Essential Solutions LLC

09/01/2026

Educator Classroom Expense Deduction – Did You Know?

Eligible K-12 teachers, instructors, counselors, principals and aides who pay for classroom supplies out of pocket may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses per year. Married couples filing jointly who are both eligible educators may deduct up to $350 each, for a combined maximum of $700.

You do not need to itemize deductions to claim this deduction. Be sure to keep receipts and other records for any classroom expenses you plan to deduct.

08/28/2026

Charitable deductions are frequently challenged or denied during an IRS review. Protect your deduction by understanding the documentation and requirements before making a donation.

Too often a charitable tax deduction is disallowed upon review by the IRS. Don't let this happen to you. Here is what you need to know.

08/24/2026

Major Higher Education Tax Credits Now Require Valid SSN – Did You Know?

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) and Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) help many Americans pay for higher education. For eligible students pursuing a degree or other recognized credential, the AOTC can cover up to $2,500 in tuition, required school fees and certain course materials per year. Meanwhile, the LLC can offset up to $2,000 per tax return for qualified education expenses for eligible students taking higher education courses for a variety of reasons.

Beginning with tax year 2026, the taxpayer claiming either the AOTC or LLC (and spouse, if filing jointly) must have a Social Security number (SSN) valid for work in the United States that was issued before the due date of the tax return, including extensions. If the eligible student is not the person claiming the credit (for example, if the student is that person's dependent or spouse), then the student must also have a valid SSN issued by that deadline. Other qualification requirements, such as income limits, remain in effect. A tax professional can help you determine whether the higher education expenses you pay for yourself, your spouse or a dependent qualify for a tax benefit.

08/21/2026

When an interest rate matters. This is what you need to know.

The IRS often sees the transfer of funds as a loan, whether there is a loan agreement or not. This also means there is an implied term and interest payment. When the IRS says a transaction is a loan, what interest rate do they use? Enter AFRs. Here is what you need to know.

08/20/2026

Here is what everyone should know about 529 Educational Savings PlansIt is a great tool for planning for college!!

College is expensive and 529 College Savings Plans are a great tool to manage this expense tax-effectively. This is what you need to know.

08/20/2026

Did you get an extension and still need to file your return?

Don't wait until the last minute to finish your 2025 return filing!!

08/19/2026

Give us a call to get your tax return timely filed!

08/18/2026

Seasonal Employers - Did You Know?

Summer is a peak time for many businesses to hire seasonal employees. In general, the same federal tax rules apply to these workers as to permanent staff. Employers typically must withhold federal income tax and F**A (Social Security and Medicare) taxes and pay the employer share of F**A. Employers subject to FUTA must also pay federal unemployment tax on taxable wages.

Seasonal employers often must file Form 941 (Employer's Quarterly Federal Tax Return) for quarters in which they pay wages. However, they generally do not need to file for quarters in which they paid no wages and have no employment tax liability. If this applies, check the "Seasonal Employer" box on every Form 941 you file.

Employment taxes generally must be deposited monthly or semiweekly, based on the applicable lookback period. FUTA follows separate deposit rules and generally must be deposited when accumulated FUTA tax exceeds $500 for a quarter. Federal tax deposits must be made electronically, including through EFTPS.

08/14/2026

The amount of your tax bill is often dependent on your age and the age of your children. You need to plan accordingly. Here are the details.

As your children age, you can easily be surprised by a larger tax bill. To help ease the possible burden, here are some possible tax hits to prepare for as your children grow older.

08/12/2026

An Identity Protection PIN helps block your tax account from identity thieves trying to file fraudulent tax returns using your information. The recommends requesting one through an Individual Online Account.