IRS Provides a Series of Online Tools for Filing Federal Tax Returns

Did you know the IRS provides online tools and key reminders to plan for filing your federal tax return?

As the tax year 2024 draws to a close, you might want to look at the IRS website and its online resources to help you plan for and be ready to file your federal tax return to avoid penalties and interest. Maybe you might need more time to file or qualify for filing assistance from IRS-certified volunteers? The IRS offers a series of options and steps to determine if you need to file and how to pay your taxes on time. Another benefit of planning ahead for your federal tax returns is having time to review the list of required documentation and tax forms on the IRS website; this will ensure higher accuracy on the filing of your return while avoiding any delays to your refund, if applicable. Filing your federal tax return should be simple and it’s great to see the agency supports simplicity and designs tools that are making this process easier as well as more accessible to taxpayers.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

The Future of Tax Policy and Strategic Planning in 2025

It’s easy to get caught up in the uncertainty of what might happen to the tax landscape after a U.S. Presidential Election and the end of an election year. In our last blog post, we discussed possible tax benefits with Trump’s re-election. We believe that you and your company should approach the impending tax changes by starting small and avoiding any attempts to scale the entire mountain of change as we end tax year 2024. Any changes to tax law, positive or negative, will have significant influence on tax preparation in the future.

It is important to start by examining how the stock market reacts to election results, specifically about potential changes in tax laws and regulations, how the market will be affected by these changes, and how investors are hoping to end the year. The types of strategic planning tactics that will be necessary in keeping individuals and businesses moving forward primarily depend on the ability to recognize indicators of economic stability.

At WTLG, we believe in establishing and creating tax priority lists according to the order in which they affect the operations and financial health of your businesses or personal financial situation. How can you and/or your business protect your interests to redirect planning if needed? How will your future business planning needs be impacted by tax law changes and will you and/or your business have the resources to change course? With these considerations, we urge our readers to stay alert and be proactive in addressing any potential tax implications with the trusted advice of a tax law attorney wherever possible. Leave the unpleasant complexities and tax controversies to the tax professionals.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

Trump's Victory Could Produce Significant Tax Benefits for Businesses and Individuals

Trump's recent presidential re-election could produce significant tax benefits for businesses and individuals, some which may include:

• Making individual TCJA expirations permanent except for the cap on SALT (effective January 1, 2026)
  
  
  
  • Lower Rates and brackets
  
  
  • Increased Standard deduction
  
  
  • Increased Personal exemption
  
  
  • Child tax credit and other dependent tax credit benefits
  
  
  • Elimination of the $10k deduction limitation on state and local taxes
  
  
  • AMT changes
  
  
  • Section 199A pass-through deduction and noncorporate loss limitation increases
  
  
  
  


• Making TCJA estate tax changes permanent (effective January 1, 2026)


• Restoring TCJA business tax provisions (effective January 1, 2026)
  
  
  
  • 100 percent bonus depreciation
  
  
  • R&D expensing
  
  
  • EBITDA-based interest limitation
  
  
  
  


• Reinstituting the domestic production activities deduction (DPAD) at 28.5 percent to lower the effective corporate tax rate for domestic production to 15 percent


• Exempting tips from income taxes


• Exempting Social Security benefits from income taxes


• Exempting overtime pay from income taxes


• Creating an itemized deduction for auto loan interest

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

IRS Tax Updates for 2025: What You Need to Know

As we approach the 2025 tax season, the IRS has announced several significant updates that could impact your tax planning and filing. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes to be aware of:

1. Increased Standard Deduction

The standard deduction has been raised to $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married couples filing jointly. This increase can help reduce your taxable income, potentially lowering your overall tax bill.

2. New Tax Bracket Adjustments

Tax brackets have been adjusted for inflation. Be sure to review the new rates for 2025, as this could change your tax liability, especially if your income falls near the threshold of a higher bracket.

3. Child Tax Credit Enhancements

The Child Tax Credit remains at $2,000 per qualifying child. However, the eligibility requirements may have changed slightly, so it’s essential to check if you qualify for this credit.

4. Higher Retirement Contribution Limits

Contribution limits for retirement accounts have increased. You can now contribute up to $22,500 to 401(k) plans (with an additional catch-up contribution of $7,500 for those aged 50 and over) and $7,500 to IRAs. This is a great opportunity to bolster your retirement savings.

5. Health Savings Account (HSA) Updates

The contribution limit for HSAs has also been raised, allowing individuals and families to save more for medical expenses while enjoying tax advantages. Check the specific limits for 2025 to maximize your contributions.

6. Changes to Itemized Deductions

Certain itemized deductions have been adjusted, including limits on mortgage interest and property tax deductions. Review these changes to determine if itemizing remains beneficial for you.

7. Tax Relief for Disaster-Affected Areas

The IRS continues to provide tax relief options for individuals and businesses affected by natural disasters. If you’re in an impacted area, look for specific provisions that may apply to your situation.

8. Filing Deadlines

The deadline for filing individual tax returns remains April 15, 2025. Be sure to gather your documents early to avoid last-minute stress.

Conclusion

These updates from the IRS for the 2025 tax year could have a significant impact on your tax strategy. Staying informed and proactive can help you take full advantage of available deductions and credits. For more detailed information, visit the official IRS website or consult a tax professional to navigate your specific situation.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

The Interception of AI and the Tax Sector – What You Need to Know

By now, you probably have heard of or encountered some form of artificial intelligence (“AI”), which appears to be rapidly expanding globally. AI's application in tax preparation also seems to be growing. With growth, comes growing pains and learning curves; even though using AI to analyze vast volumes of tax data has advantages in terms of reducing human error, recognizing patterns, and increasing efficiency. The intriguing aspect of the learning curve, as it relates to tax preparation, is that AI most depends on access to data pools which present security challenges and additional levels of complexity. Additionally, research shows that there are different types of AI models, including generative, limited, reactive, natural language, narrow, speech recognition, reinforcement, etc. which should be considered when determining how it will best serve tax clients.

As AI continues to develop, so too must tax professionals and their plans for using it; it must be done securely, accurately, responsibly, and encrypted, with internal security measures in place to keep data safe. Once this has been established, use of AI will enhance client relationships, assist tax professionals in identifying consequences sooner, modernize internal processes, lower errors, and increase the overall effectiveness of services rendered to clients. This is not to suggest that tax professionals' valuable labor and expertise may be replaced by AI. Perhaps, to some extent, AI can open the door for tax professionals to concentrate on higher-value tasks while leaving the mundane tasks to AI.

The use and protection of AI in the tax professional world is no doubt a hot issue to be considered upon thoughtful review and in conjunction with the relevant and evolving professional standards and codes of conduct determined by state and local regulatory and licensing bodies, including, but not limited to, the  AICPA, State Bar, American Bar Association, IRS Office of Professional Responsibility and Circular 230.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

The Interception of AI and the Tax Sector – What You Need to Know

By now, you probably have heard of or encountered some form of artificial intelligence (“AI”), which appears to be rapidly expanding globally. AI's application in tax preparation also seems to be growing. With growth, comes growing pains and learning curves; even though using AI to analyze vast volumes of tax data has advantages in terms of reducing human error, recognizing patterns, and increasing efficiency. The intriguing aspect of the learning curve, as it relates to tax preparation, is that AI most depends on access to data pools which present security challenges and additional levels of complexity. Additionally, research shows that there are different types of AI models, including generative, limited, reactive, natural language, narrow, speech recognition, reinforcement, etc. which should be considered when determining how it will best serve tax clients.

As AI continues to develop, so too must tax professionals and their plans for using it; it must be done securely, accurately, responsibly, and encrypted, with internal security measures in place to keep data safe. Once this has been established, use of AI will enhance client relationships, assist tax professionals in identifying consequences sooner, modernize internal processes, lower errors, and increase the overall effectiveness of services rendered to clients. This is not to suggest that tax professionals' valuable labor and expertise may be replaced by AI. Perhaps, to some extent, AI can open the door for tax professionals to concentrate on higher-value tasks while leaving the mundane tasks to AI.

The use and protection of AI in the tax professional world is no doubt a hot issue to be considered upon thoughtful review and in conjunction with the relevant and evolving professional standards and codes of conduct determined by state and local regulatory and licensing bodies, including, but not limited to, the  AICPA, State Bar, American Bar Association, IRS Office of Professional Responsibility and Circular 230.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

Use of NOL Deductions for Corporate & Individual Taxpayers – Suspended

Recently passed legislation in California, under Senate Bill 175 - Taxation, might preclude some corporate and individual taxpayer claims for NOL deductions in 2024 beginning on January 1, 2024 and before January 1, 2027. This suspension may affect those California corporate and individual taxpayers who have a net or modified adjusted gross income greater than $1 million. This is not the first time that California has suspended or limited claims for NOL deductions. Additionally, this legislation places an annual $5 million cap on the utilization of income tax credits, including the California pass-through entity elective tax credit. For any income tax credit that is prohibited due to this annual limitation, there is an additional carryover period that is equivalent to the number of taxable years that the credit was denied.

It is unclear as to whether the Governor of California will end the NOL deduction suspension and annual tax limitation sooner than January 1, 2027 as it depends on the state revenue meets required minimums.

To find out more about how Wilson Tax Law Group, could help with your tax litigation and defense needs, we invite you to set up a  consultation with our firm.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense.  Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board.  Wilson Tax Law Group is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC

Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) 

Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)