize your 2026 deduction. But keep in mind that the 2026 cap is reduced for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $505,000. (All amounts are half as large for separate filers.) Let us help you determine how to incorporate the increased SALT deduction limit into your tax planning. Contact us at (516) 496-9119.

If you’re responsible for collecting, accounting for or remitting federal taxes withheld from employee paychecks, beware of the trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP). As a responsible individual, you may be personally liable for a 100% penalty on income and employment taxes your business either fails to collect or fails to remit to the IRS. Your actions must be “willful,” meaning you’ve been, or should have been, aware of the responsibility and either intentionally disregarded the law or were indifferent to it. According to the IRS, no “evil intent or bad motive” is required. Call us at (516) 496-9119 if you receive a letter from the IRS about the TFRP or for help with tax compliance.

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor. But a smooth transition may also require support from managers and other key employees. Communicating thoughtfully about your intentions and progress can help build confidence, reduce uncertainty and keep the business moving forward. Contact us at (516) 496-9119 for help addressing the tax, financial and strategic aspects of your plan.

If you’re thinking about financing a new vehicle, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 per year of interest paid. The deduction is available for certain personal auto loans originated after Dec. 31, 2024 — even if you don’t itemize deductions. Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limits apply, and only qualifying vehicles assembled in the U.S. are eligible. Before purchasing, consider whether eligibility for the deduction should factor into your vehicle choice. We can help run the numbers. Call us at (516) 496-9119.

Business owners: Are you or your employees planning to go “back to school” soon? Two types of work-related education costs may qualify for business tax breaks: 1) those required to retain an existing job, license or professional status, and 2) those directly tied to maintaining or improving skills for a current trade or business. Deductible expenses can include tuition, books, supplies and possibly travel if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related education. However, you can’t deduct costs for education that help meet the minimum qualifications for a position or to qualify for a new trade or business. Contact us at (516) 496-9119 to learn the ABCs of work-related education expense deductions.

Wondering how Sec. 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) may be invested? The IRS has issued proposed regulations clarifying the investment options allowed during the “growth period.” This period begins when the beneficiary’s initial account is established and ends on Dec. 31 of the year the child turns 17. During this time, eligible investments generally include mutual funds or exchange-traded funds that track an equity index of mainly U.S. companies, don’t use leverage, and have annual fees and expenses of no more than 0.1% of the fund’s balance. The proposed regulations would apply to tax years starting on or after Jan. 1, 2026. Call us at (516) 496-9119 with questions.

Many small business owners find the concept of risk management intimidating. But essentially, it’s about identifying potential disruptions and making practical plans to guard against them. From cash flow slowdowns to staffing shortages, every business faces uncertainty. The key is being prepared, not overwhelmed. Call us at (516) 496-9119 for help reviewing your current risks, spotting emerging challenges, and making informed decisions that support long-term stability and growth.