Episode 123: Big Bill Energy: Tax Tips, Roth Moves, and What the IRS Isn’t Telling You
Release Date: 08/22/2025
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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...
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Update on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): The firm is actively educating clients on this fast-tracked legislation, which passed with drafting errors that may require technical corrections.
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Nonprofit Retirement Plan Credit: A new bipartisan bill proposes extending up to $5,000 in startup retirement plan tax credits to nonprofit organizations, similar to what's already available to for-profits.
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Roth IRA Conversions & RMDs: Listeners get clarity on converting pre-tax retirement funds into Roth IRAs, including the rule that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must be taken before a Roth conversion is allowed.
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Taxability of Legal Settlements: The episode breaks down when lawsuit settlements are taxable, including distinctions between physical vs. emotional damages and the implications of gross settlements (taxed before attorney fees).
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Penalty Relief Through Reasonable Cause: Entrepreneurs learn how to pursue IRS penalty abatement by showing reasonable cause, acting in good faith, and behaving like a prudent taxpayer.
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Potential End of IRS Paper Refund Checks: The podcast closes with an update on the White House’s push to eliminate paper refund checks—a change that likely won’t happen by the proposed September 30th deadline.
Room for All: How CAMP Rehoboth Builds Community That Lasts
In this episode, Kim Leisey, Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth, joins Keith Kahn to share how the organization is evolving while staying true to its mission of inclusion, advocacy, and connection in Southern Delaware. From volunteer programs to partnerships with local businesses, Kim lays out a blueprint for meaningful nonprofit impact.
Key Takeaways:
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Rooted in Purpose: CAMP Rehoboth began as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to welcome all who align with its mission.
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Smart Partnerships: Kim focuses on “intersections”—connecting with businesses and organizations through shared goals.
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Scaling With Heart: Even as events grow, CAMP Rehoboth prioritizes emotional safety, connection, and community-building.
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Mission-First Leadership: The team avoids “mission creep,” sticks to core values, and leans on transparent governance.
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Volunteers with Purpose: People are matched to meaningful roles that use their skills and deepen their connection.
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Businesses Wanted (Beyond the Check): Kim encourages business owners to engage—through board service, volunteering, and partnership—not just donations.