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Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Care Costs – Did You Know? (1/2)

If you pay for care for your qualifying child under age 13, or for your spouse or other qualifying person who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives with you for more than half the year, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help cover care expenses you pay in order to work or seek work. Rule changes that took effect this year have made the CDCTC more valuable for many households.

As in past years, you may use up to $3,000 of eligible expenses to figure the credit for one qualifying person, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. However, beginning in 2026, the maximum credit rate increased from 35% to 50% of eligible expenses. The applicable percentage declines as adjusted gross income rises, but many households may qualify for a larger credit than under prior law. The increase can be as much as $900 for taxpayers with two or more qualifying persons.

In general, the CDCTC is available for all filing statuses except married filing separately (MFS). However, MFS filers may qualify if they meet special requirements, including filing separately, maintaining a home for a qualifying person for more than half the year, paying more than half the cost of maintaining the home, and not living with their spouse during the last six months of the year. To claim the credit, you must provide information about both the care recipient and care provider on your tax return. A tax professional can help you determine whether you are eligible for the CDCTC, and if so, help you meet the reporting requirements to claim the largest possible credit.

Tax savings ideas still abound. Here are some to consider if you wish to retire early.

Tax Tips to Aid in Retiring Early - Don't forget to look at the retirement specials on the tax menu The federal government needs all its citizens to plan for a financially secure retirement. In an effort to assist in planning for retirement, there are a number of provisions in the tax code that benefit seniors. Are you aware of them and using them to your advantage?

Did you receive IRS Notice CP16 and you're not sure why? While your tax return may say you are owed a refund, the IRS may offset that refund with tax debts due from a prior year. Learn more about this notice and what steps you should take.

Don't bury your head in the sack! 🤣

Create a list of tax forms you expect to receive. Then check them off as you receive them to make sure none of them are missing.

Missing a Form? Not an Excuse. Every year you receive information tax forms, including W-2s, 1098s, and 1099s. If you fail to receive a form, you are still liable for the tax it creates. Here are some tips to avoid this possible audit risk.

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments - Reminder

If you are making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, the due date for the June 1 - August 31, 2026 payment period is coming up next week on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

For payments made using IRS Direct Pay, you can make payments until 11:45 p.m. ET on the due date. Debit and credit card payments may also be made online through an IRS-approved payment processor.

Reminder: 3Q estimated taxes are due Tuesday, September 15th. Here are some things to consider.

Reminder: Third Quarter Estimated Taxes are Due - Now is the time to make your estimated tax payment If you have not already done so, please plan to make your third quarter estimated tax payment. The due date is Tuesday, September 15th.

Small financial moves can pay off for years. Discover tax breaks for education, simple tax-planning strategies, ways to make banks compete for you, and how to avoid the technology upgrade tax.

Client Update Newsletter: September 2026 College and trade schools are investments that can pay dividends for years. The same can be true of a few smart tax habits repeated year after year. In this month’s newsletter, we take a closer look at tax breaks for post-secondary education along with practical tax planning moves that can del...