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As the IRS Updates Their Technology and Procedures, Taxpayers May See an Increase in Notices Issued

Posted on May 8, 2026May 14, 2026 by UMMC

For a period of time, IRS activity felt quieter.

Response times were longer. Enforcement felt less visible. Fewer taxpayers were hearing from the IRS directly.

Many people got used to that environment.

Now things are shifting.

Not all at once, but steadily. More notices are being issued. More requests for clarification are being sent. More follow-ups are happening on items that may not have been reviewed as closely in prior years.

This is not a sudden change in direction. It is a return to a more active and better-equipped IRS.

What’s Actually Changed

Over the past several years, the IRS has been rebuilding its infrastructure.

After a long period of limited staffing and outdated systems, the agency has been investing in technology, hiring, and enforcement capabilities as part of its long-term strategy.

That investment is now beginning to show up in real ways.

In its most recent reporting, the IRS noted that it collected over $98 billion in enforcement revenue in a single fiscal year, reflecting a renewed focus on compliance and collection efforts.

At the same time, the agency is expanding its use of data analytics to identify discrepancies more efficiently.

Rather than relying heavily on random audits, enforcement is becoming more targeted and systematic.

A New Layer: How the IRS Is Using Data to Select Cases

One of the biggest changes is not just increased activity. It is how cases are being selected.

Recent reporting has highlighted that the IRS is testing more advanced data tools designed to identify what it calls “higher-value” audit and enforcement cases. These systems are built to connect information across multiple data sources and surface patterns that may not have been visible before.

In practical terms, this means the process is becoming more precise.

Instead of relying primarily on broad scoring systems or random selection, the IRS is increasingly able to analyze relationships between filings, supporting documents, and historical patterns to identify where discrepancies are more likely.

This does not mean more people are being audited at random.

It means the IRS is getting better at identifying which returns to look at more closely.

Why This Matters for Business Owners

This shift changes the nature of risk.

In the past, many taxpayers thought in terms of probability. What are the chances of being audited?

Now the question is different.

Does your return stand out based on the data available?

Areas that involve more complexity or interpretation, such as business deductions, credits, or multi-entity structures, are more likely to be evaluated through this lens.

This is especially relevant for areas where the IRS has already indicated increased focus, including certain credits, business filings, and transactions that require detailed supporting documentation.

Why More Taxpayers Are Receiving Notices

Most taxpayers are not being audited.

In fact, audit rates for the majority of individual taxpayers remain relatively low, generally below 1%.

However, more taxpayers are receiving notices, and that is where this shift becomes visible.

In many cases, these notices are triggered by specific, identifiable issues.

One of the biggest drivers is improved data matching. The IRS now compares tax returns against a broader set of third-party information, including W-2s, 1099s, brokerage reporting, and payment platform data.

When there is a mismatch, it is more likely to generate a notice.

There is also a continued focus on areas where reporting errors are more common, including business income, deductions, pass-through entities, and digital transactions.

In addition, modern systems allow the IRS to identify patterns that fall outside expected ranges. Returns that appear inconsistent based on income, deductions, or historical reporting are more likely to be reviewed.

Collection activity is also becoming more active again, particularly for unresolved balances and prior-year issues.

The Most Common Triggers Right Now

Most IRS notices are not random. They are tied to specific issues that can usually be identified with a closer look.

Some of the most common triggers include income that does not match reported forms, deductions that appear large relative to income, business losses that fluctuate significantly year to year, and misclassification of workers or expenses.

Unreported side income and digital payments have also become more visible due to expanded reporting requirements.

These are not new issues. What has changed is how quickly they are identified and acted on.

The Shift: From Broad to Targeted Enforcement

In the past, enforcement was often slower and more generalized.

Today, it is more precise.

The IRS is using data to focus on returns that are more likely to contain discrepancies, rather than applying a broad, random approach. This results in fewer random audits, but more targeted reviews.

For taxpayers and business owners, this changes the dynamic.

It is less about the overall likelihood of being selected and more about whether your return raises questions based on the data available.

What This Means for You

For most taxpayers, this is not a reason to be concerned. It is a reason to be prepared.

Accurate reporting, consistent documentation, and well-supported deductions are more important than ever. Items that may have gone unnoticed in the past are more likely to be reviewed.

That does not mean something is wrong. It simply means the margin for inconsistency is smaller.

If You Receive a Notice

The most important step is not to ignore it and not to respond too quickly without fully understanding what is being requested.

Many IRS notices are routine, but responding incorrectly or without proper documentation can create unnecessary complications.

Before taking any action, it is important to review the notice carefully and determine the best way to respond based on your specific situation.

Before You Take the Next Step

Receiving an IRS notice can feel urgent. It is easy to assume the worst or to react quickly just to resolve it.

In many cases, the better approach is to step back, evaluate the situation, and respond with a clear plan.

Whether the issue is a simple mismatch or something more complex, the way it is handled can affect the outcome.

If you have received a notice or want to make sure your filings are accurate and well-documented moving forward, our team can help you understand what is happening and guide you through the next steps.

Please contact us in our Leesburg (703-771-1818) and Warrenton (540-347-5681) offices for further information and assistance.

Important Tax Information And Strategies To Help Understand The Kiddie Tax Code

Posted on May 5, 2026May 12, 2026 by UMMC

“Kiddie Tax” is a term that refers to the tax imposed on the unearned income of children. It was Introduced as part of the Tax Reform Act of 1986.

The Reason Behind Kiddie Tax – Its primary purpose is to prevent families from exploiting a lower tax rate by shifting income to their children to take advantage of lower tax brackets. Before the introduction of this tax, children could receive significant interest and dividend income while paying minimal taxes due to their low-income tax threshold. This situation encouraged high-income families to shift assets to their children solely to reduce their tax liabilities.

By taxing a child’s unearned income above a certain threshold at the parent’s tax rate, the government aimed to eliminate this method of income shifting, thus ensuring fairness in the tax system.

Here’s a comprehensive exploration of the Kiddie Tax, its implications for filing, and various strategies to consider.

Please Note: The various numbers used in this material are for the 2026 tax year and they are annually adjusted for inflation and may be different for other years.

The Difference Between Earned and Unearned Income

Earned Income (Work): Money received as pay for work performed is termed earned income. Examples include wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment (like babysitting or lawn mowing).
Unearned Income (Assets): Generally, unearned income consists of all income that is not earned from work. Examples include taxable interest, dividends, capital gains, rents, royalties, and taxable scholarships not reported on a W-2.

To Which Children Does the Kiddie Tax Apply? – A child is generally subject to the kiddie tax if they meet ALL the following conditions:

Age Requirements:
Under age 18 at the end of the year,
Age 18 at the end of the year, if their earned income (wages/tips) did not provide more than half of their own support, OR
Between ages 19 and 23 and a full-time student, if their earned income did not provide more than half of their own support.
Income Threshold: Unearned income exceeds $2,700. Unearned income generally refers to investment type income as opposed to earned income from employment (W-2) or being compensated for personal services.
Parental Requirement: At least one of the child’s parents was alive at the end of the tax year. This is because the parent’s income tax rate is used to compute the kiddie tax. Where the parents are divorced the living parent is the custodial parent.
Filing Status: The child is required to file a tax return and does NOT file a joint return for the year.

Who Is a Living Parent? – Besides a biological parent here is a discussion related to other possibilities:

Adoptive Parents – For tax purposes, an adoptive parent is treated the same as a biological parent. If a child is legally adopted, the kiddie tax applies as long as at least one adoptive parent is alive at the end of the year.
Step-Parents – A step-parent is generally considered a “parent” for these rules if they are married to the child’s biological or adoptive parent. If the child lives with a step-parent and a biological/adoptive parent, the tax applies based on their joint income.
Foster Parents – While foster parents can claim a child as a dependent for other credits (like the Child Tax Credit), they are not considered “parents” for the kiddie tax requirement. If a child’s only “living parents” are foster parents, the kiddie tax generally does not apply.
Guardians – Legal guardians (such as grandparents or other relatives) are not considered “parents” under these specific IRS rules unless they have legally adopted the child. If a child’s biological and adoptive parents are deceased, the kiddie tax does not apply, even if they have a living legal guardian.

Specific Exemptions and Exceptions – The kiddie tax does NOT apply if ANY of the following is true:

Self-Support: The child (aged 18-23) has earned income that covers more than half of their own financial support (includes food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and tuition), or
Marital Status: The child is married and files a joint tax return, or
Living Parents: Neither of the child’s parents was alive at the end of the tax year, or
Income Type Exception: The tax only applies to unearned income. All “earned income” (salaries, wages, tips) is taxed at the child’s own individual rate, regardless of the amount.
529 College Savings Plan Exception: Earnings from Sec 529 college savings plans are generally exempt from the kiddie tax if used for qualified education expenses.

Overview of Filing Options – When it comes to filing taxes for children with unearned income, families have two main options:

Filing a Child’s Own Tax Return:
Child’s Only Income is Unearned Income: If their unearned income exceeds $2,700 and their parents do not elect to include the child’s unearned income on their return. The unearned income is taxed in three distinct layers:
First $1,350: Not taxed (covered by the child’s standard deduction).
Next $1,350: Taxed at the child’s own tax rate (usually 10%).
Above $2,700: Taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate, which can be as high as 37%.
Both Unearned and Earned Income: The child must file their own tax return.
Earned Income – Is taxed entirely at the child’s individual tax rate, but subject to a standard deduction which is the greater of $1,350 or the child’s earned income plus $450, not to exceed the regular standard deduction of $15,750.
Unearned Income – Only unearned income is subject to the “kiddie tax”. It is taxed in three tiers
First $1,350: Generally tax-free as it is covered by the child’s standard deduction.
Next $1,350: Taxed at the child’s marginal tax rate (typically 10%).
Amount over $2,700: Taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate.
Including Child’s Income on Parent’s Return:
Parents can opt to include their child’s income on their tax return by using Form 8814. This option is available provided the child’s only income is from dividends, interest, and capital gain distributions, the child’s gross income is less than $13,500, no income tax was withheld from the child’s income, and no estimated tax payments were made for the child.
This method can simplify the filing process but may lead to higher tax liabilities due to the consolidation of income.
The child’s unearned income is taxed as follows:
First $1,350: Not taxed (covered by the child’s standard deduction).
Next $1,350: Taxed at the child’s own tax rate (usually 10%).
Above $2,700: Taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate, which can be as high as 37%.
This may seem to be the same way it is taxed on the child’s return. However, this is where consolidating the parent’s and a child’s income may cause an increase in the tax on the parent’s income.

Note: In all three possible filing scenarios, the unearned income itself is taxed in the same manner.

Strategies for Minimizing Kiddie Tax

Invest in Growth-Oriented Assets: Consider investing in securities that offer capital appreciation rather than current income, such as growth stocks. These do not produce immediate taxable income but may yield benefits long term.
Defer Income: Utilize investments like U.S. savings bonds where interest can be deferred until redemption, thus postponing tax liabilities.
Use Tax-Advantaged Accounts: Contribute to accounts like 529 plans, where earnings are tax-free if used for education, therefore avoiding the Kiddie Tax.
Leverage Qualified Trusts: Income from a qualified disability trust may be considered earned income for Kiddie Tax purposes, potentially lowering the tax burden.

Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of the Kiddie Tax requires a clear understanding of the rules and thoughtful analysis of each family’s financial situation. By considering filing options and understanding the implications of both, parents in conjunction with their tax professional can make informed decisions that minimize or eliminate the kiddie tax. Please contact us in our Leesburg (703-771-1818) or Warrenton (540-347-5681) offices if you need further information or assistance.

If You Are Thinking About Selling Your Life Insurance Policy, Consider These Potential Tax Issues Before You Do

Posted on May 2, 2026May 12, 2026 by UMMC

When watching television, you’ve probably seen those advertisements promising quick cash for unneeded life insurance policies. These commercials often target those who might not see the need for policies anymore, offering substantial financial returns. While these transactions can indeed serve as a financial option, especially for those in need of immediate liquidity, the process of selling a life insurance policy—known as a life settlement—comes with a labyrinth of financial implications, particularly around taxes. Let’s explore the various facets involved with life settlements, from potential settlement amounts, tax issues related to policy disposition, and end with a look at viatical settlements for individuals with health concerns.

Life Settlements: What to Expect – A life settlement involves the sale of a life insurance policy to a third party for more than its cash surrender value but less than its net death benefit. The proceeds from a life settlement can offer policyholders much-needed liquidity for retirement, debt repayment, or other financial obligations.

Reasons for Considering a Life Settlement – include:

Funds are needed to pay medical or long-term care expenses,
The insured can no longer afford the premiums,
The primary beneficiary has died, and the policy is no longer needed,
The insured got divorced,
Business circumstances have changed, and the coverage is no longer needed to fund a buy-sell agreement, and
Expected death tax costs have been reduced or eliminated and the coverage is no longer needed to pay death taxes.

Potential Settlement Amounts – The amount you receive from a life settlement will depend on various factors, including your age, health condition, and the type and size of the policy. Some reports say that the average payout is 10%-35% of the face amount of the policy but they can vary widely. Generally, the older the policyholder or the poorer their health, the higher the settlement offer tends to be, as the buyer of the policy will receive the payout from the death benefit sooner. However, these transactions typically yield a payout that is significantly less than the death benefit of the policy but more than the surrender value.

Disposition of a Policy: Surrender or Sale – When it comes to disposing of a life insurance policy, policyholders have two primary options: surrendering the policy or selling it.

Policy Surrender – Surrendering a policy means you’ll cancel the insurance and in exchange the insurance company will pay you the policy’s cash value, net of any redemption fees specified in the contract. If there is no cash value, there is no payment to the policyholder. This option can be straightforward, especially with term policies that typically do not accumulate cash value. However, surrendering a policy could result in tax implications, particularly if your cash surrender value exceeds the total premiums paid.
Sale of a Policy – If you opt to sell your policy, particularly if there’s substantial cash value involved, this could prove more financially beneficial than surrendering. When a policy with or without cash value is sold, the policyholder can receive a better return. However, the financial upshot includes intricate tax consequences that aren’t immediately evident.

Tax Implications for Policyholders – IRS taxes life settlement proceeds using a three-tier system.

Premiums Paid: Returns up to the amount of the premiums paid generally aren’t taxed.
Taxable Gain Ordinary Income: Proceeds up to the policy’s cash surrender value over the amount of premiums paid are taxed as ordinary income.
Capital Gains Tax: Amounts that exceed the cash surrender value are subject to capital gains tax.

Example 1 – Surrender of Policy – John held a life insurance policy that accumulated cash value over time. After eight years, he decided to surrender the policy, receiving its cash value of $78,000. This amount included a deduction of $10,000 for the “cost of insurance.” Over the life of the policy, John had paid a total of $64,000 in premiums. Consequently, John realized a gain of $14,000, calculated by subtracting the premiums paid ($64,000) from the cash surrender value ($78,000). Because surrendering a life insurance policy does not yield a capital gain, this $14,000 is considered ordinary income for tax purposes.

Example 2 – Sale of Policy with Cash Value – Consider the same initial scenario, but instead of surrendering the policy, John sells it to George, an unrelated party who has no personal financial stake in John’s death. John receives $80,000 from the sale. This results in a gain of $16,000, calculated by subtracting the premiums he paid ($64,000) from the sale price ($80,000). Of this gain, $14,000—the amount by which the cash value exceeds the premiums paid—is considered ordinary income. The remaining $2,000 is classified as a capital gain.

Viatical Settlements: A Specific Scenario – Any amounts received under a life insurance contract on the life of a terminally ill individual are excluded from tax gross income. Excludable amounts received under a life insurance contract by chronically ill individuals are limited to the cost of qualified long-term care services.

Definitions:
Terminally Ill Individual – the term “terminally ill individual” means a person who has been certified by a physician as having an illness or physical condition that reasonably can be expected to result in death within 24 months of the date of certification.
Chronically Ill Individual – a “chronically ill” individual is one who has been certified within the previous 12 months by a licensed health care practitioner as:

(A) being unable to perform, without “substantial assistance” from another individual, at least two activities of daily living for at least 90 days due to a loss of functional capacity,
(B) having a similar level of disability as determined under IRS regulations prescribed in consultation with the Dept of Health and Human Services, or
(C) requiring “substantial supervision” to protect the individual from threats to health and safety due to “severe cognitive impairment,” even if the individual is physically able.

Information Reporting – All parties involved in life settlement deals must adhere to IRS requirements for information reporting. This includes Form 1099-LS for life settlement transactions and Form 1099-SB for surrendering a policy or being part of a life settlement.

Final Thoughts – Life settlements, viatical settlements, and the broader financial implications they involve are complex. With overlapping rules and potential financial advantages, navigating these waters requires a thorough understanding of not only the transactions themselves but the ever-evolving tax implications they incur. Don’t hesitate to reach out for tailored advice or to discuss your specific situation. Please contact us in our Leesburg (703-771-1818) or Warrenton (540-347-5681) offices if you need further information or assistance.

Potential Tax Benefits From Medically Related Home Improvements

Posted on May 1, 2026May 14, 2026 by UMMC

The year 2025 marked a significant milestone in the United States. Why? Because a record number of people reached the age of 65. On average about 11,400 Americans turned 65 every day of the year 2025. This demographic shift, largely driven by the baby boomer generation, has implications for retirement planning, healthcare, and the economy at large.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that falls are the leading cause of injuries among people age 65 and older, and nearly 30% of older adults reported falling at least once in the preceding 12 months. To help minimize falls, and to accommodate age-related infirmities, many people are adding grab bars in showers, modifying stairways, widening hallways to accommodate a wheelchair, and other projects to make the home safer and more accessible for older occupants. If you are planning to make such home improvements, you may be eligible to include the costs as a medical expense for income tax purposes.

Generally, the costs of home improvements are not deductible except to offset home gain when the home is sold. But a medical expense deduction may be claimed when the primary purpose of the home modification is for a medical reason. The tax law says that deductible medical expenses are those paid for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and the costs for treatments affecting any part or function of the body.”

So, if you are making the modifications because you, your spouse, or a dependent has a medical need for doing so, then the modification expense may be deductible as a medical expense, but only to the extent that it exceeds any resulting increase in the home’s value.

Even though a prescription from a doctor for most medically related home modifications isn’t required, the taxpayer, if questioned by the IRS, needs to be able to demonstrate how the expenditure relates to his or her medical care or that of a spouse or dependent. And having a letter from the individual’s doctor that explains the type of modifications that would be medically beneficial would help to prove a medical need.

Not all improvements result in an increased home value. In fact, some, such as lowering cabinets for an occupant confined to a wheelchair, could decrease the home’s resale value.

The IRS has identified certain improvements that don’t usually increase a home’s value but for which the full cost can be included as a medical expense. These improvements include, but are not limited to, the following items:
• Constructing entrance or exit ramps for the home,
• Widening doorways at entrances or exits to the home to create space for walkers and wheelchairs.
• Widening or otherwise modifying hallways and interior doorways,
• Installing railings, support bars, or other modifications,
• Lowering or modifying kitchen cabinets and equipment,
• Moving or modifying electrical outlets and fixtures,
• Installing porch lifts, stairs lifts and other forms of lifts.
• Modifying fire alarms, smoke detectors, and other warning systems,
• Modifying stairways,
• Bathroom modifications including grab bars, lower sinks, and roll-in showers,
• Adding handrails or grab bars anywhere,
• Modifying hardware on doors,
• Modifying areas in front of entrance and exit doorways,
• Grading the ground to provide access to the residence, and
• Flooring modifications, including non-slip surfaces or leveling floors to prevent falls
Only reasonable costs to accommodate a home to a disabled condition or to an elderly individual are considered medical care costs. Additional costs for personal preferences, such as for architectural or aesthetic reasons, are not medical expenses (but could be additions to the home’s tax basis).

Unfortunately, the total of all medical expenses can be deducted only to the extent that they exceed 7.5% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI) and only if the taxpayer itemizes deductions. With the current high value of the standard deductions, fewer than 15% of taxpayers are expected to currently itemize their deductions. So even if a medically needed home improvement is made and qualifies to be deducted, only a small percentage of taxpayers will end up with a tax benefit because of the expenditure.

All is not lost, though. To the extent that the taxpayer doesn’t claim the expense as an itemized deduction, the improvement costs, including those that might not meet the medically necessary standard, can be added to the home’s purchase cost to determine the home’s tax basis. Thus, when the home is sold, the capital gain from the sale will be lower. Either to substantiate the currently deductible improvements or with a future home sale in mind, taxpayers should be sure to keep records of the home improvements they make, including the receipts for the costs. Maintaining “before and after” photos is also recommended.

Hot Tub Deduction Issues: When exploring the realm of medically deductible home improvements, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the intriguing discussions around the attempts to classify home hot tubs as medical expenses. Taxpayers frequently explore innovative strategies to lower their tax obligations, and one common tactic involves claiming a hot tub as a medical expense.

These efforts often sit at the intersection of necessity and luxury, challenging both tax laws and personal morality in the quest to alleviate the burdens of medical costs. Understanding what qualifies as a legitimate medical home modification means delving into the creative strategies employed by taxpayers to include items like hot tubs in their deductible expenses, bringing to light broader questions about health-related tax benefits and individual needs.

While it is indeed feasible to claim a hot tub as a deductible medical expense, the process is intricate and must adhere to stringent IRS guidelines. The primary use of the hot tub must be for medical treatment rather than for general wellness or leisure activities. This presents considerable tax challenges and requires clear documentation to satisfy IRS conditions, emphasizing that the primary function is health-related rather than for enjoyment or relaxation purposes. Here are the critical tax considerations and guidelines

• Primary Use: The fundamental requirement is demonstrating that the hot tub’s main function is for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease.” Expenses that simply enhance general well-being do not qualify for a deduction.
• Medical Confirmation: A detailed prescription or recommendation from a licensed physician, specifying the medical condition (such as arthritis, chronic back pain, or fibromyalgia) and explaining how hydrotherapy will aid treatment, is crucial for IRS verification. Notes from chiropractors or non-MD practitioners are generally insufficient.
• Capital Expense vs. Property Value Enhancement: The IRS regards a hot tub as a capital expense, akin to a home improvement.
If its installation leads to an increase in property value, only the portion of the cost that surpasses this enhancement is deductible. An appraisal might be necessary to determine the exact increase.
If the hot tub does not elevate the home’s value (for example, a portable unit), the entire expense might be deductible.

Example: A doctor recommends that his patient with severe arthritis have daily hydrotherapy, and so the individual has a hot tub installed at a cost of $21,000. The individual then hires a certified home appraiser to determine how much the hot tub addition increased the home’s value. The appraiser concludes the increase is $20,000. The individual’s medical deduction for the year the hot tub is installed will be limited to $1,000 ($21,000 – $20,000). The other $20,000 of expenses will increase the home’s basis, meaning that it will add to the home’s cost and will offset the sales price when the home is sold.

• Threshold for Deductible Amounts: Medical expenses, including the hot tub, are deductible only if they exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). Many taxpayers may not surpass this threshold, effectively negating the deduction.
• Apportioning for Personal versus Medical Use: If the hot tub is utilized by other family members or enjoyed for reasons unrelated to the medical condition, only the portion of costs that corresponds to its medical use are deductible.
• Reasonable Cost: The IRS may closely examine the size and expense of the hot tub. A modest, functional spa is easier to justify than a large, luxurious built-in model with a costly customized deck, which might imply a recreational intent.
• Record Keeping and Audits: Thorough documentation is essential. Keep all receipts related to the purchase, installation, and maintenance (such as electricity, chemicals, repairs). In a potential audit, a taxpayer will need to provide medical evidence, the doctor’s prescription, and possibly a usage log to demonstrate its primary medical purpose.

It is also noteworthy to mention these same issues would apply to swimming pools, saunas, elevators and the like.

If you have questions related to this deduction and whether you will benefit, tax-wise, from any medically related home modifications, please contact our Leesburg (703-771-1818) or Warrenton (540-347-5681) offices for further assistance.