Grants Pass Tax Service

09/02/2026

Have you set up your IRS Online Account yet?

An IRS Online Account is a secure and convenient way to access your tax information anytime. You can:

• View your tax records and account information
• Check balances and payment history
• Make or schedule tax payments
• Access certain tax notices and transcripts
• Manage individual and business tax information

Having online access can also make it easier to find the information you need when questions come up during tax season.

You can create or access your account here:

www.irs.gov/accounts

08/26/2026

Back-to-School Tax Tips

School is back in session, and it’s a good time to remember that there are several tax benefits available for teachers, students, and families.

Teachers and other eligible educators may be able to deduct certain unreimbursed classroom expenses, such as books, supplies, and other qualifying materials.

Families using 529 education savings plans may also benefit from expanded rules that allow funds to be used for a wider range of qualified education expenses.

For college students and parents, education tax credits such as the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Lifetime Learning Credit may help offset some of the cost of higher education.

As always, keep receipts and records for education-related expenses throughout the year. Good records can make tax time much easier.

Grants Pass Tax Service

08/13/2026

Sold your home this summer?

You may not owe tax on all of the profit.

If the home was your primary residence and you meet the ownership and use requirements, you may be able to exclude up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 for many married couples filing jointly.

If you sold a home in 2026, be sure to keep your closing statements and records of major improvements.

Those documents can make a big difference when it is time to prepare your tax return.

08/05/2026

Haven’t filed your taxes in several years?

You are not alone, and the situation is often fixable. In this article, we explain what steps to take, how to replace missing tax documents, and what options may be available if you cannot pay in full.

https://www.grantspasstaxservice.com/News/havent-filed-taxes-in-several-years-what-to-do/

07/29/2026

Last week, we shared some reminders about keeping good records for charitable donations. This week, let’s talk about avoiding charitable contribution scams.

Scammers sometimes take advantage of people’s kindness, especially after a disaster or tragedy. They may create fake charities, collect personal information or encourage taxpayers to claim inflated values for donated property.
Before donating:

• Confirm that the organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool:
https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations

• Remember that donations made directly to individuals or personal fundraising accounts generally are not tax-deductible.

• Be cautious about sharing personal or financial information with unfamiliar organizations.

• Keep receipts and documentation for all donations, including cash and donated property.

• Use a reasonable fair market value for donated clothing, furniture or other property. Be wary of anyone encouraging you to use an inflated appraisal or promising that a donation will eliminate or substantially reduce your tax liability.

Suspected tax scams or fraud can be reported confidentially here:
https://www.irs.gov/help/report-fraud

If you believe your tax identity may have been compromised, visit:
https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-central

Your generosity should benefit the cause you intended, not a scammer. Taking a few minutes to verify an organization before donating can help protect your money and personal information.

07/23/2026

Giving to charity in 2026? Don’t forget the paperwork!

Whether you donate throughout the year or make contributions during the holidays, keeping good records now can make tax time much easier.

A few important reminders:

• Donations made directly to individuals or personal fundraising accounts generally are not tax-deductible.

• Keep a receipt, bank record or written confirmation for every cash donation. It should show the organization’s name, the date and the amount donated.

• For donations of $250 or more, you will need a written acknowledgment from the charitable organization before claiming the deduction.

• For donated clothing, furniture or other property, keep a description of the items and their fair market value. Larger noncash donations may require additional forms or an appraisal.

Beginning with the 2026 tax year, taxpayers who do not itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying cash donations, or up to $2,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Before donating, you can also use the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool to confirm that the organization qualifies to receive tax-deductible contributions.

A little organization throughout the year can save a lot of time and frustration at tax time!

07/22/2026

Do you have income that doesn’t have taxes automatically withheld?

Self-employment income, rental income, IRA withdrawals, pensions, investments, capital gains, and side-business income can all lead to an unexpected tax bill.

Even taxpayers with regular W-2 jobs may need quarterly estimated payments if they have additional income from other sources.

Our blog explains:

• Who may need to make estimated tax payments
• Why paying everything in April may not prevent penalties
• How the federal safe harbor rules work
• When estimated payments are due
• When increasing withholding may be an easier option

A little planning during the year can help prevent a large balance due, penalties, and an unpleasant surprise at tax time.

Read the full article here:

https://www.grantspasstaxservice.com/News/quarterly-estimated-tax-payments-oregon/

07/15/2026

Life changes-and your taxes usually change with them.

Getting married, welcoming a child, going through a divorce, or losing a loved one can affect more than your personal life. These events may also change your filing status, withholding, credits, and filing requirements.

Getting married?
You may need to update your name, address, and Form W-4. It is also a good time to review your withholding so you are not surprised at tax time.

Welcoming a new child?
A birth or adoption may make you eligible for valuable tax benefits, including the Child Tax Credit, Adoption Credit, or Child and Dependent Care Credit. Be sure to obtain the child’s Social Security number and keep important records.

Going through a divorce or legal separation?
This may affect your filing status, who can claim the children, your withholding, and your eligibility for certain credits and deductions.

Dealing with the loss of a loved one?
A final personal income tax return may need to be filed, and an estate or trust return may also be required depending on the circumstances.

Major life events are already stressful enough. Taking a little time to review the tax impact now can help prevent surprises later.

07/09/2026

Supporting a new local business! Rogue Payroll Co. has officially opened, and I'm happy to help spread the word. If you're in the market for payroll services, take a look. Best wishes for a successful new venture!

Payroll services for Oregon small businesses

07/08/2026

Just Married? A Few Tax Tips for Newlyweds

Congratulations! Marriage is an exciting new chapter, but it's also a good time to make a few updates that can help make next year's tax filing much easier.

Here are a few things to check:

• Update your name with the Social Security Administration if you've changed it.

• Update your address with your employer, financial institutions, and the IRS if you've moved.

• Review your Form W-4 with your employer. Marriage can change how much tax should be withheld from your paycheck.

• Remember, your marital status on **December 31** determines how you'll file your tax return for the entire year.

• Keep your tax records together, including W-2s, 1099s, and prior-year tax returns.

Taking care of these simple steps today can save time, reduce stress, and help ensure your return is processed without unnecessary delays.