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Data Security and Privacy in Tax Preparation: What Every Organization Must Know
Tax data is among the most sensitive information any individual or business shares. Data security and privacy are not optional; they are core to compliance, trust, and long-term viability.
Why Control Changes Everything This Tax Season
Margen is the system where tax preparation actually happens. It prepares, evaluates, optimizes, and files. Human expertise intervenes by exception or preference, not by default.
Why Reasoning Models Are Becoming Core Infrastructure in Tax Software
For tax software teams and large practices alike, reasoning models are no longer optional. The question is how to deploy them in a way that delivers real value.
Did I Leave Money on the Table?
What AI tax accuracy really means for people who need their taxes done right. Accuracy is the starting point, not the finish line.
New IRS Guidance for Lenders on Loans Secured by Farm and Rural Property: What Section 139L Means for 2025 and Beyond
The IRS has released Notice 2025-71, providing interim guidance on a powerful new tax benefit created under the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Beginning in tax years ending after July 4, 2025, certain lenders may exclude 25% of the interest income they receive from qualifying loans secured by rural or agricultural real property.
New IRS Guidance for Workers Claiming Tip and Overtime Deductions for 2025
The IRS has released Notice 2025-69, offering long-awaited instructions for workers who plan to claim the new deductions for qualified tips or qualified overtime compensation on their 2025 tax returns.
IRS Interest Rates Hold Steady for Q1 2026: What Taxpayers Should Know
The IRS has announced that interest rates will remain unchanged for the first quarter of 2026, giving taxpayers clarity as they plan for the new year.
Retirement Contribution Limits Rise for 2026: Higher 401(k) and IRA Caps Announced
The IRS has released its annual cost-of-living adjustments for retirement plans, and 2026 will bring higher contribution limits across nearly every major savings vehicle.
IRS Tightens Employee Retention Credit Rules Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
The IRS's new Fact Sheet FS-2025-07 outlines how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) reshapes the rules around the Employee Retention Credit (ERC), closing the door on retroactive filings and ramping up compliance oversight.
What You Need to Know About the IRS's New 1099-K Rules Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
The IRS's new Fact Sheet FS-2025-08 updates and clarifies how Form 1099-K will work under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), affecting anyone who sells goods or services online or uses payment apps for business.
The New 1% Floor on Corporate Charitable Deductions: What Businesses Need to Know for 2026
Starting with tax years beginning after 2025, a major shift will affect how U.S. corporations deduct charitable contributions under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA).
Your 2025 Year-End Tax Planning Guide: 5 Smart Moves to Consider Before December 31
Smart year-end tax planning isn't just for big corporations, it's for anyone who earns, invests, or owns a business. Here are five practical moves worth considering before the clock runs out.
IRS Tax Deduction and Credit Changes for 2026: 10 New Things Under the One Big Beautiful Bill
The IRS has announced key tax law updates for the 2026 tax year, reflecting adjustments made under the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBBA).
IRS Updates Interest Rates for Tax Underpayments and Overpayments for Q1 2026: What Individuals and Businesses Need To Know Under Notice 2025-50
The IRS has released Notice 2025-50, announcing the official interest rates that will apply to tax underpayments and overpayments during the first calendar quarter of 2026.
IRS Releases 2025 to 2026 Special Per Diem Rates, What Employers and Travelers Need To Know
The IRS has issued Notice 2025-54, updating special per diem rates for business travel expenses from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, including high-cost locality rates and transportation industry rates.
IRS Extends Replacement Period for Livestock Sold Due to Drought, What Producers Need To Know for 2025 and Beyond
The IRS has issued Notice 2025-52, announcing another extension of the replacement period for livestock sold on account of drought, providing relief for agricultural producers in affected regions.
IRS Releases Updated Pension Funding Rates for September 2025: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know About Yield Curves, Segment Rates, and 30 Year Treasury Assumptions
The IRS has issued Notice 2025-47, updating corporate bond yield curves, minimum present value segment rates, and 24-month average segment rates for defined benefit pension plans.
IRS Plans To Remove Disregarded Payment Loss Rules and Extend Dual Consolidated Loss Relief, What Multinationals Need To Know
The IRS has released Notice 2025-44, announcing the removal of disregarded payment loss rules and an extension of transition relief for dual consolidated loss rules, providing significant relief for multinational corporations.
IRS Issues New Guidance on FIRPTA and F Reorganizations, What Multinationals Need to Know
The IRS has released Notice 2025-45, providing new guidance on how foreign corporations redomiciling into the United States are treated under FIRPTA and F reorganization rules.
IRS Updates Yield Curve and Segment Rates for Pension Funding in Notice 2025-43
The IRS has released Notice 2025-43, providing updated corporate bond yield curves, 24-month average segment rates, and 30-year Treasury rates for pension funding calculations.
IRS Issues New Beginning of Construction Rules for Wind and Solar Projects Under Sections 45Y and 48E
The IRS has released Notice 2025-42, reshaping how wind and solar project developers determine whether their facilities begin construction in time to qualify for clean electricity credits under sections 45Y and 48E.
Updated Static Mortality Tables for Defined Benefit Pension Plans in 2026, What Plan Sponsors Need to Know
The IRS has released Notice 2025-40, which provides the updated static mortality tables that defined benefit pension plans must use for valuation dates occurring in 2026.
July 2025 Pension Plan Interest Rates, What Employers and Plan Administrators Need to Know
The IRS has released its updated corporate bond yield curve and pension segment rates for July 2025, providing essential data for sponsors of single employer and multiemployer defined benefit plans.
IRS Obsoletes 83 Pieces of Old Guidance as Part of Major Deregulatory Review
The IRS has released Notice 2025-36, a sweeping update that officially obsoletes 83 Internal Revenue Bulletin (IRB) guidance documents as part of the federal government's broader deregulatory initiative.
IRS Updates Energy Community Bonus Eligibility for 2025, What Developers Need to Know
The IRS has released Notice 2025-31, providing updated data that determines whether a project qualifies for the Energy Community Bonus Credit under sections 45, 45Y, 48, and 48E of the tax code.
IRS Releases Updated Corporate Bond Yield Curve and Pension Segment Rates for June 2025
The IRS has issued Notice 2025-35, which provides updated corporate bond yield curves, spot segment rates, 24 month average segment rates, and 30 year Treasury rates for use in pension funding calculations and minimum present value computations.
IRS Releases Interim Simplified Method for Determining CAMT Applicable Corporation Status, Plus New Estimated Tax Relief
The IRS has issued Notice 2025-27, which provides important interim guidance on two major issues affecting corporate taxpayers in 2025, the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (CAMT) and a temporary waiver of estimated tax penalties under section 6655.
7 Things to Consider Before Selling Your Home
Learn about federal tax rules that can reduce what you owe when selling your home, including gain exclusions, energy credits, and other potential tax breaks.
IRS Releases Updated Corporate Bond Yield Curve and Pension Segment Rates for 2025: What Plan Sponsors Need to Know
The IRS has released Notice 2025-29, providing the latest updates on corporate bond yield curves, minimum present value segment rates, and 24-month average segment rates used for pension funding requirements.
Why the Move Away from Paper Checks?
In March 2025, the president signed Executive Order 14247, directing the federal government to phase out paper checks for payments and receipts by September 30, 2025.
How AI Can Finally Speed Up Tax Prep Without Cutting Corners
Discover how AI is transforming tax preparation by handling the heavy lifting while preserving the expertise and accuracy that tax professionals bring to their work.
83(b) Election Form: Complete Guide to Filing an 83(b) Election with the IRS
If you've received restricted stock from a startup, you may need to file an 83(b) election within 30 days. This guide covers what it is, whether there's an official IRS form, how and where to file, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
IRS Form 8911 and the EV Charger Tax Credit: A Complete Guide
Many homeowners can claim a federal tax credit for installing a home EV charger using IRS Form 8911. This guide explains the EV charger tax credit, who qualifies, how to claim it, and key deadlines.
QSBS Stock: The Complete Guide to Qualified Small Business Stock (Section 1202)
QSBS stock (Qualified Small Business Stock) under Section 1202 can let eligible taxpayers exclude up to 100% of capital gains on the sale of certain small business stock. This guide covers how the exclusion works, eligibility, pitfalls, and planning for founders.
QSBS Tax Exemption Explained (Section 1202 Guide for Founders & Investors)
If you own stock in a startup or small C corporation, the QSBS tax exemption could allow you to exclude up to 100% of your capital gains from federal income tax when you sell. This guide covers the 5-year rule, the $50 million test, who qualifies, and common mistakes.
Remote Work State Taxes for Multiple States: What You Need to Know
If you live in one state and work for a company in another, or moved during the year, you may owe tax in more than one state. This guide explains residency, source income, credits for taxes paid to another state, and how to avoid double taxation.
First-Time 1099: How Much Tax Do I Owe on About $6,500 and What If I Missed Quarterly Payments? (Reddit Q&A)
You've never done 1099 work before and made around $6,500. We explain how self-employment taxes work, how much you might owe, and what to do if you missed quarterly estimated tax payments.
2025 Gift Tax: Do Gifts Under the Annual Exclusion Need a Form or Paper Trail? (Reddit Q&A)
Your father wants to gift you and your girlfriend $15,000 each ($30,000 total). We explain why no Form 709 is required, whether you need any paper trail, and whether both gifts can go into the same account.
Do I Have to Keep Paying Connecticut State Taxes If I Move My Business to Massachusetts? (Reddit Q&A)
You had physical nexus in Connecticut and are moving your business to Massachusetts and ceasing operations in CT. We explain when Connecticut tax obligations end and what to do about registrations and records.
Is State Tax Nexus Calculated on an Entity Level? (Reddit Q&A)
If a company has several subsidiaries, is nexus calculated separately for each entity? We explain that nexus is generally entity-level and why creating new entities to avoid nexus is risky and often impracticable.
Can My 2-Member LLC with No Employees or Physical Presence Have No Nexus? (Reddit Q&A)
You're a managing member of a 2-member Delaware LLC, you live in Illinois and work from home, and the LLC has no employees, storefronts, or inventory. We explain when you may have no nexus and what to watch as you start earning income.
Can a C Corp Deduct Employee Health Premiums Without an HRA? (Reddit Q&A)
Can a C corporation deduct employee health insurance premiums without an HRA? We break down the question from Reddit and what IRS Publication 15-B says for small employers.
Will My Rollover into a PE Holding Company Qualify for QSBS? (Reddit Q&A)
You're selling your company to a PE holding company (C Corp), rolling equity, and will own ~13-15%. We explain the QSBS exclusion, whether you might qualify if you hold 5 years, and how it affects long-term capital gains tax.
Can I Retroactively File an LLC and Then Make the S-Corp Election? (Reddit Q&A)
You're late on forming an LLC and making the S-Corp election; income is better than expected and you're 1099. We explain whether you can form the LLC now and request late S-Corp election, and how to report income before vs after.
Why Is Determining Nexus (USA) So Complicated? Cheaper Options Than a Full Nexus Study (Reddit Q&A)
Company in state X selling to state Y: figuring out whether you must collect and remit sales tax should be simple but isn't. We explain why nexus is messy and lower-cost options than a full nexus study.
Single-Member LLC with S-Corp: Corporation or Disregarded Entity for Wisconsin Withholding? (Reddit Q&A)
You formed a single-member LLC, filed Form 2553 for S-Corp election, and Wisconsin's withholding application asks: Corporation, Partnership, or Disregarded entity? We explain which to choose.
S-Corp to LLC: Does Revoking Trigger a 'Forced Distribution' and Capital Gains? (Reddit Q&A)
You have a single-member Texas LLC with S-Corp election that owns commercial rental real estate and want to revoke and report on Schedule E. We explain whether revoking triggers a forced distribution and capital gains on appreciated assets.
S-Corp to Partnership: Form 8832 or New EIN? (Reddit Q&A)
Your Illinois LLC is taxed as an S-Corp and you're adding a partner; you want partnership taxation for uneven distributions. We explain whether to file Form 8832, whether you need a new EIN, and final S-Corp vs partnership returns.
How Do I Convert from S-Corp Back to LLC? Revoke Election, Final 1120-S, Schedule C (Reddit Q&A)
You have an LLC with an S-Corp election and want to go back to being taxed as an LLC. We explain revoking the S-Corp, filing a final 1120-S, whether you need Form 8832, and reporting on Schedule C.
New Single-Member LLC: Do I File as a Passthrough on My Personal Return? (Reddit Q&A)
You formed a single-member LLC for consulting/training and have a side hustle plus a full-time job. We explain that you report on Schedule C (passthrough), self-employment tax, and what to keep in mind.
How Do I File Form 1065 and Get K-1s for a Multi-Member LLC? (Reddit Q&A)
You and your spouse own a multi-member LLC cottage bakery. We answer how to file Form 1065, how K-1s are generated, whether you can still file jointly, and how it affects W-2 income.
I Filed an 83(b) and Don't Understand: What It Means, Tax Return, When Do I Pay? (Reddit Q&A)
You just joined a startup and filed an 83(b) election. We explain in plain English what it means, whether it goes on your tax return now, attaching a copy, and when you actually pay taxes (now at grant, not after vest and cash out).
I Forgot to Check 'Final Return' on 1120/5472 for My Foreign-Owned LLC: Will I Get the $25K Penalty? (Reddit Q&A)
You filed 1120/5472 for your foreign-owned Wyoming LLC but forgot to check 'final return' after the company dissolved. We explain why you should file a corrected return and how it may help avoid the $25,000 Form 5472 penalty.
I'm Late Filing Form 5472 and 1120 for My Foreign-Owned Single-Member LLC: Penalties and How to Catch Up? (Reddit Q&A)
Late filing of Form 5472 and Form 1120 for foreign-owned single-member LLCs can mean big penalties. We break down your options: reasonable cause, catching up, and when to get help.
What Do I Do with Form 3921? Where to Enter ISO Exercise in Tax Software (Reddit Q&A)
You exercised ISOs and received Form 3921 with exercise price, FMV on exercise date, and number of shares. We explain what the numbers mean, where they go (AMT, future basis), and how to enter them in TaxSlayer.
Former Employer May Have Wrongly Reported Form 3921: Should I Keep Filing 1040-X? (Reddit Q&A)
The IRS has Form 3921 info that's wrong or inconsistent with the Form 3921 you got from your former employer. We explain whether to keep filing 1040-X, how to document the discrepancy, and when to contact the IRS.
ISO Shares at Death: Same Tax Outcome as Regular Stock? Step-Up in Basis (Reddit Q&A)
You own shares from exercising ISOs and they've appreciated. We explain whether the tax outcome at death is the same as normally purchased shares, including step-up in basis and whether beneficiaries pay tax on the bargain element.
Multiple K-1s, Escrow Distributions, and Refunds: What Are Your Options? (Reddit Q&A)
Dealing with multiple K-1s from a company sale, restatements, and income that doesn't match distributions? We break down a Reddit question on K-1 obligations, timing, and what you can do.
Living Off $45k in Sold Stocks: Can You Pay 0% Long-Term Capital Gains Tax? (Reddit Q&A)
If you retire with no other income and live off $45k of long-term gains from sold stocks, do you avoid federal capital gains tax? We confirm the 0% bracket and what to watch for.
Lawyer Formed Us as a C-Corp but We Wanted S-Corp: Do We Still File Form 2553? (Reddit Q&A)
You told your lawyer you wanted an S-Corp but have no acceptance letter; the IRS says you're a C-Corp and to submit Form 2553. We explain why you must file 2553 and how S-Corp is a tax election, not something the lawyer 'forms.'
Can I Revoke S-Corp Election for My LLCs in 2026 and Go Back to Schedule C? (Reddit Q&A)
You have 4 single-member LLCs in New Jersey with S-Corp election and want to revoke for 2026 to cut fees and complexity. We clarify: you can go back to default LLC (Schedule C), not stuck with C-Corp, plus deadlines and NJ rules.
Section 179 Partial Deduction: Can You Choose the Amount? (Reddit Q&A)
Can you deduct part of an asset in one year and the rest the next under Section 179? We answer a Reddit question on partial deductions for small business assets under $2,500.
Should I File an 83(b) Given the Size of My Stake and Startup Situation? (Reddit Q&A)
You're a non-founder CEO with ~3.2mm shares at $0.04 FMV; company is cash poor, strategic exit in 2-3 years likely, QSBS unlikely. We confirm your reasons for skipping the 83(b) and what you're not missing.
Online Business with PA Nexus: Do I Charge Tax on Out-of-State Sales? (Reddit Q&A)
You have an online business with nexus in Pennsylvania. We explain when you must charge sales tax (PA vs. other states), economic nexus thresholds, and whether you add a flat rate or no tax on out-of-state sales.
Tax Pro Q: QSBS, Worthless Stock, and a Last-Minute $30k Purchase Before Liquidation (Reddit Q&A)
Client had $0 basis in tech startup shares, a $30k 'due to me' note, then a 9/24 restricted stock purchase for $30k and 12/24 liquidation. Does this qualify for QSBS or ordinary loss? We walk through QSBS vs. loss, basis, and why it doesn't pass the sniff test.
TurboTax and ISO Disqualifying Disposition: Income Already in W-2, Cost Basis Wrong on 1099-B (Reddit Q&A)
You did an exercise-and-sell with ISOs (disqualifying); income is in your W-2 but 1099-B has wrong cost basis, so TurboTax double-counts. We explain how to adjust cost basis and what to enter so you're not taxed twice.
How Do I Enter Capital Loss Carryover in H&R Block? Short-Term vs Long-Term (Reddit Q&A)
How do you enter capital loss carryovers from 2018 and 2019 in H&R Block? We answer a Reddit question on short-term vs long-term lines and whether to enter the exact amount or the $3,000 max.
ISO Sell-to-Cover: Tax at Exercise vs. When You Sell (Reddit Q&A)
You're exercising ISOs with sell-to-cover and holding the rest. We clarify: no regular income at exercise (but AMT), and how cost basis and gain work when you sell, including qualifying vs. disqualified disposition.
Can You Reduce ISO Tax via a Trust? Revocable vs. Living Trust (Reddit Q&A)
You've heard it's possible to reduce ISO tax burden via a trust (revocable or living trust). We explain why a revocable trust generally doesn't change ISO or AMT tax, and when to talk to a tax or estate pro.
I Forgot to File My 83(b) Election Within 30 Days: What Happens Now? (Reddit Q&A)
You forgot to mail your 83(b) election to the IRS within 30 days when you were issued equity units at a private startup (FMV $0 at grant). We explain what you lose and how you'll be taxed at vesting.
What Is Form 83(b)? Tax at Grant vs. Tax When It Vests (Reddit Q&A)
You got stock grants as part of a promotion and your manager suggested filing Form 83(b). We explain what 83(b) does: tax at grant vs. at vest, and whether you pay for the next 4 years or just once.
Do I Pay Taxes on Stock Compensation If I Don't Sell? (Reddit Q&A)
If you work for Netflix, Amazon, or similar and receive stocks as part of your pay, do you owe income tax if you don't sell? We explain when stock compensation is taxable and how to report it.
Employer Switched Me from W-2 to K-1: Pros, Cons, and How to Maximize Tax Savings? (Reddit Q&A)
Your spouse was switched from W-2 to K-1 at a medical practice with no paperwork. We break down the process, tax benefits, disadvantages, and how to plan for the added tax burden.
Nurse Practitioner New Grad: LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp? (Reddit Q&A)
First year as a Nurse Practitioner with about $60k gross profit in 2026: should you choose LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp, or something else? We compare tax, liability, and admin so you can make the right choice.
I Elected C-Corp for My LLC for 'Better Self-Employment Tax': Was That a Mistake? (Reddit Q&A)
You started a service LLC via LegalZoom, got a call about changing your entity classification for 'better self-employment tax rates,' and filed to be taxed as a C-Corp. We explain why that may be the wrong move and what to do next.
Big Stock Gain, No Quarterly Payments: What to Do in October? (Reddit Q&A)
You have $184k realized gain YTD and $66k salary but didn't pay quarterly estimated tax. We explain the underpayment penalty, safe harbor, and what you can do now, including a large payment, to limit the damage.
Can You File Form 1120 and Schedule F for the Same Business? (Reddit Q&A)
A potential client provided a 2023 1120 and a 2023 Schedule F for the same business with the same numbers. We explain why that's a problem and how to clarify the correct filing.
Does Selling Company Stock Count Toward My Yearly Income and Tax Bracket? (Reddit Q&A)
If you make $150k and sell $60k of company stock the day it vests, is your income now $210k, and do you owe more because of a higher bracket? We explain how vesting and sale income work and how to plan.