Laser1040 - Maximum Refunds

04/15/2026

It’s Tax Day… and yes, if you’re reading this thinking “uh oh,” take a breath 😅

You can still file an extension today—and Becky walks you through exactly why, in this video.

Here’s the deal:
An extension gives you more time to file… but not more time to pay. The IRS still expects what you owe today, and penalties can stack up quicker than most people realize (up to 25%).

The good news?
If you get ahead of it now, we can help you set up a plan, reduce penalties, and take a whole lot of stress off your plate.

Becky also breaks down:
• First-time penalty abatement (a lot of folks qualify and don’t even know it)
• Why coming in early gives you more options
• How new tax law changes could actually work in your favor this year

If today snuck up on you, you’re not alone. Happens every year.

Let’s handle it the right way 👍
Reach out, file that extension, and let’s get a plan in place.

Think filing an extension delays your tax bill? It doesn’t. Learn how IRS penalties can reach 25%, how to reduce them, and how installment plans and first-time abatement can help. Serving Montana taxpayers.

04/01/2026

Tax Tip Tuesday - Becky breaks down the adoption tax credit for this year in a clear, practical way.

She explains how the $17,280 credit works, including the new $5,000 refundable portion that can be claimed even if you owe no tax.

She walks through the key limitations, like the phase-out starting around $259,000 in income and the rule that you can’t claim the credit when adopting a spouse’s child.

Becky also covers how even unsuccessful adoption attempts can still qualify, and highlights a major benefit—when adopting hard-to-place children or sibling groups through the state, the adoption is free, and you can still claim the full credit amount.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Becky breaks down the adoption tax credit, including the $17,280 benefit, new $5,000 refundable portion, income limits, and who qualifies—even for unsuccessful adoptions.

03/18/2026

In this video, Becky walks through how cryptocurrency sales are reported to the IRS using the new 1099-DA form.

She explains the difference between purchasing crypto (similar to stock sales) and earning it as a business owner (which requires paying taxes and self-employment tax on the value received).

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Learn how cryptocurrency is taxed using the new 1099-DA form. Becky explains crypto sales, cost basis, self-employment tax, and key IRS reporting rules.

03/18/2026

In this video, Becky walks through a new federal program that provides a $1,000 investment account for babies born between 2025 and the end of 2028.

Becky discusses how the account works, how the initial $1,000 is invested and grows until the child reaches adulthood, and what families need to understand about taxes when the funds are eventually withdrawn. She also explains the 10% penalty that applies to non-qualified uses, along with the important exceptions for things like education expenses, purchasing a first home, and other qualifying situations.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Becky explains the new federal program offering a $1,000 investment account for babies born between 2025 and 2028, including how it grows, tax rules, contribution options, and how to apply.

03/04/2026

Becky discussed the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA), which can increase Medicare premiums for higher-income recipients.

Depending on income levels, these additional premiums can range from about $74 to $444 per month.

Becky also reviewed several practical strategies that may help reduce this potential tax burden.

For individuals who are still working, maximizing contributions to a 401(k) can help lower taxable income.

If eligible, contributing to a traditional IRA may also provide an additional deduction.

For retirees, making qualified charitable distributions (QCDs) directly from an IRA can be another effective way to reduce adjusted income, which may help avoid or minimize IRMAA-related Medicare premium increases.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly.

Becky explains IRMAA, which can increase Medicare premiums for higher-income recipients by $74–$444 per month, and shares strategies to help reduce the impact, including maximizing 401(k) contributions.

02/25/2026

If you’re thinking about selling your home — or you recently did — this is important.

In this video, I walk you through the current tax rules for home sales, including the $250,000 capital gains exclusion for single filers and $500,000 for married couples, available every two years if you qualify.

I also explain:

• The ownership and residency requirements you must meet

• How capital gains are calculated (sale price minus your original cost plus improvements)

• Why you must report the sale on your tax return — even if you owe no tax — to avoid unnecessary IRS penalties

Home sales are one of the most commonly misunderstood areas in tax law, and a simple reporting mistake can create bigger problems than necessary.

If you have questions about your situation, reach out. We’re here to make sure it’s done right.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly. You can also call us directly from this post by clicking the call button below.

https://www.laser1040.com/2026/02/tax-tip-tuesday-february-24-2026-home-tax-sale-rules/

Call now to connect with business.

02/18/2026

Hey everyone, Becky here — and I’ve got an important update for our seniors this Tax Tip Tuesday.

New this year, low-income seniors may be able to reduce their taxable income by up to $6,000 per taxpayer on their federal return. Now keep in mind, this deduction does start to phase out as income increases, and it’s completely gone for single filers at $125,000 of income — double that for married couples filing jointly.

This deduction is claimed on the new Schedule 1A, so make sure you’re using the updated forms.

Here in Montana, we also have a separate senior deduction of $5,660, which was already in place last year—so don’t miss that one either.

And one more thing for my Montana seniors age 62 and older: if you have a lower income but higher property taxes, you may qualify for the 2EC Elderly Homeowner Credit on your Montana return. That can make a real difference.

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, Laser 1040 is here to help.

Let’s make sure you’re getting every deduction you deserve.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly. You can also call us directly from this post by clicking the call button below.

https://www.laser1040.com/2026/02/tax-tip-tuesday-february-17-2026-senior-tax-deductions/

02/11/2026

Becky breaks down an important tax change for 2025 that could benefit many taxpayers.

She explains why itemizing deductions may now make more sense than taking the standard deduction. In her example, the state and local tax (SALT) deduction alone exceeds the federal standard deduction by $8,500, making itemizing the more advantageous option.

She walks through exactly what to gather: property taxes, vehicle license fees, charitable contributions, home mortgage interest, and medical expenses — including insurance premiums.

Becky emphasizes that this strategy can be especially beneficial for generous charitable givers and homeowners with higher mortgage interest and property tax burdens.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly. You can also call us directly from this post by clicking the call button below.

https://www.laser1040.com/2026/02/tax-tip-tuesday-february-10-2026-itemizing-vs-standard-deductions/

02/04/2026

Becky breaks down the new no-tax-on-tips deduction and what it really means for tipped workers. She explains that eligible employees may be able to deduct up to $25,000 using the new Form 1A, provided their income falls within the qualifying limits (up to $150,000 for single filers and $300,000 for married couples filing jointly).

Becky also explains how employers should report tips separately on your W-2, and how self-employed workers—such as rideshare or delivery drivers—must report their tips correctly.

Finally, she walks through Form 4137, which is used to report Social Security and Medicare tax on tips, and reminds viewers of an important truth: tips are always taxable, including cash tips. Failing to report them can cost you thousands of dollars in Earned Income Credit refunds and may reduce your future Social Security benefits.

Click the link to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please use the contact form on our website, and we’ll get back to you promptly. You can also call us directly from this post by clicking the call button below.

https://www.laser1040.com/2026/02/tax-tip-tuesday-february-03-2026-tax-on-tips/

01/30/2026

In this Tax Tip Tuesday for January 27, 2026, Becky discusses important IRS guidance on choosing a trustworthy tax preparer.

She explains that anyone paid to prepare your tax return must legally sign it—if they don’t, they’re considered a ghost preparer with no real tax accountability or expertise.

Becky also shares tips for safely filing your own return online, including avoiding public Wi-Fi and using irs.gov to access legitimate filing sites.

She emphasizes the risks of using ghost preparers or filing completely on your own, especially if you face an IRS audit or receive a correction notice and aren’t prepared to respond.

Click the link to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, just use the contact form on the site, and we’ll take care of you.

Click the link below to watch the video—it’ll take you straight to our website. If you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment, just use the contact form on the site and we’ll get right back with you.

https://www.laser1040.com/2026/01/tax-tip-tuesday-january-27-2026-ghost-preparers/

You can also call us directly from this post by clicking the call now button below.