Tax Alternative Group

We want our clients to be successful in their tax filing. Please meet these important deadlines.

IF A POSTMARK DATE IS IMPORTANT, ASK FOR A HAND-CANCEL POSTMARK -- The postal service is now applying postmarks to mail at regional sorting centers, not necessarily at the local post office where it's dropped off. Most mail in our local area gets shipped to Albany before it's postmarked, and can end up a day or two after you drop it off at the post office. If a postmark date is important, bring it inside for a hand cancel.

Urgent warning to Americans leaving tax filing to last minute Millions of Americans racing to meet the April 15 tax deadline this coming Wednesday could be walking straight into a costly trap.

We've seen significant increases in refunds for overtime workers and tipped employees. The Increase of the SALT cap from $10,000 to $40,000 have also benefited home owners with large mortgages

Average tax refund is 11% higher, latest IRS filing data shows The average tax refund is about 11% higher so far this season, compared with about the same period in 2025, according to IRS filing data.

We fill up faster each year!

Tax season is a time of reconciliation. And sometimes the reaction to owing the IRS looks a lot like the Kübler-Ross stages of grief.

A couple of our clients have received a notice from the NYS Dept of Tax an Finance stating there was an error in the tax calculation in their return. We responded to NYS with a manual calculation of the tax contesting the adjustment. Our colleagues at the NY Association of Enrolled Agents have confirmed with the NYS DTF that there is an error in their software causing these erroneous adjustments.

Did you know one of our added services is a Business Bundle?

Don’t rush this tax season.

Tips From A Former IRS Insider: Five Potential Flags To Avoid This Tax Season Forget the hacks and social media shortcuts. A former IRS insider explains the real traps that could trip up taxpayers this filing season—and how to avoid them.

The IRS has put out a Frequent Asked Questions Fact Sheet about the Executive Order to phase out paper refund checks. One Detail is that if returns are filed without updated banking information, refunds will be delayed, and the IRS may send out messages with instructions how to update their bank information.

Please be aware that this may open the door for scammer posing as the IRS. The IRS will never ask for this information over the phone. Do not click on any links to update bank information but go to the directed site on the IRS webpage if directed. THE BEST AND SAFEST COURSE OF ACTION IS TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION TO US BEFORE YOU FILE.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/taxpros/fs-2026-02.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawPoOcBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeqJAbPnl4X7JamSokK2HTfiiI1BIl5VxhBZubn92bFGm8YYyca42tpWo6Lf4_aem_SUxQit3dD2q4dLAFG-Z8Vw

Monday January 26 is the first day to electronically file returns. Though we encourage early filing, we encourage taxpayers to be thoughtful and make sure they have everything before making their appointment.

Tax Breaks: The Everyone Is Waiting For Forms W-2 Edition Plus: Average tax refunds, filing status, a new global tax deal, commuting expenses & business mileage, a closely watched tax case, Taxes From A to Z, tax trivia & more.

If you itemized your deductions in 2024, be sure to download a copy of your 1099-G form from the NYS Department of Tax and Finance Website. The amount on this form will include the Inflation Rebate Check amounts paid out by NYS, and may be taxable on your 2025 return.

NY inflation refund checks are taxable: What you need to know Millions of New Yorkers are getting a check.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/01/17/tax-breaks-the-countdown-to-the-2026-tax-season-edition/

Tax Breaks: The Countdown To The 2026 Tax Season Edition Plus: Bonus depreciation is back, opening a Trump account, California’s billionaire tax, Head of Household filing status, Taxes From A to Z, tax trivia and more.