In a move set to redefine the refund process, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Treasury, has announced the gradual phasing out of paper tax refund checks starting September 30, 2025, as mandated by Executive Order 14247. This transition to electronic refunds marks a significant shift aimed at modernizing the system to enhance efficiency and security. However, it brings with it a complex set of challenges, especially for individuals who are unbanked or underbanked. Here, we delve into what this means for taxpayers and explore the options available for those without access to traditional banking services.

As we approach the closing chapters of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), implemented during President Trump’s first term, taxpayers find themselves at a crossroads. With many of the TCJA’s provisions set to expire after 2025, the introduction of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) offers timely extensions and nuanced modifications to these sunsetting policies. Acting as both a continuation and a re-envisioning of prior legislation, the OBBBA not only extends key tenets of the TCJA—such as individual tax rates and business deductions—but also introduces innovative changes that reflect the evolving economic landscape. By addressing emerging challenges while capitalizing on the TCJA’s foundational successes, the OBBBA aims to solidify a path toward a more sustainable and inclusive fiscal future, ensuring relief and opportunity across all levels of the American taxpayer spectrum.

Self-employment tax plays a crucial role in the life of every entrepreneur, freelancer, and business owner. Understanding this tax is essential for anyone who makes their living other than as an employee. In this article, we will delve into the components of self-employment tax, how it compares with payroll taxes, who is exempt, and other related issues.