Essential Solutions LLC

07/17/2026

Providing a gift of stock can make sense if handled properly. Read more.

Providing a gift of stock (or other property) to a friend or loved one can be a powerful tax planning tool. However, it is not without its complications.

07/14/2026

Increased Standard Mileage Rates Starting July 1, 2026

Due to higher fuel prices, the IRS has increased the standard mileage rate for business driving to 76 cents per mile for mileage incurred on or after July 1, 2026. The rates for medical travel and eligible moving expenses have also increased to 23.5 cents per mile.

The charitable mileage rate remains unchanged at 14 cents per mile, while the previously announced 2026 rates continue to apply to mileage incurred before July 1.

07/10/2026

Pass-through entities such as S corporations and certain partnerships offer legal protections and avoid double taxation. Does it make sense for your business?

Given the popularity of this business format, it continues to drive tax policy. Here is what you need to know.

07/06/2026

Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit – Did You Know?

Businesses that offer childcare benefits to employees may qualify for the Employer-Provided Childcare Tax Credit for some of the expenses involved. Eligible costs may include acquiring, constructing, or improving a childcare facility, operating an on-site childcare program, contracting with a qualified childcare provider, or paying for childcare resource and referral services.

Beginning in 2026, the credit generally equals 40% of qualified childcare expenditures (or 50% for eligible small businesses) plus 10% of qualified childcare resource and referral expenses. The maximum annual credit has also increased to $500,000, or $600,000 for eligible small businesses.

07/03/2026

The ensure you're ready for an audit, tax returns should be kept indefinitely and supporting documents should be kept a minimum of three years.

After filing your tax return, do not close the book on your taxes until you have set up next year's files, purged unneeded old records, and prepared your records in case of an audit. Here are some tips.

07/02/2026

07/01/2026

Side hustle income, tax tips, smarter food budgeting, and the growing trend of unplugging from screens. This month's insights can help you keep more money and spend more time on what matters.

Many Americans are taking on side hustles and part-time jobs to boost their income. While earning extra money can help pay for vacations or provide a financial cushion for your family, it can also increase your tax bill. In this month's newsletter, learn how additional income may affect your tax sit...

06/29/2026

Digital Asset Tax Reporting – Did You Know?

If you use a broker for digital asset transactions, such as selling, exchanging, or otherwise disposing of cryptocurrency or other digital assets, you may receive Form 1099-DA. Keep this form with your tax records, as you will need it to accurately report those transactions on your tax return.

06/26/2026

It's not always a good idea to amend a tax return. Do you know how to choose?

Oops! You find an error or omission on last year's tax return. What should you do? Is it always a good idea to file an amended tax return? Here are some things to consider.

06/22/2026

New IRS Portal for Reporting Fraud and Scams

The IRS has launched a new portal that makes it easier to report instances of tax fraud, identity theft, IRS impersonation and other tax-related scams. On the new webpage (link below), people and businesses can report:

- Fake IRS phone calls, emails, and text and social media messages. Scammers posing as government agents often threaten people with arrest unless they submit immediate payments, often in a specific format like gift cards. The IRS does not operate in this way.
- Suspected tax fraud, such as tax evasion schemes or illegal use of offshore accounts.
- Identity theft, which should always be reported to the IRS immediately, even if other government and law enforcement agencies know about the crime.
- Suspicious tax preparation practices, such as a paid tax preparer refusing to sign your return or altering your income figures.

Citizen reporting often plays a critical role in catching scammers and bringing them to justice. This new system makes the process of filing a report less confusing and much more convenient.

IRS Fraud Reporting Site: https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud