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Guides · US Tax

US Tax guides

1,454 plain-English guides on us tax, each one ending in what to do next.

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Page 17 of 61, newest first.

US Tax

Accumulated Earnings Tax: When Retaining Profits in a C-Corp Triggers a 20% Penalty

The accumulated earnings tax (AET) under IRC 531-537 is a 20% penalty tax on C-Corporations that accumulate earnings beyond the reasonable needs of the.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Additional Medicare Tax: The 0.9% Surtax on High Earners and How It Interacts With SE Tax

The Additional Medicare Tax (IRC 3101(b)(2)) imposes a 0.9% surtax on wages and self-employment income exceeding $200,000 (single) or $250,000 (MFJ).

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Excess Business Loss Limitation: How IRC 461(l) Caps Your Business Loss Deduction

IRC 461(l) limits the amount of business losses that non-corporate taxpayers can deduct against non-business income to $305,000 (single) or $610,000 (MFJ).

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): How It Works in 2025 and When Small Business Owners Get Hit

The Alternative Minimum Tax (IRC 55-59) is a parallel tax system that ensures higher-income taxpayers pay at least a minimum amount of tax.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Alternative Minimum Tax for Business Owners: How AMT Works and When It Applies

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is a parallel tax system under IRC 55-59 that ensures taxpayers with significant deductions, exemptions.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for Business Owners: How It Works, Who Pays It, and Planning Strategies

The alternative minimum tax (AMT) under IRC 55-59 is a parallel tax system that ensures high-income taxpayers cannot use certain deductions and exclusions.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Amended Tax Returns (Form 1040-X): When and How to Fix a Mistake

File Form 1040-X to correct errors on a filed return within 3 years of filing or 2 years of paying the tax, whichever is later.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Amending Your Tax Return: Form 1040-X Timing, Strategy, and When It Actually Makes Sense

Form 1040-X allows taxpayers to amend previously filed returns within 3 years of the original filing date (or 2 years from the date tax was paid.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Annualized Installment Method: How to Avoid Estimated Tax Penalties With Irregular Income

Business owners with seasonal or irregular income can use the annualized installment method (Form 2210 Schedule AI) to calculate estimated tax payments.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Assignment of Income Doctrine: Why You Cannot Shift Business Income to a Lower-Bracket Family Member

The assignment of income doctrine prevents a taxpayer from avoiding taxes by directing income they have earned to another person or entity.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

At-Risk Rules (IRC 465): How Much of Your Business Loss You Can Actually Deduct

The at-risk rules under IRC 465 limit a taxpayer's deductible losses from a business activity to the amount they have 'at risk' in that activity.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

IRS Audit Red Flags for Small Businesses: What Triggers an Audit and How to Prevent It

The IRS audits approximately 0.4% of individual returns but targets specific patterns: high Schedule C deductions relative to income.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

IRS Audit Triggers: The Red Flags That Increase Your Audit Risk and How to Prevent Them

The overall individual audit rate is approximately 0.4%, but certain factors dramatically increase the odds: high Schedule C income with large deductions.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Schedule C Audit Triggers: What the IRS Looks For in Small Business Returns

Certain patterns on Schedule C increase the likelihood of an IRS audit: high deductions relative to income, cash-intensive businesses, consistent losses.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

IRS Audit Triggers: Schedule C Red Flags for Small Business Owners

Schedule C is the most-audited form on a personal return. Common triggers: reporting a loss (especially multiple years in a row).

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

The Augusta Rule: Renting Your Home to Your Business for 14 Days Tax-Free (IRC 280A(g))

IRC 280A(g) allows homeowners to rent their home for up to 14 days per year without reporting the rental income. Augusta Rule mechanics: 1.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Vehicle Expense Deductions for Small Businesses: Standard Mileage vs Actual Expenses

The standard mileage rate for 2025 is 70 cents per mile. The actual expense method deducts fuel, insurance, repairs, depreciation, and registration.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Backdoor Roth IRA for Business Owners: Step-by-Step Process and the Pro Rata Rule Trap

High-income business owners can use the backdoor Roth IRA strategy to contribute to a Roth IRA regardless of income.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Backdoor Roth IRA for High-Income Business Owners

Backdoor Roth IRA mechanics: Step 1: Contribute to a traditional IRA. - Contribute up to $7,000 ($8,000 if age 50+) to a.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Backup Withholding and Form W-9: When You Must Withhold 24% from Contractor Payments

Backup withholding rules: 1. When backup withholding is required (IRC 3406): - The payee (contractor) fails to provide a.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Backup Withholding (IRC 3406): When and Why the IRS Withholds 24% From Your Payments

Backup withholding under IRC 3406 requires payers to withhold 24% of certain payments (interest, dividends, rents, royalties, commissions.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Business Bad Debt Deduction: Writing Off Unpaid Invoices (IRC 166)

Bad debt deduction rules: Cash basis vs. accrual basis: | Accounting Method | Invoice Sent | Payment Received | Bad Debt.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tax Implications of Business Bankruptcy: Chapter 7 Liquidation vs. Chapter 11 Reorganization

Business bankruptcy creates significant tax consequences that differ based on the chapter filed.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tax Rules for Bartering: Reporting Barter Income, Fair Market Value, and Common Mistakes

Bartered services and goods are fully taxable at fair market value. Barter income rules: The basic rule: - Barter income = fair market value of.

Sep 5, 2026