Internal Income Inc

Are you behind on federal tax payments or worried about defaulting on an IRS installment agreement? You might have more options than you realize. If your finances have changed, the IRS may let you adjust your payment plan to lower monthly payments or a new schedule. If your agreement is terminated, you can request reinstatement. You can also consider an offer in compromise, which may allow you to settle for less than you owe. If you’re facing serious financial trouble and can provide evidence of undue hardship, the IRS sometimes allows up to six months to pay. It helps to act early. Call us at (312) 942-0850 with questions.

No two taxpayers are exactly alike — so your tax strategies shouldn’t be either. Our firm provides customized tax planning for individuals and businesses. We can identify opportunities to reduce taxes in your specific situation while helping you stay compliant with changing tax laws. Call us at (312) 942-0850 to get started.

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-employed income over $400, such as earnings from mowing lawns or babysitting, must file an income tax return and may owe self-employment tax. If a teen works for an employer that withholds payroll taxes, the filing threshold is higher: $16,100 for 2026. In this case, the teen usually won’t owe income tax and may receive a refund if taxes were withheld. Call us at (312) 942-0850 with questions.

Beginning in 2026, a new 0.5% “floor” applies to charitable deductions for taxpayers who itemize. This generally means that only qualified charitable contributions that, in aggregate, exceed 0.5% of your adjusted gross income will be deductible if you itemize deductions. But a charitable deduction for cash donations is now available to nonitemizers. We can help you develop a tax-smart charitable giving strategy for 2026. Contact us at (312) 942-0850.

Has administrative complexity discouraged your business from offering a 401(k) plan? Take a look at the safe harbor 401(k). The employer contribution obligation generally exempts the plan from nondiscrimination testing and other onerous administrative duties. Plus, this plan enables highly compensated employees to max out their contributions and can help attract and retain workers. Typically, employees are eligible to participate if they're age 21 or older and have at least one year of service. Call us (312) 942-0850 for details.

While the thresholds for the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) have remained unchanged since the NIIT went into effect in 2013, taxpayer incomes have generally grown significantly. So more taxpayers are getting hit with this additional tax. The NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. And it kicks in long before the top short- and long-term capital gains rates apply. We can help you manage potential NIIT exposure. Contact us at (312) 942-0850.

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us at (312) 942-0850 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

If you’d like to arrange for a transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider a dynasty trust. Assets are taxed just once, when they’re initially transferred to the trust. There’s no estate or generation-skipping transfer tax due on any subsequent appreciation in value. A drawback is that the trust is irrevocable. This means it generally can never be revised. Call us at (312) 942-0850 for more details.

An IRS levy is a legal action that allows the agency to seize your property to pay a tax debt. This can include taking funds from your bank accounts, garnishing your wages or claiming other assets, such as your car or house, to cover your tax balance. Levies don’t happen without warning. They generally happen after multiple notices and missed deadlines. Additionally, the IRS must send you a Final Notice of Intent to Levy and give you the right to request a hearing. If you receive notice of a levy, don’t ignore it! Acting quickly may help you prevent or release a levy. We’re here to help. Call us at (312) 942-0850.

If you rent out your primary residence or vacation home for no more than 14 days, you don’t have to report the income. (But you can’t deduct related expenses, such as advertising and cleaning.) If you rent it out for more than 14 days, the income is taxable. And you may be able to deduct expenses such as utilities, repairs, insurance and depreciation. Exactly what you can deduct depends on personal vs. rental use. The rules are complex, but tax savings opportunities are available. Call us at (312) 942-0850 to learn more.