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Tax season 2026 is bringing some serious changes, and if you're wondering whether to trust AI software or stick with professional tax planning, you're not alone. With new tax laws kicking in and technology getting smarter by the day, this decision is tougher than ever. The truth is, both options have their sweet spots. AI tax software has evolved from basic calculators to sophisticated platforms that can analyze documents and suggest strategies in minutes. Meanwhile, tax prof

Running a small business is tough enough without throwing money away on avoidable tax mistakes. Yet every year, thousands of business owners make costly errors that drain their bank accounts through penalties, missed deductions, and increased audit risk. With 2025 bringing new tax changes and opportunities, now's the perfect time to identify and fix these expensive mistakes before they hit your bottom line. Let's dive into the seven most costly small business tax errors and h

Running a small business is tough enough without throwing money away on avoidable tax mistakes. Yet every year, thousands of business owners make costly errors that drain their bank accounts through penalties, missed deductions, and increased audit risk. With 2025 bringing new tax changes and opportunities, now's the perfect time to identify and fix these expensive mistakes before they hit your bottom line. Let's dive into the seven most costly small business tax errors and h

The IRS has officially pulled the plug on its Direct File program, and it won't be coming back for the 2026 tax season. If you were counting on this free federal filing option, you're probably wondering what happened and what your alternatives are now. Here's the full story and what savvy taxpayers are already doing to prepare for filing season. What Happened to IRS Direct File? The IRS launched Direct File as a pilot program in 2024, offering taxpayers a way to file their

Nobody likes leaving money on the table, especially when it comes to taxes. Yet every year, millions of taxpayers make costly mistakes that either shrink their refunds or create unnecessary headaches with the IRS. The good news? Most of these errors are completely avoidable with a little planning and know-how. Whether you're a seasoned tax filer or someone who dreads April 15th, these five strategic hacks will help you maximize your refund while steering clear of the most com

The tax services industry has undergone a massive transformation in recent years. Virtual accountants are no longer just a "nice-to-have" alternative: they're becoming the preferred choice for millions of businesses and individuals across the country. But can they truly replace your trusted local CPA? The honest answer isn't a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on your specific situation, business complexity, and personal preferences. After working with clients across diff

The short answer? No, in-person tax meetings aren't dead: but they've definitely evolved. The pandemic fundamentally changed how we work, communicate, and handle business relationships, and the accounting world wasn't immune to these shifts. Today's tax and accounting services operate in a hybrid landscape where both virtual and face-to-face meetings have their place. If you're wondering whether you still need to sit across from your accountant at a desk cluttered with paperw

Every year, millions of Americans turn to DIY tax software promising quick, easy, and affordable tax filing. While these platforms work well for simple tax situations, they're creating a costly problem: taxpayers are making expensive mistakes that could have been avoided with professional guidance. At Smith Taxes & More, we've seen firsthand how these seemingly small errors can cost individuals and businesses thousands of dollars in missed deductions, penalties, and audit iss

The world of business moves fast, and your accounting needs to keep pace. Gone are the days when financial management required stacks of paper, countless office visits, and rigid 9-to-5 schedules. Today's mobile and virtual accounting services are revolutionizing how businesses handle their finances, offering unprecedented convenience without compromising on security or results. Whether you're a busy entrepreneur juggling multiple responsibilities or a growing company that ne

Tax season used to mean one thing: scheduling an appointment, gathering stacks of paperwork, and sitting in an office for hours while your tax preparer worked their magic. But times have changed, and so has the way we handle our taxes. Mobile tax services are revolutionizing the industry, and there's a good reason why everyone from busy professionals to tech-savvy millennials is making the switch. If you're still on the fence about whether mobile tax services are right for yo

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is here, and it's bringing some serious tax relief for small business owners. If you've been struggling with complex tax rules and limited deductions, 2025 just became your best friend. These changes aren't just minor tweaks – they're game-changers that could save you thousands on your next tax return. Let's dive into the seven biggest ways these new tax laws will put more money back in your pocket. 1. 100% First-Year Bonus Depreciation

Let's be honest, most small business owners would rather be doing literally anything else than sorting through receipts and reconciling bank statements. But here's the thing: messy financial records aren't just annoying. They're expensive. Really expensive. Poor bookkeeping costs the average small business thousands of dollars annually through missed tax deductions, late payment fees, and hours of wasted time during tax season. The good news? You don't need to become an accou

Tax season is stressful enough without making costly mistakes that could delay your refund or trigger an audit. Every year, millions of taxpayers make preventable errors that cost them time, money, and peace of mind. The good news? Most of these mistakes are completely avoidable once you know what to watch for. As we approach the 2026 tax season, now's the perfect time to learn from the most common tax preparation blunders and set yourself up for success. Whether you're filin

Let's be honest, most small business owners would rather be doing literally anything else than sorting through receipts and reconciling bank statements. But here's the thing: messy financial records aren't just annoying. They're expensive. Really expensive. Poor bookkeeping costs the average small business thousands of dollars annually through missed tax deductions, late payment fees, and hours of wasted time during tax season. The good news? You don't need to become an accou