For 2026, the federal gift and estate tax exemption is $15 million — effectively $30 million for a married couple. “Portability” allows any unused portion of a deceased spouse’s exemption to be transferred to the surviving spouse. But it isn’t automatic. The executor…
Small landlords: You may be eligible for a valuable tax break. Unless you’re a “real estate professional” for tax purposes, rental losses are typically treated as passive and can’t offset nonpassive income, such as wages or business income. But some landlords may…
If you filed your federal income tax return and expect a refund, you can track its progress. The established tracking methods are to call the IRS’s automated hotline at 800-829-1954 or use “Where’s My Refund?” at irs.gov. Refund information is usually available within…
It’s not common that tax law changes all at once. That said, 2026 is shaping up to be a vital year for business owners. There are several federal changes scheduled to shake things up, and Minnesota has some changes right alongside them. These business tax updates…
Tax season is officially underway, and let’s be honest, it’s not most people’s favorite time of year. You might love owning a business but get nervous every time you think of that April 15 deadline. Don’t worry! At Barton, Walter & Krier, we have all the tips and…
Every year it seems as though the scramble around tax time is inevitable. But the tax experts at Barton, Walter & Krier are here to help. We’ve got the inside scoop on things you can do throughout the year to ensure you’re prepared, saving you time, money, and…
With the new year officially here, it’s only a matter of time before we’re all in the midst of the tax time rush. Last-minute number crunching can be stressful, both for business owners and their tax professionals. We have some basic and simple ideas to help ensure…
Running a business is more than a 9-to-5 job. And with day-to-day elements to juggle in the present, it can be difficult to think about the future. But preparing your business for the long term is something to consider right now. Keep reading to learn what you should…
Many businesses took hits of all kinds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under certain circumstances, businesses can benefit from keeping employees on their payroll when their bottom line might suggest otherwise. Keep reading to learn more about Employee Retention Credit…
The narrow, early year window for filing taxes is likely when you rely most on your tax professional. But these numbers virtuosos keep busy with a host of duties after filing deadlines, too. Ever wonder what CPAs do in the tax off-season? Keep reading to find out how…
