Tax Update: How the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Impacts Your Return
A major piece of tax legislation, officially titled the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21), was signed into law on July 4, 2025. This new law introduces sweeping changes to the tax code that will affect your filing for the 2025 and 2026 tax years. From untaxed tips to new vehicle deductions, here […]
California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC)
What Is CalEITC The California Earned Income Tax Credit is designed to support low-income workers by returning money through the tax system. CalEITC is refundable, meaning you may receive money back even if you owe no tax. Who May Qualify You may qualify for CalEITC if you: ITIN Filers and CalEITC Many ITIN filers qualify […]
ITINS (Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers)
What Is an ITIN An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number allows individuals who do not qualify for a Social Security Number to file taxes and meet federal and state tax requirements. Filing Taxes With an ITIN Filing taxes with an ITIN allows you to report income, remain compliant with tax laws, and potentially claim eligible credits […]
Checklist: What Documents Do I Need?
Gathering your documents before you start will make the filing process smoother. Here is the standard list required for VITA/TCE sites and self-filers: Personal Information Income Documentation Health Care & Expenses IRS Resource: Gather Your Documents
Standard Deduction vs. Itemized Deductions
You have the choice to take a “Standard Deduction” (a flat dollar amount) or to “Itemize” (list actual expenses). You should choose whichever method lowers your tax the most. Standard Deduction Amounts (2025) Most taxpayers take the standard deduction because it is easier and often worth more than their itemized expenses. When Should You Itemize? […]
Education Credits
There are two main credits for higher education expenses. You generally can only claim one per student per year. Feature American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) Best For Undergraduates seeking a degree Grad students, professional degrees, or skill improvement Max Credit Up to $2,500 per student Up to $2,000 per tax return […]
Child Tax Credit vs. Credit for Other Dependents
If you claim dependents, you likely qualify for one of these two credits. Child Tax Credit (CTC) Credit for Other Dependents (ODC) Official IRS Resource: Child Tax Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): A Financial Boost for Workers
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. Income Limits for 2025 To qualify, your earned income and adjusted gross income (AGI) must both be less than: If you have… Single, Head of Household, or Widowed Married Filing Jointly Maximum […]
Identity Protection PINs (IP PIN): Protecting Your Refund
An IP PIN is a 6-digit number assigned by the IRS to prevent someone else from filing a tax return using your Social Security number. How do I get one? Using Your IP PIN Official IRS Resource: Get An Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN)
What Filing Status Should I choose
Your filing status determines your standard deduction and tax rates. It is generally determined by your marital status on the last day of the year. Official IRS Resource:What Is My Filing Status?