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Guides · US Tax

US Tax guides

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

All Cross-BorderUS TaxCanadian TaxSmall Business & BookkeepingCFO & AdvisoryTax Planning

Page 5 of 16, newest first.

US Tax

Rental Property Income Tax: How Rental Income Is Taxed, Depreciation, and the Passive Activity Rules

Rental income is passive income subject to unique tax rules: depreciation shelters current income. How rental income is taxed: - Gross rental income minus.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Rental Property Deductions: Every Expense Landlords Can Write Off

Deductible rental expenses (Schedule E, Part I): - Mortgage interest: The full amount of interest paid on the loan for the rental property.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Short-Term Rental Taxes: Airbnb, VRBO, and the Active vs. Passive Classification

Short-term rentals (average stay under 7 days) may not be classified as passive rental activity. The classification depends on services provided: Passive.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

S-Corp Election Timing: Form 2553 Deadlines, Late Elections, and When to Wait

The S-Corp election (Form 2553) must be filed by March 15 of the year it takes effect, or within 75 days of forming a new entity.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Self-Employment Tax: How the 15.3% Rate Works and How the S-Corp Reduces It

The self-employment tax calculation starts with net profit from Schedule C (or the partner's share of partnership income).

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Entity Structure for Staffing Agencies: S-Corp, LLC, and the W-2 Wage Advantage

Staffing agencies benefit from the S-Corp election at lower profit levels than most businesses because their high W-2 wage bills support the QBI.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Franchise Staffing Agency Tax Treatment: Franchise Fees, Royalties, and Territory Rights

Franchise staffing agencies (Express Employment, Spherion, Adecco franchisees) have specific tax treatment for the franchise fee, ongoing royalties.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Multi-State Compliance for Staffing Agencies: Payroll Tax, Workers' Comp, and Filing Obligations

Staffing agencies that place workers in multiple states must comply with each state's payroll tax, workers' comp, and unemployment insurance requirements.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Retirement Plans for Staffing Agency Owners: W-2 Wages, QBI, and Employee Obligations

A staffing agency owner cannot use the Solo 401(k) (too many employees). The main options are SEP IRA (uniform percentage.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tax Deductions for Staffing Agencies: Payroll, Insurance, Workers' Comp, and More

Staffing agencies have unique tax considerations because they employ the workers they place at client sites. The primary deductions for staffing agencies.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Workers' Comp and Insurance Deductions for Staffing Agencies

Workers' compensation is typically the second-largest cost for staffing agencies after payroll. Workers' compensation insurance is required in almost every.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tree Service Tax Deductions: Equipment, Vehicles, and Crew Expenses

Tree service businesses have heavy equipment costs: bucket trucks ($50,000-$150,000), chippers ($15,000-$50,000), stump grinders ($5,000-$30,000).

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tree Service Business Entity Structure: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietorship

Tree service businesses are NOT SSTBs and qualify for the full QBI deduction. Entity structure comparison for tree service: Sole proprietorship /.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tree Service Estimated Taxes: Seasonal Revenue, Storm Work, and Quarterly Payments

Tree service revenue peaks March through November with near-zero work in northern winters. Tree service seasonal tax planning: Northern market seasonality.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tree Service Worker Classification: Employee vs. Independent Contractor

Tree service crew members are almost always employees under IRS and DOL tests. Why tree service crew members are employees: Behavioral control (IRS.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Vending Machine Business Tax Deductions: Equipment, COGS, and Route Expenses

Vending machines are 7-year MACRS property eligible for bonus depreciation. COGS (product inventory) runs 40-55% of revenue.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Vending Machine Business: LLC, S-Corp, or Sole Proprietor?

Vending machine businesses are NOT an SSTB. Machines depreciate over 7 years (or 100% bonus in Year 1). Entity structure comparison for vending machine.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Vending Machine Business Estimated Taxes: Quarterly Payment Guide

Estimated tax planning for vending operators: - Year 1 with equipment purchases: bonus depreciation likely creates an NOL.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Tax Deductions for Web Developers: Equipment, Software, Home Office, and Training

Web developers and software engineers deduct computers, monitors, software subscriptions, home office costs, internet, and professional development.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Web Developer and IT Consultant Business Structure: S-Corp, SSTB Status, and the QBI Question

Web development, software development, and IT consulting may or may not be SSTBs depending on the nature of the work. NOT an SSTB (full QBI available at any.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Estimated Taxes for Freelance Developers: Retainer Income, Project Payments, and Quarterly Obligations

The total estimated tax rate for freelance developers is typically 25-40% of net profit, depending on income level. This.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Retirement Plans for Freelance Developers: Solo 401(k), Roth Options, and the Mega Backdoor

Freelance web developers with no employees can contribute up to $72,000/year to a Solo 401(k). 2026 Solo 401(k) contribution limits: - Employee deferral.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Worker Classification for Web Development Agencies: Freelance Developers vs. Employees

Web development agencies that hire freelance developers must correctly classify them. Factors that support CONTRACTOR classification for freelance.

Sep 5, 2026
US Tax

Welding Business Tax Deductions: Equipment, Materials, and Certification Costs

Welding businesses have substantial equipment costs ($5,000-$50,000 for machines. Welding business deductions by category: Major equipment (Section 179 /.

Sep 5, 2026