Fileandtrust

Do you know the difference between IRS liens and levies? A federal tax lien arises when you fail to pay taxes after receiving an IRS bill or notice. It’s a legal claim against your property, including real estate and other assets, which can affect your ability to secure credit or complete financial transactions. A levy may be the next step if your debt remains unresolved. The IRS can seize assets — such as wages or bank funds — to satisfy the debt. In short, a lien protects the IRS’s interest, while a levy enforces collection. If you receive collection notices, don’t ignore them! Acting quickly can help open the door to resolution options. Call us at (925) 405-6124.

Donating artwork, antiques, collectibles or other tangible personal property that has appreciated in value can produce very different tax results depending on the charity’s use of the item. If the use directly supports the organization’s mission — such as an antique donated to a museum for its collection — you may be able to deduct fair market value. But if the item will be used for another purpose, such as being sold at a fundraising auction, your deduction may be limited to what you originally paid for it. Contact us at (925) 405-6124 before making a donation to discuss your potential deduction and the applicable substantiation requirements.

If you’re getting married, or were recently married, congratulations! Taxes are likely the furthest from your mind, but there are a few tax-related chores you need to consider. For example, next year, for 2026, you’ll be filing your first tax return as a married person. That could affect the amount of tax you should have withheld from your paycheck. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator to check. Then provide your employer with a new Form W-4. If your last name has changed, notify the Social Security Administration, which will inform the IRS. You and your new spouse should also review financial accounts, insurance coverage, estate plans and tax strategies. We can help. Contact us at (925) 405-6124.

Fringe benefits offer multiple business advantages. They can boost morale, attract and retain top talent, and qualify for potential tax breaks. That’s why it’s smart to review which ones you sponsor and what you may be missing. Of course, you don’t want to spend time and resources sponsoring benefits your employees don’t value. And you must follow specific rules and documentation requirements to be eligible for tax-advantaged treatment. Contact us at (925) 405-6124 for help choosing the right fringe benefits for your business and managing the tax impact.