Houlihan, LLP

Houlihan, LLP Houlihan, LLP is a full-service accounting firm. We can provide you with assistance that will improve your total financial well-being.

Our firm specializes in providing quality accounting services. We offer business valuation, tax planning, and financial planning for individuals and small businesses, as well as small business accounting. Please call or visit our website for more details.

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you...
07/14/2026

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you understand the tax impact.

Federal tax law generally treats such winnings as taxable income. Knowing the basic rules can help you avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. For example, if you win more than $5,000, generally the payer (lottery agency, casino, etc.) will withhold 24% for federal tax purposes — which may or may not be enough to cover your tax liability — and send you and the IRS a Form W-2G showing the winnings paid and tax withheld.

There also might be state tax consequences. Contact us to learn more.

Summer is a good time to see whether your income, deductions and investment activity are lining up as expected. Reviewin...
07/07/2026

Summer is a good time to see whether your income, deductions and investment activity are lining up as expected. Reviewing your tax picture now gives you more time to take steps to reduce or defer taxes. For example, if you expect this year’s income to be near the threshold for a higher bracket, consider strategies for reducing your taxable income to stay out of that bracket. If you’ve realized, or expect to realize, significant capital gains this year, consider selling some depreciated investments to generate losses you can use to offset those gains. And if you’d like help evaluating these and other midyear tax strategies, contact us.

Will your Social Security benefits be taxable? A portion might be. How much depends on your provisional income, your ove...
06/30/2026

Will your Social Security benefits be taxable? A portion might be. How much depends on your provisional income, your overall income and IRS thresholds.
Provisional income is your adjusted gross income with some additional calculations. You may have to report up to 85% of your Social Security benefits as taxable income if your provisional income is over $34,000 ($44,000 for joint filers). If you file separately from your spouse who lived with you at any time during the year, the threshold is $0.
Smart tax planning can potentially reduce your liability. We can help project your provisional income and review your overall tax situation to identify strategies that make sense for you.

Rising home values are leaving some homeowners with large gains when they sell. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a larg...
06/23/2026

Rising home values are leaving some homeowners with large gains when they sell. But that doesn’t necessarily mean a large tax bill. If you sell your principal residence and meet certain requirements, you can exclude up to $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for joint filers). Gain that exceeds the exclusion or doesn’t qualify for it, however, is subject to long-term capital gains tax (or short-term capital gains tax if you haven’t owned the home for more than a year). It also could be subject to the net investment income tax if your income is over a certain amount. Contact us before putting your home on the market. We can help you estimate the tax impact and discuss possible planning opportunities.

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax...
06/17/2026

If you’ve recently lost your job, you’re likely focused on replacing income and evaluating your next steps. But some tax implications related to a job loss may also require attention. For example, unemployment compensation and severance pay are generally taxable, at least at the federal level. And health insurance premiums you’d been paying pre-tax from your paycheck may now have to be paid after-tax — though you might be able to deduct them. There are also tax consequences to consider in relation to your retirement plan with your former employer or withdrawing funds from an IRA to replace some of your lost income. If you’d like guidance, contact us.

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can appl...
06/09/2026

Many parents don’t know that the “kiddie tax” exists. Others assume it affects only minor children. But it also can apply to full-time students through age 23 and 18-year-olds even if they aren’t full-time students. When it applies, the child’s unearned income in excess of $2,700 (for 2026) is taxed at the parent’s tax rate, if higher.

If your child has investment income from custodial accounts, consider reviewing the types of investments in those accounts. Growth-oriented investments that generate little current income may help reduce exposure to the kiddie tax until your child is old enough that the tax no longer applies.

If you’d like help evaluating your family’s situation, contact us.

If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not a...
06/02/2026

If you participate in a company 401(k) plan, there may be an option to add to your retirement nest egg that you’re not aware of: after-tax, non-Roth contributions. These contributions aren’t subject to the annual elective deferral limit ($24,500 for 2026, plus catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older). So, if your plan allows, you can make them after you’ve maxed out your deferral limit, including catch-up contributions, if applicable. They create tax basis in your account that can eventually be withdrawn tax-free. And growth on the money won’t be taxed until you start taking withdrawals. We can review your situation and help you determine whether you might benefit.

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to crea...
05/27/2026

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Remember, the IRS will never contact you by email or text about a tax bill or refund. It also won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Most IRS communications are sent through regular mail — though fraudsters may send fake IRS notices by mail, often including QR codes.

Don’t click on links, open attachments or scan QR codes from unknown senders that might direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Contact us if you have questions.

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organiza...
05/19/2026

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organization receiving the piece and how it will be used. Your deduction will generally be reduced if the charity’s use of the artwork is unrelated to the purpose or function that’s the basis for its qualification as a tax-exempt organization. The reduction equals the amount of capital gain you would have realized had you sold the artwork instead of giving it to charity. Other deduction limits as well as special substantiation and appraisal rules also may apply. If you’re considering donating artwork or other valuable property, contact us for help ensuring the best tax outcome.

If you’re thinking about relocating, don’t choose a new state based only on climate, cost of living or proximity to fami...
05/12/2026

If you’re thinking about relocating, don’t choose a new state based only on climate, cost of living or proximity to family. Also review the tax implications.

For example, some states don’t have a personal income tax, and some that do have one offer tax breaks for pension payments, retirement plan distributions and Social Security payments. Also be aware that a state with no personal income tax may impose high property, sales or estate taxes.

Before making a move, contact us to review the potential income, property, sales and estate tax implications. We can help you minimize potential negative tax consequences and make the most of any tax advantages offered by the new state.

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421 E Cook Road, Ste 300
Fort Wayne, IN
46825

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