Newsletter

DECEMBER 2025 E-NEWSLETTER

IRS Refunds and Payments Will Need to Be Electronic

 

Due to President Trumps’s executive order effective 9/30/2025, the IRS will no longer issue refunds via paper check and will only accept payments via EFT.

FEATURED NEWS

Introducing the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program

The New York State Secure Choice Savings Program is now open for registration. New York Secure Choice is New York State’s retirement savings program for private-sector employees who do not have access to a retirement plan at work.

 

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Beginning January 2025, a convenience fee will apply to all credit card payments. ACH (Echeck) payments and checks can continue to be used with no convenience fee.

We now accept ACH (Echeck) payments through our website under the payment portal.

Invoices can be paid on our website at www.kvlsmcpa.com by ACH and credit card. Checks can be mailed to us at our office at KVLSM LLP, 415 Crossways Park Dr. Suite C, Woodbury, NY 11797.

 

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MORE TAX & FINANCIAL NEWS YOU CAN USE

Getting Ready For Taxes

Plenty of tax changes are lining up as the calendar turns toward 2026. Before then, there's also several moves to make filing your 2025 tax return as easy as possible. Here's what you need to know.

 

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Your Year-End Tax & Financial Checklist

Year-end is the last chance to make smart money moves that can reduce taxes and set the stage for a confident start to the new year. Use this checklist to to help cover the essentials.

 

Read More

 

OBBBA and Alternative Minimum Tax

Initially designed to ensure that high income earners who benefit from various deductions and credits still pay a minimum level of tax, the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) is imposed at a flat rate tax of 26% or 28%.

 

Read More

 

Tax Credits for Small Business Retirement Plans

Small businesses can significantly benefit from tax incentives designed to encourage the establishment of employee retirement plans.

 

Read More

 

SERVICES

  • Income Tax Preparation for all types of businesses and individuals
  • IRS, State and Local Audit Representation
  • Trust, Estate and Gift Compliance
  • QuickBooks setup, support and training
  • Business startup services
  • Monthly bookkeeping
  • Financial statements
  • Family Office
  • Nonprofit Administration

 

RECENT E-NEWSLETTERS

NOVEMBER 2025 E-NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2025 E-NEWSLETTER

SEPTEMBER 2025 E-NEWSLETTER

 

DECEMBER 2025 Q & A

Q: What's the difference between the American Opportunity Credit and the Lifetime Learning Credit?

A: The American Opportunity Credit is designed for undergraduate expenses (up to $2,500 per student per year), while the Lifetime Learning Credit (up to $2,000 per student per year) offers more flexibility.

You cannot claim both credits in the same tax year for the same student, nor can the student be declared a dependent by someone else.

Calculate the value of the tax benefits to see who should claim education deductions and/or credits: you or your child.

 

SHORT BITS

Time to Review Your Withholdings

As 2026 begins, reviewing your tax withholdings is a critical financial step. Withholdings determine how much income tax is deducted from your paycheck, directly impacting your cash flow and tax refund or liability. Life changes—marriage, a new job, or having children— can shift your tax bracket or eligibility for credits, making last year's settings outdated. Incorrect withholdings may lead to owing a hefty sum or receiving a large refund, which means you've overpaid and missed investment opportunities. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to accurately adjust your W-4 form, ensuring your withholdings align with your 2026 financial goals. This tool takes into account income, dependents, and deductions.

Checking early avoids surprises during tax season, optimizes your budget, and ensures compliance with evolving tax laws. Consult your trusted advisors for complex situations to maximize savings and minimize errors.

Getting Your Finances Back on Track

The holiday season often leaves wallets strained, but 2026 can start with financial recovery.

REVIEW SPENDING
First, assess your spending by reviewing bank and credit card statements to identify holiday overspending. Create a budget that prioritizes essentials, such as rent and utilities, while allocating funds to pay off high-interest debt, like credit cards, which averaged 20% interest in 2025.

TAKE ACTION
Cut discretionary expenses, such as dining out or subscriptions, temporarily to free up cash. Rebuild your emergency fund by aiming for 3–6 months' worth of expenses, setting aside small, consistent savings. Adjust tax withholdings using the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator to avoid surprises and optimize cash flow. If eligible, explore tax deductions (e.g., charitable donations) or credits to reduce your tax burden. Consider a side hustle to boost income and accelerate debt repayment.

Meet with your financial professional to refine your budget and investment strategy, ensuring that long-term goals, such as retirement savings, stay on track. Act promptly to regain control of your finances.

 
 

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415 Crossways Park Dr. Suite C Woodbury, NY 11797
www.kvlsmcpa.com

 

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