Tax & Money Tips

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Is Your Business Really Eligible for R&D Credits

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways The federal R&D tax credit is legitimate but far narrower than many promoters suggest. Qualifying activities must meet the IRS’s strict four-part test, including technical uncertainty and experimentation. Routine improvements, off-the-shelf technology adoption, and standard process changes generally do not qualify. The IRS is closely scrutinizing R&D claims, particularly those pushed by aggressive […]

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Are GoFundMe Donations Tax Deductible?

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Crowdfunding has become one of the most common ways for families, small businesses, and communities to support people in need. Whether it’s helping a neighbor with medical bills, assisting a local business after a fire, or supporting a friend experiencing hardship, GoFundMe and similar platforms make giving quick and easy. But when tax season arrives,

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2026 Inflation Adjustments to Retirement Limits

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways Retirement contribution limits are increasing across 401(k), IRA, and other plans beginning in 2026. Higher caps offer business owners more room for tax-advantaged savings and stronger retention tools for top employees. New rules require certain high-income employees to make catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions. Reviewing plan design and contribution strategy before year-end

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The Student Loan Forgiveness Tax Change That Could Blindside You in 2026

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways A major tax change is coming: student loan forgiveness under IDR becomes taxable again starting January 1, 2026, unless Congress extends current relief. Borrowers nearing the 20- or 25-year forgiveness point could face thousands, or even tens of thousands, in unexpected federal taxes. Increased taxable income may reduce eligibility for key credits such

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Your Business & the Government Shutdown

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways The IRS remains open during the shutdown, but processing refunds and correspondence is significantly slower. Businesses should expect cash-flow disruptions if clients rely on government contracts or regulated industries. SBA loan delays could affect refinancing, expansion, or new equipment purchases. Benefit and insurance premiums may rise due to uncertainty in federal oversight. Proactive

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New Tax Brackets, Bigger Deductions, and More: Inside the 2026 IRS Adjustments

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways The IRS has released inflation-adjusted increases for more than 60 tax provisions for Tax Year 2026 (returns filed in 2027). The standard deduction for married filing jointly rises to $32,200, and other filing statuses also get meaningful increases. Top marginal tax rate stays at 37%, but bracket thresholds shift upward. Other key changes: larger AMT exemptions, boosted estate exclusion, higher credits

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What the IRS Shutdown Means for Connecticut Businesses

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways Nearly half of IRS employees were furloughed on October 8, 2025, as the government shutdown entered its second week. The agency continues to process electronic filings and payments, but most other operations, including audits and taxpayer assistance, are paused. Extension filers with October 15 deadlines must still submit returns and payments on time, even though IRS

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The Roth Catch-Up Rule: What Business Owners Should Know

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways Roth-only catch-ups begin in 2026. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, employees earning more than $145,000 will be required to make all catch-up contributions to a Roth account, meaning taxes are paid now instead of later. Higher contribution limits for ages 60-63. Starting in 2025, eligible savers can contribute up to $11,250, giving business owners

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Don’t Fall for Fake Tax Advice

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

Key Takeaways The IRS is cracking down on bad tax advice. Connecticut business owners should be cautious of social media “hacks” and AI-generated tips which can lead to rejected claims, audits, and IRS penalties of up to $5,000 per false filing. AI tools can’t replace professional judgment. Chatbots don’t understand your business structure, cash flow,

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Five Year-End Tax Strategies Every Connecticut Business Should Consider

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

As summer winds down, these final months give business owners a chance to do more than close the books; they provide an opportunity to reduce taxes, strengthen cash flow, and prepare for what’s ahead. Here are five key tax areas where Connecticut businesses can benefit from a proactive year-end review. Estimated Tax Payments If your

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The Hidden Costs of Misclassifying Workers in Connecticut

Bailey Scarano Blog, Tax & Money Tips / By

For small and mid-sized businesses, every decision about payroll and staffing carries extra weight. One area that often gets overlooked, but can cause major headaches down the road, is worker classification. Whether someone should be treated as an employee or an independent contractor isn’t just a matter of preference. It’s a legal distinction with real tax and compliance implications.

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