Fittante and Colenso, CPA, PC

08/21/2026

If you own or operate a heavy highway vehicle, an important tax deadline may be coming up!

The Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax applies to vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, and the Form 2290 deadline is based on when the vehicle was first used on a public highway.

Reminders:

* Vehicles first used in July 2026 must have Form 2290 filed by **August 31, 2026**.
* The filing deadline is not tied to the vehicle's registration date.
* Vehicles expected to travel 5,000 miles or fewer, or 7,500 miles for farm vehicles, still require a return even though the tax may be suspended.
* E-filing is required when reporting 25 or more vehicles.

Keeping track of when a vehicle first hits the road can help ensure Form 2290 is filed on time.

08/17/2026

Some taxpayers may soon have an easier way to receive IRS penalty relief.

The IRS is introducing Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP), which will replace the current First Time Abate program for eligible returns.

Taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time may automatically receive relief from certain failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and failure-to-deposit penalties without having to request it.

A few things to know:

-Eligibility generally requires a timely filing and payment history for the previous three years.

-Qualified taxpayers do not need to apply for AEP.

-Tax and interest owed are still due.

-Other penalty relief options may be available for taxpayers who don't qualify.

The transition is beginning with eligible 2025 tax year and 2026 quarterly returns, with AEP replacing First Time Abate for eligible returns with original due dates on or after January 1, 2027.

Learn about penalty relief and if you qualify for relief from a penalty by administrative waiver.

08/11/2026

Hiring seasonal or part-time employees this year?

Keep in mind that seasonal workers are subject to the same federal tax withholding, Social Security, and Medicare tax rules as any other employee. Employers are responsible for withholding and remitting these taxes.

Some important reminders:

📎 Withhold federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from employee wages.

📎 Seasonal employers may not need to file Form 941 for quarters with no wages paid, but they should indicate they're a seasonal employer on the form.

📎 Agricultural employers have separate filing requirements under IRS Publication 51.

Taking a few extra steps now can help your business stay compliant and avoid issues later on.

08/04/2026

Charitable giving is a great way to support causes you care about, but sadly, it's also something scammers try to exploit :(

Before making a donation...

✔️ Verify the charity is a qualified tax-exempt organization.
✔️ Keep receipts and records of every contribution.
✔️ Be cautious of inflated appraisals or promises that a donation will dramatically reduce your taxes.
✔️ If you're donating property, make sure its value is documented accurately.

A little due diligence helps ensure your donation goes where it's intended and that any tax deduction you claim is properly supported.

07/30/2026

If you make charitable donations throughout the year, bookmark these recordkeeping tips!

✅ Save receipts or bank records for all cash donations.
✅ Donations of $250 or more require a written acknowledgment from the organization.
✅ Keep a list of non-cash donations, along with their estimated value.
✅ Make sure the organization is eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

Good records make it easier to claim any deductions you're entitled to and help support your return if questions ever arise.

07/23/2026

Eligible teachers and school administrators, take advantage of the Educator Expense Deduction!

You can deduct up to $300 of out-of-pocket costs for classroom supplies, tech, and training from your taxes. Make sure to save those receipts and reduce your taxable income.

Learn more here: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc458

07/20/2026

If you filed a tax extension in April, remember, your new deadline to file is October 15th. Use this time wisely to get everything ready for the deadline.

Need help getting your documents in order? We’re just a call away.

07/15/2026

The IRS has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by Michigan's severe storms, tornadoes, and flooding, including those in Iron, Marquette, and Menominee counties.

Eligible taxpayers now have until November 2 to file certain federal tax returns and make qualifying tax payments that were originally due between April 10 and November 2. If you live or own a business in one of the affected counties and have questions about how this relief applies to you, we're happy to help you understand your options.

Affected individuals and businesses will have until Nov. 2, to file returns and pay any taxes originally due during this period.

07/13/2026

Recently tied the knot? Congrats!

Marriage brings a few tax changes that are easy to overlook but can make next year's filing season much smoother.

Be sure to:

☑️ Update your name with the Social Security Administration, if needed.
☑️ Notify the IRS, your employer, and other important organizations of any address change.
☑️ Review your tax withholding and submit a new Form W-4 if necessary.
☑️ Decide whether filing jointly or separately makes the most sense for your situation.
☑️ Keep your tax documents together and review any credits or deductions you may now qualify for.

07/08/2026

We're more than halfway through the year, making now a great time for a quick tax checkup.

A few things to review before the next filing season:

✅ Keep tax documents organized as you receive them.
✅ Check that your tax withholding still matches your current situation.
✅ Update your name or address if it has changed.
✅ Review your filing status if you've experienced a major life event, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.
✅ If you're able, contribute to a retirement account. It may help reduce your taxable income.

Spending a few minutes now can save time, reduce stress, and help avoid surprises when it's time to file next year.