If you are self-employed, the self-employed health insurance deduction can help lower your taxable income—but only if it is set up correctly from the start. One of the most important steps is making sure the insurance policy is in the correct name. If your business does not have a separate legal name, the policy should be [...]
When is the Deadline to Contribute to my IRA? You can contribute to either a Traditional or Roth IRA up until the tax filing deadline of the following year. For the 2025 tax year, the deadline is April 15, 2026. Filing a tax extension does not extend this deadline. How Much Can I Contribute? For 2025, [...]
Tax season is here, so it is important to stay aware of fraudulent tax preparation practices that can place you at serious financial and legal risk. Refund manipulation scams often involve dishonest preparers filing inaccurate returns to generate inflated refunds and directing those refunds into their own bank accounts. How the Scam Works These scams work [...]
Tax season is here and it moves fast. When you’re an over-the-road truck driver, it can be hard to find the time to prepare for tax season. If you haven’t had the opportunity to gather your tax documents or find a preparer to file your return by April 15th, you may be wondering about an extension. [...]
Tax season brings a lot of important communication—and unfortunately, it can also bring scams. Each year, fraudsters take advantage of increased tax activity to try to collect personal and financial information. At Abacus!, better guidance means helping you know what to watch for and when to pause before acting. Awareness Is Your First Line of Defense Tax-related scams often appear during this [...]
Effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026, a new federal law—the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)—changes how gambling losses can be deducted. This update may increase taxes for both casual and professional gamblers, even if your activity breaks even or results in a net loss. What is Changing? Before 2026 Gambling losses were deductible up [...]
Great question! Side gigs like selling goods online, delivering food, or starting a ridesharing business are common ways people earn extra money. If you have a side gig where you earn income, you’re required to report that income. The question then becomes, is my side gig a hobby, or am I operating my side gig as [...]
Yes, per diem works very differently depending on whether you’re an owner-operator (independent contractor) or a company driver (W-2 employee). Understanding this distinction is critical, because using per diem the wrong way can lead to missed deductions or tax issues. Per Diem for Owner-Operators and Independent Contractors If you are self-employed, per diem is generally taken [...]
As a truck driver, saving for retirement can feel challenging, especially if you're self-employed or an independent contractor. However, there are several tax-advantaged retirement accounts that can help you save while reducing your tax bill. Here’s a quick guide to the best options for truck drivers. Why Retirement Planning Matters for Truck Drivers Unlike traditional employees [...]
