Angela's Taxes, LLC, Angela L Wadsworth, CPA

10/23/2026

IRS reminder: Take steps now to protect tax information

IR-2026-127, Oct. 22, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers to protect their information from tax-related identity theft by safeguarding their IRS online-account credentials and obtaining an Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN).

“Protecting sensitive financial information is essential to preventing unauthorized users from accessing confidential tax information and IRS online services,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “By safeguarding their online account credentials and obtaining an IP PIN, taxpayers can help stop tax-related identity theft, file their tax return with greater confidence, and know they have done what they can to protect themselves from bad actors.”

Access IRS Individual Online Account

After taxpayers verify their identity, they can securely access their IRS Individual Online Account to view tax information and complete certain tax-related tasks.

Taxpayers should not share their sign-in information with anyone. An online account may include sensitive information, such as recently filed returns, refund status, payments, tax records, notifications, and service requests.

Get an IP PIN

Taxpayers can also obtain an Identity Protection PIN to help prevent tax-related identity theft. An IP PIN is a six-digit number that prevents someone else from filing a federal tax return using another taxpayer’s Social Security number or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN).

The IP PIN is known only to the taxpayer and the IRS. Taxpayers who do not already have one may request an IP PIN as a proactive step to protect themselves from tax-related identity theft. Taxpayers can obtain an IP PIN even if they are not required to file a federal tax return.

Taxpayers who plan to file early in 2027 should request an IP PIN before the online system becomes unavailable for annual maintenance in mid-November. The system is generally available again beginning in mid-January.

Taxpayers should protect their IP PIN and disclose it only to a trusted tax professional when they are ready to prepare and submit their federal tax return. The IRS will never call, email, text, or contact taxpayers through social media to request their IP PIN.

10/23/2026

10/14/2026

The deadline to file 2025 taxes is tomorrow

The deadline for extension filers is Oct. 15, 2026. Most taxpayers who requested an extension to file their 2025 federal tax return have until tomorrow to file. Let’s go over some key reminders.

An extension to file is not an extension to pay. Extension filers who owe taxes are encouraged to pay as much as they can. The deadline to pay taxes owed was April 15. Paying what they’re able now can reduce additional interest and penalties.

There are options for people who can't pay their taxes in full, including applying for a payment plan on IRS.gov. Taxpayers can use the tax debt tool to find options for resolving their tax debt. They can also check their account balance online.

File electronically and choose direct deposit. Taxpayers should file electronically and choose direct deposit for their tax refund – it's the fastest and safest way to receive their money.

IRS Free File is still available until Oct. 15. Eligible taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less in 2025 can use guided tax preparation software to prepare and electronically file their federal tax return for free. IRS Free File Fillable Forms is available to taxpayers who are comfortable preparing and filing their own returns. Regardless of income level, taxpayers can still electronically file their returns at no cost.

Some taxpayers may have additional time to file. People in certain disaster areas, may have more time to file. Taxpayers affected by disaster and who have an Individual Online Account, may see personalized messages that highlight available disaster tax relief.

Members of the military and their families may have additional benefits. Special deadline exceptions may apply for certain military service members and eligible support personnel in combat zones. Several resources are available for service members and their families who may be eligible for these exceptions.

Additionally, MilTax, is a free tax resource offered through Military OneSource that generally offers free tax return preparation and e-filing software is available for all military members, and some veterans, with no income limit. This includes federal returns and up to five state returns.

IRS Individual Online Account is helpful. Taxpayers are encouraged to use their IRS Individual Online Account to view account information and tax records, make payments and access other services that may help them complete their return.

09/24/2026

If you're paying higher education costs for yourself, a spouse or a dependent, you may be eligible to save some money with education tax credits or the Tuition and Fees Deduction.

Here are some facts about tax credits for higher education.

The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) is:
Worth a maximum benefit up to $2,500 per eligible student.
Only for the first four years at an eligible educational or vocational institution.
For students pursuing a degree or other recognized education credential.
Partially refundable. People can potentially get up to $1,000 back.
The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) is:
Worth up to $2,000 per tax return, per year, no matter how many students qualify.
Available for all years of postsecondary education and for courses to acquire or improve job skills.
Available for an unlimited number of tax years.
For a complete explanation of all education benefits, read IRS Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education.

09/22/2026

Parents of U.S. babies born in 2025 through 2028 can elect a $1,000 contribution for the child’s Trump Account when they complete Form 4547 through their Individual Online Account. Get started at irs.gov/accounts

09/22/2026

Caring for a family member or relative? Understand the special tax rules

Family members who are paid to take care of a loved one may have tax responsibilities. This depends on whether they are considered an employee or provide their services as their own business.

Let’s go over the special rules of being a family caregiver.

When a caregiver is considered an employee
A caregiver is someone who performs in-home services for elderly or disabled individuals. Generally, they are considered an employee and the person being cared for is considered the employer. This could make them responsible for employment taxes. However, there are some cases when the employer may not owe employment taxes. Some examples are when the caregiver is:

Their spouse
Their child under the age of 21
Their parent, unless an exception applies
An employee who is under the age of 18 at any time during the year, unless an exception applies
It’s important to know that even if they don’t owe employment taxes, they are still required to report the caregiver’s compensation on Form W-2. See Table 1, “Do You Need to Pay Employment Taxes” on page 5 of Publication 926, Household Employer's Tax Guide, for more information.

When a caregiver isn’t considered an employee
Sometimes, caregivers aren’t considered employees, but they are still required to report the compensation as income on their Form 1040 or 1040-SR. They may also be required to pay self-employment tax depending on the facts and circumstances.

Here are some examples of when a family member caregiver typically wouldn’t owe a self-employment tax:

If a family member caregiver is paid by an insurance company to take care of their spouse. The taxpayer would still be required to report the income though.
If a family member caregiver received income from a state agency to care for their grandchildren so their daughter could work. Again, the taxpayer would still be required to report any income.
When self-employment tax may apply
If the caregiver is engaged in a trade or business providing care services, they would be required to pay self-employment tax. For example:

A caregiver received income from a state agency to care for their grandmother, and they operate a sole proprietorship adult day-care business for multiple clients, including their grandmother, in their home. The taxpayer would owe self-employment tax since the taxpayer is engaged in a trade or business of providing care giving services as a sole proprietor operator of an adult day care. The taxpayer must report the full amount of the payment as income on both Schedule C and Schedule SE.

09/20/2026

The Tax Debt Help tool walks you through a series of questions. Based on your anonymous responses, the tool offers potential payment and resolution options available to you. Learn more at: www.irs.gov/taxdebthelp

09/15/2026

If you make quarterly estimated tax payments, mark your calendar. The third estimated tax payment for 2026 is due September 15.

Self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, and others who have income that isn’t subject to withholding may need to make estimated tax payments. Making payments on time can help taxpayers avoid an unexpected tax bill or possible penalties.

Learn more about estimated taxes from the : www.irs.gov/estimatedtaxes

09/15/2026

Estimated taxes aren’t just for the self-employed

Typically, people who are self-employed pay their federal income tax by making estimated tax payments. However, they aren’t the only ones that may need to pay estimated tax. Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. Which means the tax must be paid as income is earned or received during the year. The two ways federal taxes are paid are either through withholding or estimated tax.

Taxpayers who receive income from sources not subject to withholding or don’t have enough withheld, may have to make estimated tax payments. The next estimated tax payment due date is Sept. 15. Let’s take a closer look at who may have to pay estimated tax to ensure they are meeting their tax obligations.

Who may pay estimated tax
Self-employed individuals typically pay their tax this way. Even if a taxpayer isn’t self-employed, they still may have to pay estimated tax if they receive income from sources such as:

Interest
Dividends
Alimony
Capital gains
Royalties
Rents
Prizes and awards
Generally, individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed. Estimated tax is used to pay not only income tax but other taxes such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.

Ways to pay
Taxpayers can pay online, use Form 1040-ES and pay by mail, or by phone. Additionally, individuals can pay through their IRS Individual Online Account, where they can also see their payment history and other tax records.
Businesses can now make most common business tax payments, including estimated taxes and federal tax deposits, through their Business Tax Account or Direct Pay for businesses.

Most taxpayers who make estimated tax payments pay on a quarterly basis. However, they can also be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. if they have paid enough in by the end of the quarter. Visit IRS.gov/payments to view all the options. For additional information, refer to Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

Avoid penalties
Taxpayers who didn’t pay enough tax during the year, either through withholding or by making estimated tax payments, may have to pay a penalty. Generally, the IRS can figure this penalty for them.

Knowing the requirements and paying on time is key to avoiding any penalties.

Make payments, view your account or apply for a payment plan with the IRS.