Vickie L. Jones, CPA

08/12/2026

What kind of cookies do rich people like?

Fortune cookies 🍪

07/20/2026

FOR TAX PROS --- Written Information Security Plans are essential for tax pros

A Written Information Security Plan – or WISP – is just one tool for tax professionals to protect their client’s data, and it’s required by law. The IRS and the Security Summit partners have created an easy sample guide that tax pros can use when making their own WISP. The Security Summit is a public-private partnership made up of representatives from the IRS, state tax administrators, tax software companies, tax professionals, and the larger tax community that helps protect taxpayers from identity theft.

Create a WISP
A WISP protects client information most effectively when tailored to the size, scope, complexity and sensitivity of the customer data it handles. A WISP should focus on:
• Employee training and management
• Information systems
• Detecting and managing system failures

WISP requirements
As a part of their security plan, each tax professional needs to:
• Designate one or more employees to coordinate its information security program
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current safeguards for controlling those risks
• Identify and assess risks to customer information in each relevant area of the company's operation
• Design and implement a safeguards program and regularly monitor and test it
• Contract a service provider that maintains safeguards and handling of customer information

Maintain and update
The best plans require maintenance and assessment. Here are some tips to keep a WISP updated and relevant:
• Once completed, keep the plan in an easy-to-read format such as a PDF or Word document
• Store a digital copy, in the event of a natural disaster or emergency
• Regularly review and update any security plan, along with adjusting the plan to accommodate changes to the size, scope and complexity of a tax professional’s business
• It is also recommended to create a data theft response plan and report any ID theft

More information
• Publication 5709, How to Create a Written Information Security Plan for Data Safety
• Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals

07/15/2026

Don’t delay filing any longer: Several free filing options still available

Taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2025 return still have free filing options available. Extension filers have until Oct. 15 but are encouraged not to wait.

IRS Free File
IRS Free File lets qualified taxpayers prepare and file federal income tax returns online. Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025, can use guided tax preparation software to file their federal tax return. Using IRS Free File can help taxpayers take advantage of any tax credits they may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

IRS Free File Fillable Forms
Electronic federal tax forms are available to everyone, regardless of income, with Free File Fillable Forms. People should be comfortable preparing their own tax returns before using these forms.

MilTax
Eligible members of the military community can also file their taxes using MilTax, a free tax resource offered through Military OneSource. Eligible taxpayers can use MilTax to electronically file a federal tax return and up to five state returns for free.

Other e-filing options
Taxpayers can also use commercial software to file their taxes. The return is securely transmitted through an IRS-approved electronic channel and checked for mistakes. If the IRS finds easy-to-fix mistakes, such as a math error or an incorrect Social Security number, the IRS immediately sends it back to the taxpayer to fix it and re-file it. This saves time and prevents a simple mistake from holding up any tax refund.

07/14/2026

Split your mileage. Track Jan-June and July-Dec. 2 different rates. From National Society of Tax Professionals….

STANDARD MILEAGE RATE INCREASED ON JULY 1, 2026

The IRS has made a mid-course change to the standard mileage rate effective July 1, 2026, due to the price of gasoline. Announcement 2026-11, included in Internal Revenue Bulletin 2026-29 published July 9 and dated July 13, increases the standard mileage rate for business use of vehicles to 76 cents per mile, from 72.5 cents.

Announcement 2026-11:

This announcement informs taxpayers that the Internal Revenue Service is modifying Notice 2026-10, 2026-4 I.R.B. 378, by revising the optional standard mileage rates for computing the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, medical, or moving expense purposes and for determining the reimbursed amount of these expenses that is deemed substantiated. This modification results from recent increases in the price of fuel.

The revised standard mileage rates are:

Business - 76 cents per mile
Medical and moving - 23.5 cents per mile
The mileage rate that applies to the deduction for charitable contributions is fixed under § 170(i) of the Internal Revenue Code at 14 cents per mile.

The revised standard mileage rates set forth in this announcement apply to deductible transportation expenses paid or incurred for business, medical, or moving expense purposes on or after July 1, 2026, and to mileage allowances that are paid both (1) to an employee on or after July 1, 2026, and (2) for transportation expenses paid or incurred by the employee on or after July 1, 2026.

The standard mileage rates set forth in Notice 2026-10 continue to apply to deductible transportation expenses paid or incurred for business, medical, or moving expense purposes before July 1, 2026, and to mileage allowances paid (1) to an employee before July 1, 2026, or (2) with respect to transportation expenses paid or incurred by the employee before July 1, 2026.

07/11/2026

Missouri voters to decide on tax Overhaul

Missouri voters will decide on August 4th whether to approve a constitutional amendment that allows lawmakers to replace the state's income tax with increased sales and use taxes. Governor Mike Kehoe said: “Modernizing Missouri's outdated tax code . . . will be a momentous task for the Missouri General Assembly.” Supporters believe this change could enhance Missouri's economic competitiveness, while critics warn it may disproportionately affect lower-income residents. The Missouri Budget Project estimates the proposal could reduce state general revenue by up to $8.5bn, equating to 62.4% of the state's budget. A poll indicated that while many Missourians prefer sales taxes over income taxes, they oppose raising sales taxes or taxing currently untaxed services.

07/07/2026

Is that activity just a HOBBY or a BUSINESS?

Many people have hobbies - things they enjoy doing in their spare time - and some even make a little extra money from them. However, there’s a difference between a hobby and a business, especially how each is treated when it comes to filing taxes. Businesses operate to make a profit while hobbies are for pleasure or recreation. Here are some common questions people should ask themselves when deciding if what they’re doing is a hobby or business. No single thing is the deciding factor.

Questions to help taxpayers decide if they have a hobby or business
• Is there an intent to make a profit?
• If the activity makes a profit, how much is it?
• Can they expect to make a future profit from the appreciation of the assets used in the activity?
• Do they depend on income from the activity for their livelihood?
• Are any losses due to circumstances beyond their control or are the losses normal for the startup phase of their type of business?
• Are operations adjusted to improve profitability?
• Is the activity carried out like a business with complete and accurate books and records kept?
• Do the taxpayers and their advisors have the knowledge needed to carry out the activity as a successful business?

Taxpayers should review all the factors to make the best decision. Regardless of the decision, if they’re paid through payment apps for goods and services during the year, they may receive an IRS Form 1099-K for those transactions. These payments are taxable income and must be reported on federal tax returns.

Additionally, if they received payment in the form of digital assets, they may also get a Form 1099-DA. Whether taxpayers have a hobby or run a business, good recordkeeping throughout the year will help when they file taxes.

07/04/2026

Happy Independence Day!

As we celebrate July 4th, I want to extend my appreciation for the trust you place in me throughout the year. I hope this holiday brings you time to relax, enjoy family and friends, and reflect on the opportunities ahead.

Thank you for allowing me to support your financial and tax needs. Wishing you a SAFE, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day.

Vickie L Jones CPA LLC

07/03/2026

06/30/2026

Summer fun has begun: How common activities could impact the next tax return

Summer hasn’t officially started, but summertime events and happenings certainly have. Most people aren’t thinking about taxes when there’s summer fun to be had, but there’s some common activities that could impact taxpayers in the next filing season. Let’s look at a few.

Summer day camp - If a taxpayer is sending a child to summer day camp, the cost may count toward the Child and Dependent Care Credit.

Marriage - Summer is peak wedding season. Newlyweds can make their tax filing easier by taking two simple steps now:
• First, report any name change to the Social Security Administration.
• Next, notify the United States Postal Service, employers and the IRS of any address change. To officially change their mailing address with the IRS, taxpayers must complete and submit Form 8822, Change of Address. See page 2 of the form for detailed instructions.

Part-time/seasonal work - Summer seasonal and part-time workers may not earn enough to owe federal income tax, but they’re encouraged to file a tax return in the next filing season to get any refund they may be owed. Part-time and seasonal workers can visit IRS.gov to learn more about who should file a tax return. Some taxpayers earn income over the summer through a side hustle or doing gig work. They can visit the Gig economy tax center at IRS.gov to learn how participating in the gig economy can affect their taxes. If taxpayers are paid through payment apps for goods and services during the year, they may receive an IRS Form 1099-K for those transactions. For more information, go to IRS.gov/1099k.

Travel - Most kids may have the summer off, but parents generally don't – and business travel happens year-round. Tax deductions are available for certain people who travel away from their home or main place of work for business reasons. Whether a business traveler is away for a few nights or all summer long, it’s important for them to remember the tax rules related to business travel. Summer vacations are also something that should be considered, depending on how they are paid for. Taxpayers that sell digital assets to pay for a summer trip might get a 1099-DA, so keep good records.

Pay your taxes. Get your refund status. Find IRS forms and answers to tax questions. We help you understand and meet your federal tax responsibilities.

06/25/2026

Got mail from the IRS? Don’t toss it!!

Some taxpayers may get mail from the IRS. It’s important that they open any mail they receive TIMELY and read it carefully.

Most letters or notices are about federal tax returns or tax accounts. Each notice will outline the specific issue and include steps the taxpayer needs to take. A notice may reference changes to a taxpayer's account, taxes owed, a payment request or a specific issue on a tax return or credit.

Review the information. If the mail is about a changed or corrected tax return, the taxpayer should review the information and compare it with the original return. If the taxpayer agrees, they should make notes about the corrections on their personal copy of the tax return and keep it for their records. Typically, a taxpayer will need to act only if they don't agree with the information, if the IRS asked for more information or if there’s a balance due.

Take any requested action. This may include making a payment. The IRS and authorized private debt collection agencies do send letters by mail. Taxpayers can also view digital copies of select IRS notices by logging into their IRS Online Account. The IRS offers several options to help taxpayers struggling to pay a tax bill. Taking prompt action could minimize additional interest and penalty charges.

Reply only if needed. Taxpayers don't need to reply to a notice unless specifically told to do so. If a taxpayer needs to call the IRS, they should use the number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice and have a copy of their tax return and letter.

Let the IRS know of a disputed notice. If a taxpayer doesn't agree with the IRS, they should follow the instructions in the notice to dispute what the notice says. The taxpayer should include information and documents for the IRS to review when considering the dispute.

Keep the letter or notice for their records. Taxpayers should keep notices or letters they receive from the IRS for three years from the date the tax return was filed. These include adjustment notices.