ignore back taxes

What Happens If You Ignore Back Taxes? A Hard Truth

You keep brushing aside those IRS letters, assuming silence is safer than action.

One more month won’t hurt, right?

But while you’re dodging phone calls and deleting emails, the government isn’t just waiting around.

Penalties pile up.

Your paycheck could shrink without warning.

That vacation fund?

Gone.

Your passport renewal? Denied.

All because back taxes don’t disappear, they compound.

The truth?

Facing tax debt head-on can be far less painful than letting it rot in the background.

IRS programs exist to help, but they require action, not avoidance.

Whether it’s a payment plan or settlement, there’s still a path forward that doesn’t involve liens or wage garnishments.

Read on to find out what happens if you ignore back taxes. Read more

how to prepare for tax season

How to Prepare for Tax Season All Year Long

According to the IRS, in 2024, taxpayers who filed late were hit with $17.8 billion in extra tax bills, and the agency recovered almost $3.2 billion from overdue returns.

That’s money out of taxpayers’ pockets simply because they missed the deadline. With the right preparation, you don’t have to be one of them.

Year-round support from reliable tax professionals makes a huge difference.

They help you stay organized, avoid penalties, and maximize deductions by keeping accurate records and planning ahead.

Knowing how to prepare for tax season early makes it easier to stay compliant, limit your tax burden, and avoid the rush when deadlines hit.

Stop seeing taxes as a once-a-year headache.

With consistent planning and the right support, taxes become part of a larger strategy to protect your income and avoid expensive surprises.

Here’s how to stay ready all year without the last-minute scramble. Read more

small business tax prep tips

Small Business Tax Prep Tips: What to Do Before the Filing Deadline

Financial constraints due to tight budgets and cashflow issues usually top the list of major challenges small companies face.

The last thing these business owners need is a failure-to-file penalty imposed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

These penalties start at 5% and can accrue to 25% of all taxes due.

Timely tax preparation and even filing early can help you avoid this.

It reduces stress and gives you more time to deal with unforeseen issues.

Effective tax planning also allows you to capitalize on credits and deductions that can lower your tax bill.

At the end of every year, three and a half months might seem like a lot of time.

However, the April 15 tax deadline approaches quickly.

The following small business tax prep tips can help you streamline your accounts to ensure you file before this crucial date. Read more

common personal tax deductions

Common Personal Tax Deductions People Overlook Every Year

Did you know that, according to the IRS, approximately 20% of eligible taxpayers fail to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit each year?

The oversight, along with other commonly missed deductions, can lead to paying more taxes than necessary.

Today, we’re taking a closer look into common personal tax deductions that individuals often overlook.

By identifying these frequently missed opportunities, you can implement effective tax reduction methods to maximize your tax refunds. Read more

tax prep for S corp

Tax Prep for S Corp vs LLC

Are you leaving money on the table when it comes to your business taxes?

The choice between an LLC and an S Corporation (S Corp) can make or break your financial strategy, impacting how much you pay and save every year.

Business owners often feel overwhelmed by tax complexities.

However, understanding the differences in tax prep for S Corp and LLC is the key to unlocking smarter financial decisions.

Dive into this guide to discover how to simplify your tax preparation, reduce liabilities, and position your business for long-term success. Read more

home energy tax credits

Understanding Tax Credits for Energy-Efficient Home and Business Improvements

Arizona has one of the lowest energy consumption rates in the country, according to the EIA.

As an early adopter of wind and solar power, Arizona has led the way in home energy efficiency savings, but we can always do better.

Fortunately, if you’re looking to make some upgrades to your home or business, there are plenty of tax credits available to help you lower these costs.

In today’s post, we’ll help you understand business and home energy tax credits so you can make qualifying energy-efficient upgrades.

Keep reading and you’ll know what upgrades to make and how to claim them on your taxes. Read more

Tax Implications of Hiring Independent Contractors

Tax Implications of Hiring Independent Contractors vs Employees

As a business owner, making the right hiring decisions can significantly impact your company’s tax obligations.

Should you hire independent contractors or employees?

Each classification has distinct tax responsibilities, financial considerations, and potential savings.

Understanding these tax implications of hiring independent contractors versus employees is crucial for managing your business and avoiding costly IRS penalties.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between hiring employees and contractors, covering everything from payroll taxes to potential tax savings.

By the end, you’ll know how to make informed hiring decisions that align with your business goals and financial strategy. Read more

tax accountant

Tax Accountant vs. DIY Tax Software: What You Should Know

It’s the night before Tax Day. Across the country, millions of Americans are making last-minute decisions about their tax returns.

Some are confidently clicking “submit” on their DIY tax software, while others are frantically searching for an accountant who can squeeze in one more client.

The choice between self-filing and professional help isn’t just about cost – it’s about time, accuracy, and peace of mind.

But in an era of increasingly sophisticated tax software, is hiring an accountant still worth it?

We can help. Let’s go through what to know about tax accountant vs. DIY tax software. Read more

phoenix tax services

Why Phoenix Tax Services Are Your Secret Weapon for Personal Tax Success

Are you among the 53% of Americans who are frustrated by how complex the federal tax system is, according to Pew Research?

The rules and regulations can be confusing, and mistakes can lead to penalties.

This is where Phoenix tax services can help.

They’re your secret weapon for personal tax success.

Read on to see how they can make sure that your taxes are done right and that you maximize your tax refund. Read more

past due tax returns

Struggling With Past Due Tax Returns? Here’s Your Action Plan

We’re rapidly approaching October 15th, which means that anyone who filed for a 2023 tax extension will soon owe payments.

What if you’re not ready to make them? What if you never filed an extension in the first place?

In 2021, the US hit a new record with over $688 billion worth of unpaid taxes, as reported by CBS.

You’re far from the first person to deal with past due tax returns and there’s still time to make an action plan.

At Master Accounting, our enrolled agent is here to support you through the steps to resolve back taxes.

Read on to learn more about what the process can look like and why you need professional help. Read more