Angela's Taxes, LLC, Angela L Wadsworth, CPA

10/30/2026

Getting an unexpected tax bill is a spooky experience. Prevent these surprise tax bills by checking your withholding with the Tax Withholding Estimator tool. Answer a series of questions online to find out if you need to increase your withholding or make an estimated tax payment.

Ghost ahead and get started at www.irs.gov/withholding.

10/29/2026

Trick or treat? Don’t get tricked by tax credit scammers

Tricks may be fun for Halloween, but not when it comes to tax scams. Scammers can use misleading information about claiming certain tax credits to trick taxpayers into thinking they’re eligible, when they’re not. Incorrect or false claims can lead to penalties, so it’s important to know the warning signs. Here are some examples of common schemes.

Common tax credit schemes
Fake credits: Recently, scammers have been promoting and selling non-existent “Tribal Tax Credits” or “Native American Tax Credits.” These credits are fake and don’t exist. Promoters of these credits encourage taxpayers to purchase credits to falsely reduce their tax liability or generate large refunds.

Another bogus credit to watch out for is, a broad “self-employment tax credit” which can lead to inaccurate filings. While self-employed individuals may qualify for certain credits, there is no one “self-employment” tax credit. Taxpayers should rely on trusted sources like Publication 334, Tax Guide for Small Business (For Individuals Who Use Schedule C) and qualified tax professionals, not social media promotions, when determining eligibility for credits.

Misuse of Fuel Tax Credit: Scammers may promote taxpayers to claim the Fuel Tax Credit. Most taxpayers are not eligible for this credit. It is generally available to business owners that meet certain requirements such as non-taxable off-highway business use.

Know the red flags
Taxpayers, businesses, tribal communities, and tax professionals should be aware of warning signs of an abusive scheme, including:

Promises for larger refunds or tax savings
Offers to purchase tax credits for substantially less than their value
Claims there’s only a limited number of credits available or that taxpayers must act fast
References to government or interagency agreements that aren’t publicly available
Legal opinions that can’t be verified directly with the attorney or law firm identified
Requests to sign a nondisclosure agreement before receiving basic information about the credit
Using misleading information on social media to promote fake credits or misuse of credit
How to report tax scams

Taxpayers with information about tax fraud or other illegal tax-related activity can report it at IRS.gov/submitatip
For more information about common tax schemes and scams, visit Tax Scams on IRS.gov

If you were scammed, suspect tax fraud or had your identity stolen, report it to us.

10/28/2026

Saving for retirement? IRAs are an option

Whether retirement is many years away or just around the corner, knowing available savings options is important for taxpayers to plan for their financial future. Individual retirement accounts are just one of the many ways to save, and they also offer tax benefits by letting earnings grow tax deferred. Taxpayers should consider how an IRA may fit into their long-term financial plans.

Let’s look at a couple of the most common types of IRAs.

Traditional IRA

Taxpayers may be able to deduct their contributions to an IRA, if they qualify.
There’re annual limits to contributions depending on the person's age and the type of IRA.
Generally, the money in a traditional IRA isn't taxed until it's withdrawn.
If a taxpayer withdraws money before age 59 ½, there may be a 10% additional tax, unless they qualify for an exception.
Usually, taxpayers must start taking the minimum withdrawals from the IRA when they reach a certain age. Special distribution rules apply for IRA beneficiaries.
Roth IRA
Same rules as a traditional IRA, but there are differences:

Contributions are not deductible and are made with after-tax funds.
Qualified distributions are tax free.
There is no required minimum distribution.
2026 contribution limits for traditional and Roth IRAs
For 2026, taxpayers can contribute a total of up to $7,500. Taxpayers who are 50 or older can contribute an additional $1,100, for a total of $8,600. The contribution limit applies to the combined amount contributed to traditional and Roth IRAs and can't exceed the taxpayer’s taxable compensation for the year.

10/28/2026

IRS reminder: Year-round tax planning can make filing easier

IR-2026-128, Oct. 23, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to take simple steps now to make filing easier and avoid tax-time surprises next year.

Year-round tax planning can help taxpayers stay organized, understand how changes in their lives or income may affect their taxes, and prepare for filing season. Publication 5349-A, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone, offers practical tips and IRS resources to help taxpayers throughout the year.

“Taxpayers should plan ahead to ensure their tax filing season goes as smoothly as possible,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “A few simple steps now, such as checking withholding, organizing records, using IRS online tools, and protecting personal information, will help taxpayers prepare for the 2027 filing season and know they are ready to fulfill their tax obligations.”

Check withholding and estimated tax payments

Federal income taxes are generally paid throughout the year as income is earned. Taxpayers can use the Tax Withholding Estimator on IRS.gov to check whether they are having the right amount of federal income withheld from their pay.

Taxpayers should consider reviewing withholding after a major life or income change, including marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or a job change. Taxpayers who need to adjust withholding should submit a new Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate to their employer.

Taxpayers with income not subject to withholding, including small business owners, self-employed taxpayers, and gig economy workers, may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments.

Life events may also affect filing status, eligibility for tax credits and deductions, and the amount of tax owed or refunded. Reviewing these changes before filing season can help taxpayers understand how they may affect their federal income tax return.

Take advantage of IRS online tools

Taxpayers can securely access their tax information and complete many routine tasks through IRS Individual Online Account. Depending on their account, taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to:

View balance information
Make and view payments
Review payment plans
View certain IRS notices and letters
Access certain tax records
Request an Identity Protection PIN
Taxpayers can visit IRS.gov/Tools for resources to check refund status, find tax records and transcripts, explore free tax preparation options, and get information about tax credits, deductions, and filing status.

Get organized now for a smoother filing season

Good recordkeeping is one of the easiest ways to get ready for filing season. Taxpayers should develop a simple system, electronic or paper, to keep important tax records together as they receive them.

Records may include:

Forms W-2 from employers.
Forms 1099 from banks and other payers.
Records of digital asset transactions.
A copy of last year’s federal and state returns.
Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit or payments.
IRS notices, letters, and other correspondence.
Records that support credits, deductions, or other tax benefits claimed.
Organized records can make return preparation easier and may help taxpayers identify overlooked credits or deductions.

Stay alert to scams

The IRS and its Security Summit partners remind taxpayers to protect their personal and financial information. Scammers may use email, text messages, phone calls, or social media to try to steal information or money.

Taxpayers should not click on links or open attachments in unexpected messages claiming to be from the IRS. Suspicious emails and texts can be reported to [email protected]. Taxpayers can also use IRS.gov/SubmitATip to report certain tax-related misconduct.

If you were scammed, suspect tax fraud or had your identity stolen, report it to us.

10/28/2026

Preparing for retirement? Know how it can affect taxes

Retirement is a milestone in life that can also bring changes to a taxpayer’s tax situation. Understanding how retirement income is taxed can help taxpayers plan and avoid surprises. Here are some tax considerations to keep in mind when preparing for retirement.

Examples of retirement income that’s taxed
There are several different sources of retirement income, and each may be taxed differently.

Pensions and annuities: Benefits in the form of pension or annuity payments may be fully or partially taxable depending on how the retirement plan was funded.
Social Security benefits: Depending on a taxpayer’s filing status and other income, a portion of their Social Security benefits may be taxable. Taxpayers can use the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant to help determine if any of these benefits are taxable.
Retirement account withdrawals: Distributions from traditional IRAs and other retirement plans are generally taxable. However, qualified Roth distributions are tax-free.
Check withholding
Newly retired or soon to be retired taxpayers may need to adjust their withholding. While they can generally request federal income tax be withheld from benefits such as pensions, annuities, and Social Security payments, it may not be enough. Taxpayers can use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator, a free, easy-to-use tool that helps workers and retirees estimate the amount of federal income tax to withhold for the taxes they will owe next year.

The estimator reflects the changes to credits and deductions under the Working Family Tax Cuts, including the enhanced deduction for seniors. If withholding isn’t enough to cover their tax obligations, taxpayers may need to make estimated tax payments during the year.

When withdrawals are required
Generally, taxpayers must begin taking required minimum distributions from traditional IRAs and certain retirement plans when they reach age 73. Different rules may apply depending on the type of retirement account and when the taxpayer retires.

IRS resources
The IRS provides information specifically for seniors and retirees, including information about retirement income, tax withholding, filing requirements and available tax benefits. Understanding these rules before retiring can help taxpayers make informed financial decisions and prepare for any changes in federal tax obligations.

10/28/2026

Caring for a loved one is important work. If you get paid to take care of a family member, different tax rules may apply. Learn more: https://ow.ly/exLN50ZW0r7

10/28/2026

The IRS Never Goes Phishing
Phishing is the practice of sending fraudulent communications disguised to appear to be from a reputable source. These attacks, usually through email but increasingly through text messages, are an attempt to try to steal personal and financial information.

The IRS does not request personal or financial information from taxpayers by email. The same is true for other types of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels.

If you receive a suspicious IRS-related communication:

1. Don’t reply to the sender.

2. Don't open, save, or click any attachments. They can contain malicious code that may infect your computer or mobile phone.

3. Don't click on any links. Visit the IRS’s identity protection page if you clicked on any links in a suspicious email or on a suspicious website and entered confidential information.

4. Immediately forward the entire message, including the full email headers, to [email protected]. Don't forward scanned images because this removes valuable information.

5. Delete the original email.

For additional information and resources, please visit Report Phishing and Online Scams.

NOTE: Circular 230 practitioners, tax return preparers, and other tax professionals should also be on guard against phishing, as they can be prime targets of fraudsters. See Taxpayers and tax professionals: Beware of these common tax scams | Internal Revenue Service (IRS Tax Tip 2025-30, May 8, 2025):

Phishing and spearphishing

Taxpayers and tax professionals should be alert to fake communications posing as legitimate organizations in the tax and financial community, including the IRS and the states. These messages arrive in the form of unsolicited texts or emails designed to lure victims into providing valuable personal and financial information that can lead to identity theft.

Spearphishing is a tailored phishing attempt targeting a specific individual or group. Tax professionals need to be very careful about spearphishing because of the risk of a data breach. A successful spearphishing attack can result in the theft of client data and the tax preparer's identity, allowing the thief to file fraudulent returns.

10/23/2026

IRS reminder: Take steps now to protect tax information

IR-2026-127, Oct. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to protect their information from tax-related identity theft by safeguarding their IRS online-account credentials and obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

“Protecting sensitive financial information is essential to preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential tax information and IRS online services,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “By safeguarding their online account credentials and obtaining an IP PIN, taxpayers can help stop tax-related identity theft, file their tax return with greater confidence, and know they have done what they can to protect themselves from bad actors.”

Access IRS Individual Online Account

After taxpayers verify their identity, they can securely access their IRS Individual Online Account to view tax information and complete certain tax-related tasks.

Taxpayers should not share their sign-in information with anyone. An online account may include sensitive information, such as recently filed returns, refund status, payments, tax records, notifications, and service requests.

Get an IP PIN

Taxpayers can also obtain an Identity Protection PIN to help prevent tax-related identity theft. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using another taxpayer’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

The IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Taxpayers who do not already have one may request an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Taxpayers can obtain an IP PIN even if they are not required to file a federal tax return.

Taxpayers who plan to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online system becomes unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system is generally available again beginning in mid-January.

Taxpayers should protect their IP PIN and disclose it only to a trusted tax professional when they are ready to prepare and submit their federal tax return. The IRS will never call, email, text, or contact taxpayers through social media to request their IP PIN.

10/23/2026

10/14/2026

The deadline to file 2025 taxes is tomorrow

The deadline for extension filers is Oct. 15, 2026. Most taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2025 federal tax return have until tomorrow to file. Let’s go over some key reminders.

An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Extension filers who owe taxes are encouraged to pay as much as they can. The deadline to pay taxes owed was April 15. Paying what they’re able now can reduce additional interest and penalties.

There are options for people who can't pay their taxes in full, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can use the tax debt tool to find options for resolving their tax debt. They can also check their account balance online.

File electronically and choose direct deposit. Taxpayers should file electronically and choose direct deposit for their tax refund – it's the fastest and safest way to receive their money.

IRS Free File is still available until Oct. 15. Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use guided tax preparation software to prepare and electronically file their federal tax return for free. IRS Free File Fillable Forms is available to taxpayers who are comfortable preparing and filing their own returns. Regardless of income level, taxpayers can still electronically file their returns at no cost.

Some taxpayers may have additional time to file. People in certain disaster areas, may have more time to file. Taxpayers affected by disaster and who have an Individual Online Account, may see personalized messages that highlight available disaster tax relief.

Members of the military and their families may have additional benefits. Special deadline exceptions may apply for certain military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones. Several resources are available for service members and their families who may be eligible for these exceptions.

Additionally, MilTax, is a free tax resource offered through Military OneSource that generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing software is available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit. This includes federal returns and up to five state returns.

IRS Individual Online Account is helpful. Taxpayers are encouraged to use their IRS Individual Online Account to view account information and tax records, make payments and access other services that may help them complete their return.