• Create a midyear sort of tax records. Good recordkeeping is one of the best ways to protect valuable tax deductions. Maintain documentation for expenses such as charitable donations, childcare costs, medical expenses, business mileage, travel expenses and gambling losses. Establishing a reliable system now can save time and stress later. Also consider taking advantage of the new above the line charitable donation of up to $2,000 ($4,000 if married) while there is still plenty of time.
• Boost retirement savings. Retirement contribution limits remain generous, giving you an opportunity to increase tax-advantaged savings before year-end. For 2026, eligible taxpayers can contribute up to the annual IRS limit for employer-sponsored retirement plans and IRAs, with additional catch-up contributions available for individuals age 50 and older. Increasing contributions may lower taxable income while helping strengthen long-term financial security.
• Review education savings options. If you’re saving for a child’s education in a regular investment account, consider whether a 529 education savings plan could provide tax advantages. Earnings in these accounts grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals are generally tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Starting earlier allows more time for potential tax-advantaged growth.
• Update withholding and estimated taxes. Major life changes such as marriage, divorce, a new job or changes in income can affect how much tax you should be paying throughout the year. Reviewing your withholding and estimated tax payments now may help you avoid underpayment penalties or an unexpectedly large balance due next spring. At the same time, avoiding overpayment can improve cash flow during the year.

A proactive tax review can help uncover opportunities and minimize costly mistakes. Please call if you would like assistance with year-end tax planning strategies tailored to your situation.

The post Time for a Tax Planning Review appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

• Beat the heat without burning cash. Summer utility bills can rise fast when temperatures climb, making this the ideal time to reassess your energy habits. Small changes like adjusting your thermostat, replacing filters, or sealing drafts can help lower monthly expenses without sacrificing comfort.
• Make vacation memories while keeping spending in check. Travel spending adds up quickly when meals, activities, and unexpected costs are not planned ahead of time. Creating a vacation budget before booking helps you enjoy your trip while keeping your finances on track once you return home.
• Don’t leave summer tax perks on the table. Summer can open the door to valuable tax opportunities, especially for families with children enrolled in camps or for investors reviewing gains and losses midyear. Taking time to organize receipts and revisit tax strategies now can make filing season much smoother later.
• Turn your clutter into a summer side hustle. Summer cleaning is not just good for your home – it can also boost your bank account. Selling unused clothing, furniture, electronics, or sporting goods can generate extra income while helping you create a more organized space.
• Give your emergency fund a warm-weather boost. A midyear contribution to your emergency fund can strengthen your financial safety net before the busy fall and holiday seasons arrive. Even small additions from side gigs, bonuses, or garage sale profits can make a meaningful difference over time.
• Stop sneaky summer spending in its tracks. Streaming services, outdoor events, dining out, and seasonal activities can quietly inflate your monthly budget during the summer months. Reviewing recurring charges and prioritizing lower-cost entertainment options can help keep spending under control.
• Get ahead of fall before it gets expensive. Preparing early for upcoming seasonal expenses can help you avoid relying on credit cards later in the year. Setting aside money now for school supplies, clothing, or extracurricular activities makes those costs feel much more manageable.
• Give your summer paychecks a fresh purpose. Extra income from overtime, seasonal work, or reduced school-year expenses can create an opportunity to strengthen your finances. Consider directing a portion toward savings, debt payoff, or long-term financial goals before everyday spending absorbs it.
• Refresh your financial goals before the year speeds up. Summer is a natural midpoint to revisit the goals you set at the beginning of the year. Reviewing your progress now gives you time to adjust your budget, savings habits, or investment strategy before the busy fall season arrives.

A few thoughtful money moves this summer can create more flexibility and a stronger financial foundation for the rest of the year.

The post Your Summer Financial Checklist appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

The post IRS Increases Business Mileage Rate Midyear: What Employers Need to Know appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

What is Kwong v. United States?

Kwong v. United States is a recent federal court case that examined how special IRS disaster-relief provisions were applied during the COVID-19 pandemic. The court concluded that certain tax filing and payment deadlines may have been automatically extended for a longer period than many taxpayers and practitioners previously understood. As a result of the court’s decision, some penalties and interest assessed during that time may have been applied incorrectly, potentially creating refund or abatement opportunities for affected taxpayers.

Potential claim deadline: July 10, 2026

Although the law is still developing, July 10, 2026, may be an important deadline for preserving certain claims or requesting a refund or abatement. Our tax team is actively monitoring this area and evaluating whether the ruling may be relevant based on your individual circumstances.

Why this matters

During the COVID-19 declared emergency, special disaster-relief rules postponed certain tax filing and payment deadlines. In Kwong, taxpayers who paid certain penalties and interest – or still have unpaid assessed amounts from that period – may want to review whether relief is available. This issue may apply to a wide range of taxpayers, including individuals, businesses and trusts/estates.

Items worth reviewing

• Failure to file and pay penalties
• Certain estimated tax penalties and interest

Important reminders

• There may be a limited‑time opportunity to recover penalties and interest paid during the pandemic.
• The IRS will not issue refunds automatically.
• Action is required by July 10, 2026, but in some situations, the deadline could be earlier.
• Future guidance from the IRS, legislation, or court cases could change the outcome of this issue.
• We can help you determine eligibility based on your specific facts and circumstances and file protective claims or claims for refund or abatement of penalties and interest where appropriate.

What you can do now

• Review IRS notices and account transcripts for tax years 2019-2022 for penalties or interest tied to late filing, late payment, or estimated taxes.
• Identify any amounts already paid as well as any balances that remain assessed but unpaid.
• Contact your CPA early to determine whether a protective claim or refund request should be filed before the July 10th deadline.

Consult with an Alloy Silverstein Advisor

Please call our office at 856.667.4100 or contact your Alloy Silverstein advisor to discuss whether Kwong v. United States may apply to you. We can help evaluate eligibility, review IRS records, and prepare any appropriate protective claims or refund requests before applicable deadlines. Proactive planning and timely action are often the key to preserving valuable tax opportunities.

The post Kwong v. United States: Could You Be Eligible for an IRS Penalty or Interest Refund? appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

Peak wedding season 

Filing status, combined income, and tax bracket may all shift with marriage. Report name changes to the SSA, update address changes with employers and the IRS, and review Form W-4 withholding. 

Sending kids to day camp 

Day camp expenses may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit if the care allows you to work. Eligible costs may include day camps, babysitters, and daycare programs for children under age 13. 

Seasonal and part-time jobs 

Students, teachers, and seasonal workers often take on summer jobs. Even workers with modest earnings may qualify for refunds of withheld taxes. 

Renting out a vacation home 

If you rent the property for 14 days or less, the income is generally tax-free (the ‘Augusta Rule’). If rented for more than 14 days, it may qualify as a rental, allowing certain deductions. 

Completing your extended return 

If you filed a tax extension, summer is an optimal time to finalize your return. Don’t wait until the last minute! 

The post Enjoy Summer Now, Avoid Tax Surprises Later appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

June 15, 2026 – Second quarter 2026 individual estimated tax payments are due.

July 31, 2026 – Due date for filing 2025 retirement or employee benefit plan returns (5500 series) for calendar year plans.

September 15, 2026 – Third quarter 2026 estimated tax payments are due. Extension deadline for 2025 S-Corporation and partnership returns.

This Summer – Be proactive with your finances and check with your CPA or advisor for a tax and financial review to go over your personal or professional goals.

What the IRS is Up To

Still Waiting on Your Refund?

Some taxpayers are still experiencing delayed refunds due to the IRS’s transition to digital disbursements. If your direct deposit fails, you may receive IRS Notice CP53E, often caused by missing bank information, name mismatches, or rejected deposits. You typically have 30 days to correct the issue online or the IRS may issue a paper check, which could take up to six weeks. Use the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool to check your status. 

NJ Property Tax Relief: 2026 Reminders 

New Jersey’s ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ property tax relief programs continue rolling out in 2026 with a deadline of November 2, 2026. Senior Freeze payments begin in July, ANCHOR payments start in September, and Stay NJ payments follow a quarterly schedule. Eligibility is based on residency, income, and age as of 2025, and some residents may receive auto-filed applications or mailed notices. Eligible seniors can file a single PAS-1 form for all three programs. 

Tariff Update: Monitoring Potential Impacts 

Recent U.S. Supreme Court developments related to tariffs may affect businesses with imported inventory or global supply chains. The AICPA is monitoring potential impacts on balance sheets, inventory costs, and possible refunds. Guidance continues to evolve, and the financial impact will vary by business. Discuss any concerns with your CPA or advisor as more information becomes available. 

The post Summer 2026 Tax Deadlines and IRS News appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

Two taxpayers with the same income can end up with very different tax bills depending on their mix of wages, business income, investments, retirement distributions, or rental activity. That is why summer is one of the best times to pause, review your income sources, and make adjustments before year-end.

A midyear tax check-in now can help reduce surprises later and give you more opportunities to make proactive decisions while there is still time left in the year.

Step 1: Take inventory of your income sources

Most income falls into a few core categories – wages from an employer, self-employment, freelance work, investment earnings, and any side income you pick up along the way. Other types of income you may have include:

• Retirement income (pensions, Social Security, IRA or 401(k) withdrawals)
• Rental income from real estate
• Business distributions (for S-corp or partnership owners)
• Interest from savings accounts or bonds

If you aren’t sure, take a moment and look at last year’s tax return. It’s a great place to start. Then consider any changes you expect.

Step 2: Get familiar with the different types of taxes

Not all income is taxed the same way. And these differences can add up quickly.

• Wages are subject to a progressive income tax from 0% to 37%. So know the rate your next dollar of tax will pay. Also don’t forget wages are subject to payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare (7.65%).
• Self-employment and freelance income is subject to the same tax rates as wages except most don’t automatically withhold taxes and may also be subject to self-employment tax (15.3%). So planning here needs to consider quarterly estimated tax payments.
• Investment earnings can be subject to a variety of tax rates such as interest and short-term capital gains (up to 37%), qualified dividends (0% to 20%), or long-term capital gains (0% to 20% depending on the holding period and income type).
• Retirement income may be fully taxable (up to 37%), partially taxable (varies), or tax-free (0% for certain Roth distributions).
• Rental income is generally taxed at ordinary income rates (up to 37%), though deductions can decrease your total taxable income.
• Business distributions vary by entity and may be taxed at ordinary income rates (up to 37%) or pass through with no additional tax at the distribution level (varies).

Step 3: Tips to manage your tax burden

• Align your tax payments with how you actually earn. If a growing portion of your income is coming from somewhere outside a traditional job, withholding alone may not cover your tax liability. W-2 income is handled automatically, however freelance, investment, or rental income often requires quarterly estimated payments to avoid penalties.
• Use withholding and estimates together. Adjust paycheck withholding to pair it with estimated payments when income is uneven or comes from multiple sources.
• Pay attention when your income changes. These income shifts can catch people off guard with a higher tax bill if they don’t adjust their plan early in the year.
• Be intentional about when income and expenses hit. Sometimes you have control over when you earn income or pay expenses. Used correctly, adjusting your timing can help smooth out your tax bill, especially if you’re self-employed or have investment income.
• Check your plan throughout the year. Your income mix can change quickly, and small updates can make a big difference. A quick review during the year can help you stay on track and avoid surprises later.

Final step: Meet with your advisory team

The most effective tax strategies are rarely created in March or April. They are built gradually throughout the year through proactive planning, timely adjustments, and regular conversations with your advisory team.  Summer is an ideal time to revisit your income, withholding, estimated payments, and upcoming financial decisions while there is still time to make meaningful changes before year-end.

By understanding how your income is taxed and reviewing your strategy now, you can avoid surprises later and put yourself in a stronger position for next tax season.

Tax Planning Now = Less Surprises in Tax Season

Whether your income comes from a business, investments, real estate, freelance work, or traditional wages, proactive planning can make a meaningful difference in your tax outcome.

Alloy Silverstein’s tax advisors work with individuals and business owners year-round to help identify planning opportunities, adjust strategies, and prepare for upcoming tax obligations before deadlines arrive. Contact our team to schedule a midyear tax planning review.

The post How to Tax Plan this Summer appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

Executive Order 14247 requires federal disbursements, including income tax refunds to migrate from paper to digital form. As can be imagined this is causing some bottlenecks in receiving refunds. Through mid-March, 1.4 million refunds were stuck due primarily to this change. If this happens to you, you will receive an IRS notice CP53E. Here is what you need to know.

The Primary Causes

No bank account

Your tax return did not have a direct deposit account noted.

Name mismatch

You file a joint tax return, but you have the refund direct deposit in a bank account with only one name on it. Or the name on the bank account simply does not match the name on your tax return.

Bank rejection

For whatever reason, you bank rejects the deposit. Either you made an error on the account or routing number, or the bank simply rejects the transaction for some unknown reason.

What to Do

Try to understand the error

Do this first, so that you know what action to take. Otherwise, you run the risk of repeating the error and will not solve your problem.

30 days to respond

You have 30 days to respond to the notice by going to www.IRS.gov/CP53E. It will direct you to either create or log into your online account at the IRS, an IDme account. Then follow the instructions to correct the error.

Use where is my refund

This online service tracks the status of your refund. This is a good tool to use to track your refund even if you do not receive a CP53E notice. You will need your social security number, the exact amount of your refund, filing status and tax year. This can be found at: https://www.irs.gov/refunds

Wait

What the notice DOES NOT tell you is that if you do not respond, the government will still issue a paper check. But it will take up to six weeks. In this case, double check your address to ensure it is valid.

What NOT TO DO

Try to get the IRS to fix it

The IRS cannot take your bank account information over the phone. They will direct you to create or log into your online account.

Get someone else to correct it

Unfortunately, you have to fix this one yourself. The IRS does not want you to file an amended tax return to fix this problem, and you should not be providing access to your online account to anyone other than you.

Do nothing

If you do not receive your refund timely, take action. The problem could be unrelated to a direct deposit error. In this case the first place to start is to use the “Where is My Refund?” service.

A Quick Note on Payments

If you owe money on your taxes, you can still pay using a paper check. This is not the government’s preferred method of receiving funds, but it is still available to you.

The impact of this transition has been significant, prompting concern from both the Treasury Department and the House Ways and Means Committee as they push the IRS to find solutions.

If you receive a CP53E notice, know that you are not alone, and taking prompt action is the best way to get your refund back on track.

More Resources:

• Mailing a Paper Check for Tax Day? Here’s What You Need to Know [VIDEO]
• What Do Postmarks, Pennies, and Paper Checks Have to Do with Your Taxes? [VIDEO]
• IRS Clarifies Paper Check Phaseout: What Taxpayers Need to Know

The post Refund Delay? Understanding IRS Notice CP53E appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

Below are answers to some of the most common end-of-tax-season questions our advisors hear this time of year.

Question: What if I can’t file my return on time?

Answer: April 15 is the traditional tax filing deadline for most individual income tax returns. If you can’t complete your tax return by then, file Form 4868 with the IRS to give yourself up to six additional months to complete your return. Caution: Form 4868 only extends your filing deadline; it does not extend your tax payment deadline. If your tax is not paid in full by April 15, you’ll face interest and penalties on the balance owed.

Question: What kind of penalties will I be charged if I pay my taxes late?

Answer: If you fail to pay all your taxes by the April 15* deadline, you’ll have to pay the IRS interest and penalties on your underpayment. The IRS charges interest at its prevailing rate, which it publishes quarterly. The late payment penalty is generally .5% for each month there is an unpaid balance, up to a maximum 25% penalty. When you file a late return with a balance due, another nasty penalty kicks in – the late filing penalty. This penalty amounts to 5% per month, for a maximum of five months. For example, if you owe $5,000 in taxes and failed to file a return or an extension by April 15, the failure-to-file penalty could build up to as much as 25% or $1,250.

*When April 15 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline for filing is generally moved to the next business day.

Question: What if I owe more money to the IRS than I can pay?

Answer: The IRS offers several options to taxpayers who cannot pay their taxes in full when they file their return.

• You can charge your taxes on a credit card. The IRS’s credit card service providers charge a convenience fee of about 2.0% in addition to the interest rate your credit card company charges on your balance.
• You can request to pay your taxes to the IRS in installments. If you owe $50,000 or less and agree to pay off the balance within a six-year period, the approval process is pretty straightforward. Larger balances can be set up on an installment plan too, but they won’t be automatically approved. The IRS will continue to add interest and penalties to your account until you pay off the balance.
• You can enter into an offer-in-compromise agreement with the IRS to settle your tax bill and get off to a fresh start. Under this arrangement, the IRS will settle your account for a portion of the tax you owe if you agree to file and pay your future taxes on time. You’ll have to submit financial information to the IRS to prove that you don’t have the money or ability to pay off the entire balance.

Question: How can I check the status of my tax refund?

Question: After I filed my tax return, I discovered an error. How do I fix it?

Answer: Oversights and errors are not uncommon, so the IRS provides a way for you to correct them. You can correct your return for up to three years after you file your original return by filing an amended return with the IRS. You need to tell the IRS why you are correcting the return, and include the appropriate documentation with your amended return. If you’ve discovered income or deductions that you should have reported on your income tax return, give us a call. We can help you set the record straight and pay only the tax actually due.

Question: Who has to make estimated tax payments?

Answer: If you have income from which no income tax is withheld (such as business income), you may be required to make quarterly estimated tax payments. Also, if you don’t have enough income taxes withheld from wages and pensions to cover your tax liability, you may need to make estimated tax payments. Federal estimated taxes for individuals are paid with Form 1040-ES and are due on April 15, June 15, September 15 of the tax year involved and on January 15 of the following year. If this is your first year with self-employment income or increased interest and dividend income, review your requirements for quarterly estimates to avoid being penalized by the IRS.

Question: Is it wrong to receive a large income tax refund every year?

Answer: Usually yes, but that’s because it means you’re giving the IRS an interest-free loan when you could have the use of that money during the year to invest for yourself.

Instead, consult with your trusted CPA each year for tax planning and projections:

• Take the time to estimate your total tax bill for the year.
• Consider adjusting your withholding so that the amount your employer withholds comes closer to what you will actually owe on your tax return.
• Change your withholding at any time during the year by giving a new Form W-4 to your employer to make mid-year corrections.

Tax season may be winding down, but tax planning is a year-round activity. Stay ahead of tax deadlines and avoid surprises by partnering with an expert CPA for tax season and beyond.

The post End of Tax Season Questions: Know Your Options appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.

Here’s how to make sure you’re sharing your tax documents safely and securely.

Avoid Sending Sensitive Information via Email

It may seem like the easiest option, but standard email is not a secure method for sending confidential information. Documents that include Social Security numbers, tax forms, or financial details can be vulnerable to interception.

Use a Secure Client Portal

Instead of email, always use your CPA firm’s secure client portal. These portals are specifically designed with encryption and security measures to protect your data.

At Alloy Silverstein, we provide secure, encrypted portals so clients can safely upload and access their important documents anytime.

Double-Check the Recipient

Cybercriminals often use email addresses that closely resemble legitimate ones to trick you into sending sensitive information.

Before sending anything, carefully review the recipient’s email address for even the smallest discrepancies.

When in Doubt, Verify

If you receive a request that feels unusual or unexpected, don’t take chances. Reach out to your CPA directly using a trusted phone number to confirm the request before sharing any information.

Strengthen Your Account Security

Protecting your information doesn’t stop at sending documents—it also includes how you secure your accounts.

• Use strong, unique passwords
• Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible

These simple steps add an extra layer of defense against unauthorized access.

Watch for Suspicious Links

Tax season is a prime time for phishing scams. Be cautious of emails or messages asking for sensitive information, especially those that include links.

If something looks suspicious, don’t click… verify first.

Security Over Convenience

When it comes to your financial information, convenience should never outweigh security. Taking a few extra precautions can help protect you from fraud, identity theft, and unnecessary stress.

Stay Safe This Tax Season

Being proactive about security ensures your personal and financial information stays protected. If you have questions about securely sharing documents or need access to a client portal, your CPA firm is there to help.

More Resources:

• 10 Commonly Missing Tax Forms That Could Delay Your Tax Return
• Your Tax Planning Cycle Starts Now: Smart Moves After Filing Season
• Need More Time? How to File a Tax Extension
• What If Your Owe Taxes This Season, but Can’t Pay? [VIDEO]

The post How Do I Safely Send My Info to My CPA? [VIDEO] appeared first on Alloy Silverstein.