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IRS Audit Triggers in 2026: Small Errors That Flag Returns

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IRS Audit Triggers in 2026: Small Errors That Flag Returns IRS Audit Triggers in 2026: Small Errors That Flag Returns TL;DR Summary Most “audit triggers” in 2026 are automated mismatches, not in-person audits. Small filing errors can flag returns when IRS data doesn’t match third-party reports. Careful reconciliation and quick responses to IRS notices can reduce risk. Many taxpayers worry that a minor mistake will automatically lead to an IRS audit. In reality, most issues that feel like audits begin with automated systems comparing what you reported against information sent to the IRS by employers, banks, brokers, and payment platforms. In 2026, these automated checks remain one of the most common reasons tax returns are flagged. While that can lead to additional tax and interest if left unresolved, many cases are fixable when addressed early. What Changed in 2026 and Why It Matters The biggest factor in 2026 is not a single ne...
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1099-K in 2026: 5 Side Hustle Tax Mistakes to Avoid

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1099-K Reporting Expansion 2026: Side Hustle Tax Mistakes 1099-K in 2026: The Costly Side Hustle Tax Mistakes Many Sellers Make TL;DR Summary The IRS is continuing its phased expansion of Form 1099-K reporting rules into 2026. Side hustlers and online sellers often misunderstand what a 1099-K really means. Gross vs net income confusion is the #1 cause of tax notices. Form 1099-K has become one of the most confusing IRS forms for side hustlers and online sellers. As reporting thresholds expand, more taxpayers are receiving 1099-Ks for the first time heading into the 2026 tax year. Many assume that receiving a 1099-K automatically means they owe tax on the full amount shown. This misunderstanding is one of the most common triggers for IRS notices. What Changed in 2026 and Why 1099-K Matters More Form 1099-K is issued by payment platforms such as PayPal, Venmo, Stripe, Square, Etsy, and eBay. It report...
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2025 Warning: 2026 IRS Tax Reset Could Raise Your Bill

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2026 IRS Tax Rule Changes: Who May Pay More After TCJA Sunset 2026 IRS Tax Changes Explained: Who Could Lose When Rules Reset TL;DR Summary Several federal tax rules are scheduled to change in 2026 as key provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) expire. Middle-income households, homeowners in high-tax states, families with children, and higher earners may face higher taxes. Taxpayers should review withholding, deductions, and long-term plans before filing their first 2026 tax return. As 2026 approaches, many U.S. taxpayers are beginning to notice renewed attention around IRS tax rule changes. The reason is not a new tax law, but the scheduled expiration of major provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, commonly known as the TCJA. Unless Congress acts, several individual tax benefits that have been in place since 2018 are set to revert to pre-2018 rules. For millions...
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Standard Deduction vs Itemizing in 2026: Who Loses Money?

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Standard Deduction vs Itemizing in 2026: Who Actually Loses Money? Every tax season, millions of taxpayers face the same question: Should I take the standard deduction or itemize? In 2026, choosing the wrong option can quietly cost you real money. The problem isn’t complexity — it’s assuming the default choice is always safe. This guide shows who actually loses money in 2026 and how to avoid it. 1) What Is the Standard Deduction in 2026? The standard deduction is a fixed amount you subtract from income before tax is calculated. For 2026, inflation adjustments increased this amount compared to 2025. No receipts required No calculations beyond filing status Default choice for most taxpayers But “easy” does not always mean “cheapest.” 2) What Does Itemizing Actually Mean? Itemizing means listing eligible deductions individually instead of using the standard...
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2026 IRS Tax Changes: What to Do Before You File in 2025

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2026 IRS Rule Changes Most Taxpayers Will Miss (And Pay For) A lot of people assume tax changes are obvious: a new credit, a new form, a big headline. But the most expensive IRS changes are often the “quiet” ones: inflation-adjusted limits, reporting threshold shifts, and rules that change how the IRS matches your return against what third parties report. Below are the 2026 IRS changes (and 2026-adjacent changes that hit your filing season) that many taxpayers will overlook—then feel later through a smaller refund, a bigger balance due, or a surprise IRS notice. (Sources: IRS inflation adjustments for tax year 2026, IRS guidance on 1099-K thresholds, IRS digital asset reporting details, and CRS summary of TCJA expirations.) Don’t wait until filing week. Use the checklist in this post to review what changed for 2026 and reduce “avoidable” tax overpayments. Jump to the 2026 check...
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IRS Mileage Deduction: When Standard vs Actual Expenses Flip

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IRS mileage deduction: standard mileage vs actual expenses—when it flips IRS mileage deduction: Standard mileage vs actual expenses—when it “flips” TL;DR Summary You can generally deduct business car use using either the standard mileage rate or actual expenses (if you qualify). The method that wins often depends on three inputs: annual business miles , vehicle cost (depreciation) , and running costs (fuel, insurance, repairs, etc.). If you’re building a mileage-log series, this “break-even” guide pairs naturally with posts on mileage logs and substantiation. For self-employed workers, freelancers, gig drivers and small-business owners, the IRS mileage deduction can be one of the biggest “quiet” write-offs of the year. But there’s a recurring question that shows up every tax season: Should I use the standard mileage rate or actual expenses? The short answe...
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2025 IRS Standard Deduction Increase: Who Benefits Most?

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2025 IRS Standard Deduction Increase: Who Benefits and How Much? TL;DR Summary: The basic standard deduction for tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026) rises to $15,750 for singles, $23,625 for heads of household, and $31,500 for married filing jointly. A new bonus deduction for seniors (age 65 +) of $6,000 applies on top of the standard deduction, through tax year 2028. The increase benefits nearly all taxpayers who claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing — especially those with relatively low to moderate income. The primary gain is the tax-free income shield: the higher deduction means less taxable income, which reduces tax owed—though the actual dollar tax-savings depends on your marginal tax rate. However, the increase is modest compared to some other tax changes, and high-income taxpayers who already itemize may see less direct benefit. Overview of the 2025 Standard Deduction The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the i...
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Wise vs Revolut vs Remitly (2025): Cheapest & Fastest Way to Send Money Internationally

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Florida Car Insurance Cost in 2025: Average Premiums, Rate Increases & Discount Strategies

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