Episode 121: Clean Energy Out, Bonus Depreciation In: Navigating the New Tax Terrain
Release Date: 07/25/2025
Episode 147: The 10-Year Tax Play: Deferring Capital Gains the Right Way
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: Inflation-indexed IRS deductions, credits, and thresholds for 2026. Non-indexed thresholds that haven't changed in decades (e.g., home sale gain exclusion). New above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers. Rules for deducting donated vehicles. Conservation easements and farmland preservation. Tax treatment of donated timeshares and vacation home rentals. Qualified opportunity zone capital gains deferment. Health insurance marketplace premium tax credit pitfalls. Upcoming tax filing deadlines. IRS interest vs. penalty abatement rules.
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Episode 146: Hobby Losses, Gambling Wins, and the IRS's Fine Print
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: Hobby loss rules – refresher on when the IRS may reclassify a business as a hobby. Trump accounts – contributing up to $5,000 for a minor without triggering a gift tax filing. Gift tax basics – $19,000 annual exclusion, filing requirements above that, and the $15M lifetime exemption. Gambling loss changes – losses now deductible only up to 90% of winnings (previously 100%), and only if itemizing. Online sports betting – winnings are taxable income regardless of platform. Standard mileage rate increase – 76 cents/mile for July–Dec 2025 vs. 72.5 cents for...
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Episode 145: Marketplace Money Trouble: The Subsidy Surprise Coming Your Way
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: Premium tax credit changes affecting Marketplace health coverage enrollees. Long-term care insurance premium deductions and new retirement plan withdrawal rules. A proposed Newborn Tax Credit and updates to ABLE accounts. IRS partnership audit trends and lingering ERC (Employee Retention Credit) claim backlog. A rundown of current IRS-impersonation scam tactics targeting seniors.
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Episode 144: New Tax Credits, Crypto, and IRS Chaos
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027) — Up to $1,700 non-refundable credit for K–12 scholarship donations; no income limits; requires state opt-in Cryptocurrency staking rewards — Tokens taxable as income upon receipt; deferral legislation proposed but not yet law 1099-DA reporting (2027) — Brokers must report digital asset sales; provide all 1099s to your preparer Charitable contribution rules — Cash must be documented; GoFundMe not deductible; large non-cash donations require appraisals $4.2M charitable deduction denied — Tax court disallowed due to inadequate...
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Episode 143: QSBS, SALT, HSAs & More: Mid-Year Tax Moves for Taxpayers
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: IRS call strategies – A tip for getting through when the IRS won't accept calls • Tax identity theft – How fraudsters file returns using stolen Social Security numbers • Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) – A little-known tax exclusion that could eliminate gains for eligible investors • IRS First-Time Abatement – An automated penalty relief process coming soon for late filers • Investment fee deductibility – Why individuals can no longer deduct these fees, but businesses still can • IRS interest rate increases – Higher rates on underpayments and...
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Episode 142: IRS Notices, Hidden Tax Credits, and the Tax Traps Costing People Money
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: A recent court case that could allow some taxpayers to recover certain IRS penalties and interest assessed during the COVID-era, and what steps may be available to protect refund claims. The growing problem of erroneous IRS and state tax notices, including what taxpayers should do before reacting to unexpected letters. Valuable but often-overlooked tax credits, including significant updates to the adoption tax credit and how proper communication with your tax preparer can prevent missed opportunities. A refresher on the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) and additional...
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Episode 141: From Kids' First Jobs to High Earners: Your Mid-Year Tax Playbook
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: 2026 Tax Legislation Outlook — No major tax changes expected this year; budget reconciliation and new proposals remain largely on hold. Retirement Savings Updates — Expanded 401(k) investment options (real estate, private equity), new IRA access for those without workplace plans, and spousal IRA contribution rules. Roth IRA Benefits — Tax-free growth advantages and AGI threshold increases for contributions. Summer Tax Tips for Families — Tax withholding rules for dependent children working summer jobs, and how to hire your child if you're self-employed to reduce...
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Episode 140: Fewer Audits, More Red Flags: What’s Really Changing at the IRS
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: What IRS funding cuts actually mean in the real world, fewer audits, but slower responses and more frustration when you do need answers Why “audit rates are down” doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, and how AI-driven red flags are quietly replacing old-school enforcement The growing role of automation in tax processing, and how it’s leading to confusing notices, mismatched payments, and head-scratching letters Why you should never ignore a tax notice, even when it looks wrong, and how often they actually are New and finalized tax rules that could create real savings...
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Episode 139: Avoid IRS Penalties!
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: Why most taxpayers don’t itemize anymore, and when it still actually makes sense to do so The hidden fine print on mortgage interest deductions, including caps that quietly limit what high-balance homeowners can write off How home equity loans can either save you on taxes, or cost you the deduction entirely depending on how you use the money The real story behind points, refinancing, and why timing matters more than most people realize Why some common “write-offs” like mortgage insurance premiums rarely benefit higher earners A major shift in state and local tax...
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Episode 138: Tax Traps and Smart Moves: What Taxpayers Should Fix Before It Costs Them
Accounting and Accountability
In this episode: A practical look at proposed IRS reform and why better customer service, clearer appeals rights, and stronger taxpayer advocacy matter to everyday taxpayers and business owners. A timely reminder about April tax deadlines, including the difference between an extension to file and an extension to pay. What taxpayers should know about the IRS shift away from paper checks, and how that could affect refunds, estimates, and tax payments. A candid discussion about what happens when you owe the IRS, including payment plan options, costly mistakes, and why tax planning matters more...
info_outlineIn this episode:
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Faw Casson will close early on August 8 for their annual all-office beach day—a fun family tradition showing the firm’s strong culture and appreciation for its people.
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes impactful updates for businesses and individuals—this episode dives into the lesser-known but highly relevant changes.
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C Corporation charitable donations are now subject to a 1% floor—but strategic business advertising can provide a workaround.
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Bonus depreciation is back at 100%, but with quirky timing: Section 179 may still be a smarter choice for some assets, depending on your purchase date.
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Business interest expense limitations now revert to using EBITDA instead of EBIT, a favorable shift for many larger companies.
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The adoption credit becomes refundable (up to $5,000), but only starting with the 2025 tax year.
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Opportunity zone reinvestment rules are extended and sweetened: You can now defer capital gains for five years and eliminate tax on appreciation if held for 10.
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The employer-provided child care credit jumps to 40%, with the cap increasing to $500,000—a major incentive for businesses with space to spare.
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Farmers selling farmland to other farmers can now spread capital gains tax over four years.
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529 plans can now be used for more types of education expenses—distribution limit rises from $10,000 to $20,000 starting mid-2025.
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Several energy credits and deductions are expiring after 2025, including:
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Clean vehicle credit (for EVs acquired after 9/30/25)
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Residential solar and geothermal energy credits
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Home energy improvement deductions (like windows, doors, and water heaters)
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Wagering loss deductions will be limited to 90% of gambling income starting in 2026—another subtle but impactful change.
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The firm is offering free educational sessions in August to help business owners prepare for these tax law changes—one in Lewes (Aug 6) and one in Dover (Aug 12), with virtual access available.
We’re setting sail with two powerhouse guests from the Delaware Division of Small Business—Anastasia Jackson, Kent County Regional Business Manager, and JJ Moore, the Division’s newly minted Business Finance Director. Whether you’re scribbling your next big idea on a napkin or running a growing company, this episode delivers the kind of insight that turns entrepreneurial dreams into action plans.
What Entrepreneurs Will Learn:
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Where to Begin Your Journey: Discover why the Division’s motto, “It Starts With Us,” is more than a slogan—it’s a literal roadmap for Delaware’s entrepreneurs, from idea-stage to expansion.
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The Edge Grant 2.0: Learn how this newly enhanced funding program now offers more money, more finalists, and—crucially—free expert support to help you scale wisely, not just quickly.
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Access to Capital, Reimagined: JJ breaks down Delaware’s three underutilized lending programs that provide flexible, low-interest loans—even for startups with little collateral or limited credit history.
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Unmatched Resources (at Zero Cost): From SizeUp Delaware (a free business analytics tool) to statewide partners like the SBDC, SCORE, and Main Street programs, you’ll hear how the Division connects entrepreneurs to powerful support systems.
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Funding + Knowledge = Success: This episode emphasizes that capital alone doesn’t grow a business—strategic guidance, data, and mentorship matter just as much.
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Collaboration Across Agencies: The Division’s connections with tourism, public health, economic development, and supplier diversity efforts give entrepreneurs a true one-stop-shop for support.
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The Misconceptions: Find out why people often confuse this office with the SBA—and why understanding the difference could open unexpected doors.
Whether you're trying to get your idea off the ground or figure out how to fund your next big move, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice. Find out more from the Delaware Division of Small Business.