HJP Lakes Financial Solutions

10/23/2026

If you make a mistake on your tax return, it may be noticed by the IRS. Here are some of the most common causes.

October 15th marks the end of the 2025 tax filing season. Now the formal audit period for 2025 tax returns is underway. Here are some tips to be prepared.

10/20/2026

Educators Have New Options to Deduct 2026 Classroom Expenses – Did You Know?

If you work as a K–12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours during the school year at a qualifying school, you may be able to deduct qualifying unreimbursed classroom expenses on your tax return.

For 2026, eligible educators may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses as an above-the-line deduction without itemizing, or up to $700 for a married couple filing jointly if both qualify, with a limit of $350 each.

Additionally, a new itemized deduction is available beginning in 2026 for educator expenses, with no separate dollar cap. You must itemize deductions to claim this additional deduction. It is also available to interscholastic sports administrators and coaches who meet the K–12 school and 900-hour requirements, and may cover additional expenses.

Eligible educators may claim both deductions, as long as the expenses used to figure each deduction do not overlap. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify and which deduction strategy yields the greatest possible tax savings.

10/16/2026

Sports betting comes with IRS strings. Know them and plan accordingly.

As sports betting grows in popularity, the IRS is paying attention. Do you know how your winnings and losses are taxed?

10/13/2026

One retirement decision can affect your income for a lifetime: when to claim Social Security.

Should you claim early, wait until full retirement age, or delay? How might your decision affect your spouse? What happens if you continue working?

Join my FREE Social Security Optimization Workshop to explore these questions and learn how to make a claiming decision that fits your circumstances.

Date: Thursday, Oct 15, 22, & 29, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM, Eastern
Location: Zoom

As a Registered Social Security Analyst®, I’ll help you understand claiming options, spousal and survivor benefits, and how Social Security fits into your retirement income plan.

You’ll also receive complimentary access to the RSSA® Roadmap planning tool and a free one-on-one consultation to discuss your options.

You’ve earned your benefits. Take time to understand them before you file.

You’ve worked hard for your Social Security benefits. Understand your options before you claim. Join Rita Lakes, Registered Social Security Analyst®, for a free educational workshop covering claiming strategies, spousal and survivor benefits, working while receiving benefits, and Social Security....

10/12/2026

October 15 Filing Extension Deadlines

Taxpayers who timely requested an extension to file their 2025 federal income tax returns generally must file by Thursday, October 15, 2026. The same deadline generally applies to calendar-year C corporations that received an extension to file their 2025 corporate returns (Form 1120).

In addition, U.S. persons with a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts whose combined value exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2025, and who are required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), generally must file by October 15, 2026. The FBAR extension is automatic; no extension request is necessary.

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

Up to $5,120 of the Adoption Tax Credit Is Refundable for 2026 – Did You Know?

The Adoption Tax Credit helps eligible families manage qualified costs such as adoption fees, travel, legal services and home studies. In recent years, the credit was nonrefundable: it could reduce a person's federal income tax, but any unused amount generally had to be carried forward.

Under rules that took effect in 2025, part of the credit is now refundable. For tax year 2026, up to $5,120 per eligible child may be refundable, even if the taxpayer owes no federal income tax. Any unused nonrefundable portion may be carried forward for up to five years, but a carryforward cannot become refundable in a later year.

The Adoption Tax Credit is subject to income limits and other restrictions, and the timing of a claim depends on the circumstances of the adoption. A tax professional can help determine whether you qualify and how much credit you may claim.

10/09/2026

If you have review Trump Accounts...good. If not read these important tips.

If you have not looked into Trump accounts, do not put it off. Here are some tips.

10/07/2026

Now is the time to visit your tax obligation. Here are some areas worth your attention.

Fall is now upon us meaning there are only three months left to consider making smart moves to manage your tax obligation. With this in mind, why not review the tips included here to see if there is an area or two worthy of your attention. Plus consider a deeper dive into the long held idea of creat...

10/06/2026

🎀 October Is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

Behind every diagnosis is a person, a family, and a story.

According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. (cancer.org)

This October, let’s turn awareness into action:

💕 Talk with your healthcare provider about your personal risk and screening.
💕 Encourage someone you love to make time for her health.
💕 Support someone facing breast cancer—a meal, a ride, or a listening ear can mean so much.

To those in treatment, survivors, caregivers, and families remembering a loved one: we honor you.

Wear pink. Start a conversation. Show you care. 🎀

Rita Lakes, CLTC®, RSSA®, CFEd®
HJP Lakes Financial Solutions