Raymond Lyle CPA PLLC

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your 1040 and uncover potential strategies you can implement this year to reduce your 2026 taxes. We also can assist with filing extended 2025 returns. Call us at 206-970-1208 to set up an appointment.

An estate plan helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also can minimize taxes, safeguard your minor children and support your charitable goals. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, call us at 206-970-1208. We can help assess whether revisions are needed due to tax law changes or a major life event. If you don’t have an estate plan yet, we can help you get started.

Even when your finance and accounting (F&A) team seems to be firing on all cylinders, they may feel burdened with heavy workloads and tight deadlines. Bringing in an external accountant can ease the pressure on your internal team and keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes. If your accounting and bookkeeping workload is piling up, we’re here to help. Call us at 206-970-1208 to learn how we can support your business.

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 206-970-1208 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

Do your employees pay out of pocket for business travel, meals or supplies? With a properly structured “accountable plan,” reimbursements are tax-free to employees and deductible for your business. (Remember, meals are generally only 50% deductible.) Without an accountable plan, reimbursements count as taxable wages and trigger income taxes for the employee and payroll taxes for both the employee and your business. Contact us at 206-970-1208 to help ensure your reimbursement practices comply with the tax rules and minimize unintended tax consequences.

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 206-970-1208 with questions.

Your financial life is more interconnected than you may realize. Your tax, retirement and estate planning should work together to support your goals today and protect your legacy tomorrow. We can help you bring it all together with a coordinated strategy to reduce taxes, build retirement savings and achieve your estate planning objectives. Contact us at 206-970-1208.

Are rental real estate activities eligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction? The answer is a distinct “maybe.” This tax break allows eligible sole proprietors and owners of “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of QBI. Pass-through entities include partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. However, income from a rental real estate activity is QBI only if the activity rises to the level of a trade or business or meets an IRS safe harbor, which generally requires separate records, sufficient rental services and specific documentation. Various limits and other restrictions also apply. Call us at 206-970-1208 to learn more.

Now is the perfect time to tidy up your QuickBooks files. Unreconciled accounts, uncategorized transactions and outdated records can distort your cash flow and profitability. Even with QuickBooks’ automation tools and AI-enabled features, consistent review and oversight are essential. Don’t forget your chart of accounts! An outdated or cluttered chart can muddy your results, making it harder to understand your true performance. Clean books support better financial decisions and smoother tax filings. Call us at 206-970-1208 to help get your bookkeeping in top shape.

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 206-970-1208 to learn more.