Seber Tans, PLC

Seber Tans, PLC The official page of Seber Tans, PLC in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, MI.

What you need to know about filing an extension — and minimizing penaltiesIf you’re not ready to file your 2025 federal ...
04/07/2026

What you need to know about filing an extension — and minimizing penalties

If you’re not ready to file your 2025 federal individual income tax return by April 15, you can request an automatic extension. Filing an extension (Form 4868) by April 15 can give you breathing room to file accurately and protect you from the failure-to-file penalty (assuming you file by the extended Oct. 15 deadline).

But it doesn’t extend your deadline for paying tax owed. So you should project and pay any amount due by April 15 to minimize interest and late payment penalties.

Have questions about your situation? Need assistance estimating your tax liability or filing an extension? Contact us. We can help you stay compliant and minimize penalties and interest.

FAQs about the research creditCompanies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax...
04/06/2026

FAQs about the research credit

Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The research credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible. But the tax savings can be significant. Certain taxpayers may even be able to use the credit to offset employer-paid payroll taxes or the owners’ alternative minimum tax obligations.

We can help you navigate the complexities of claiming this credit, including how it works, which costs may qualify and how it interacts with the deduction for research and experimentation costs. Contact us to discuss your business’s eligibility and quantify the potential benefits.

Are you eligible for mileage deductions?Are you eligible for mileage deductions? Whether you’re filing your 2025 individ...
03/31/2026

Are you eligible for mileage deductions?

Are you eligible for mileage deductions? Whether you’re filing your 2025 individual income tax return or planning for 2026, it’s important to know. Employees can’t deduct business mileage, but the self-employed can. And vehicle expense deductions may also be available to individuals who drive for medical, moving or charitable purposes. But many rules and limits apply. The standard business mileage rate is 70 cents for 2025 and 72.5 cents for 2026. The rate for medical or moving mileage is 21 cents for 2025 and 20.5 cents for 2026. The charitable mileage rate is 14 cents for both 2025 and 2026. Or you can claim certain actual expenses. If you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, contact us.

Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporationsHow you capitalize your C corp...
03/30/2026

Debt vs. equity: Classification counts when shareholders put money into their corporations

How you capitalize your C corporation isn’t just an accounting matter — it’s a tax-saving opportunity. You can set up funds supplied by shareholders as either capital contributions (equity) or loans (debt).

Future withdrawals by equity investors may result in double taxation. Conversely, repayments of shareholder loans are generally tax-free, while interest payments are taxable to the shareholder and deductible by the corporation. This setup provides a more tax-efficient way to get money out of your company. However, the IRS may reclassify shareholder loans as equity if not properly structured and documented. Contact us to evaluate your options and determine what’s right for your situation.

Don’t miss your opportunity to make a 2025 IRA contribution — whether you can deduct it or notEach year, you may be able...
03/24/2026

Don’t miss your opportunity to make a 2025 IRA contribution — whether you can deduct it or not

Each year, you may be able to contribute up to the annual limit to a traditional or Roth IRA (or a combination of the two). The deadline for 2025 IRA contributions is April 15, 2026 — even if you file for an extension on your 2025 return.

You may be eligible to deduct all or part of your traditional IRA contribution and save taxes on your 2025 return. Roth IRA contributions aren’t deductible, but qualified withdrawals are tax-free. If you’re ineligible to make Roth IRA contributions or deduct traditional ones due to income-based phaseouts, a nondeductible traditional IRA contribution can be beneficial.

Have questions about making 2025 IRA contributions? Contact us.

Should your business consider a fiscal year end?Most businesses close their books on December 31 because it aligns with ...
03/23/2026

Should your business consider a fiscal year end?

Most businesses close their books on December 31 because it aligns with the calendar year. And it may seem easier for tax filing purposes.

But this approach isn’t right for every business. Some entities — such as construction companies, accounting firms and snowplowing operations — may have valid reasons for adopting fiscal year ends. Aligning a company’s tax year with its operating cycle can streamline reporting and support better planning.

If you’re thinking about changing your business’s year end, contact us to discuss your options. We can also guide you through the IRS approval process.

It’s your last chance to claim these clean energy tax breaksLast year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) terminated se...
03/17/2026

It’s your last chance to claim these clean energy tax breaks

Last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) terminated several clean energy tax incentives earlier than previously scheduled. But if you bought an electric vehicle or made certain green home improvements last year, you might be eligible for a tax credit on your 2025 individual income tax return. Possible credits include ones for purchasing a new or used clean vehicle (if done by Sept. 30, 2025), making energy-efficient home improvements, or installing renewable energy systems or electric vehicle charging ports at your home. But various rules and limits apply. If you’re wondering whether you might qualify for one or more of these credits, contact us.

Business deductions for four-legged coworkersSome businesses may claim tax deductions for animals that perform a legitim...
03/16/2026

Business deductions for four-legged coworkers

Some businesses may claim tax deductions for animals that perform a legitimate business function. Guard dogs that protect property or cats that control rodents in warehouses are common examples of “working animals.” If an animal provides a clear and direct business benefit, certain expenses (such as food, veterinary care, training and supplies) may qualify as ordinary and necessary business expense deductions. However, the IRS draws a clear line between bona fide working animals and household pets. Contact us to discuss your situation. We can explain the tax rules and documentation needed to support animal-related business deductions.

As we return to cooler weather, the soup, sandwiches, and potato bar from McAlister’s for our Wednesday lunch hit the sp...
03/11/2026

As we return to cooler weather, the soup, sandwiches, and potato bar from McAlister’s for our Wednesday lunch hit the spot!

April 15 is the deadline for more than just your income tax returnYou know your 2025 federal income tax return is due Ap...
03/10/2026

April 15 is the deadline for more than just your income tax return

You know your 2025 federal income tax return is due April 15, 2026. But do you know what else has an April 15 deadline? If you don’t, you could miss out on valuable tax-saving opportunities or become subject to interest and even penalties. The April 15 deadline also generally applies to 1) making 2025 IRA contributions, 2) making 2025 SEP contributions, 3) paying the first installment of 2026 estimated taxes, 4) filing a 2025 income tax return for a trust or estate, 5) filing a 2025 gift tax return, and 6) filing a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR). An extension is available in some cases, but not for the payment of tax due. Contact us to discuss which deadlines apply to you.

Options for forfeited employee FSA balancesMany businesses offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for health care and d...
03/09/2026

Options for forfeited employee FSA balances

Many businesses offer flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for health care and dependent care. One potential drawback is the use-it-or-lose-it rule. Under IRS cafeteria plan rules, unused amounts generally are forfeited after any applicable grace period or permitted health care FSA carryover. Employers may retain forfeitures, often to offset plan costs. If not retained, the funds may be used to reduce the employee contributions that would be required to reach certain FSA balances for the next plan year or returned to employees, provided these amounts are allocated on a reasonable and uniform basis. Contact us to for help reviewing your plan and ensuring forfeitures are handled properly.

4 types of interest expense you may be able to deductPersonal interest expense generally can’t be deducted for federal t...
03/03/2026

4 types of interest expense you may be able to deduct

Personal interest expense generally can’t be deducted for federal tax purposes. But there are exceptions. You probably know that home mortgage interest may be deductible if you itemize deductions rather than claiming the standard deduction. New for 2025 through 2028, you may be eligible to deduct up to $10,000 of car loan interest if the vehicle’s “final assembly” was in the U.S. and other requirements are met. But the deduction phases out starting at $100,000 of modified adjusted gross income ($200,000 for married couples filing jointly). Other potential interest expense deductions are student loan interest and investment interest. Contact us with any questions.

Address

555 W Crosstown Pkwy, Suite 304
Kalamazoo, MI
49008

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

(269) 343-8180

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