Blog
Plain-text accounting insights, tutorials, and updates from the Beancount.io team. Browse by tag.
IRS Form 3520: The Complete Guide to Reporting Foreign Trusts and Foreign Gifts
IRS Form 3520 is an informational return required for U.S. taxpayers who receive foreign gifts over $100,000, own foreign trusts, or have transactions with foreign trusts — penalties start at $10,000 or 35% of the unreported amount.
IRS Form 2848: How to Authorize Someone to Represent You Before the IRS
IRS Form 2848 grants a limited power of attorney for federal tax matters, letting you designate a qualified CPA, attorney, or enrolled agent to handle IRS communications, audits, and collection negotiations on your behalf.
IRS Form 2553: The Complete Guide to Electing S Corporation Status
Filing IRS Form 2553 by the March deadline lets profitable small businesses and LLCs elect S-corp status, potentially saving over $12,000 annually by shielding distributions from the 15.3% self-employment tax.
IRS Form 1098: The Complete Guide to Your Mortgage Interest Statement
IRS Form 1098 reports your mortgage interest paid and is the key document for claiming the mortgage interest deduction on Schedule A. Covers every box on the form, 2026 deduction limits, the expanded SALT cap, and step-by-step filing instructions.
IRS CP504 Notice: What It Means and What to Do Next
IRS Notice CP504 is a formal Notice of Intent to Levy — learn what triggers it, where it falls in the IRS collection sequence, and six actionable options to resolve your tax debt before the 30-day deadline passes.
IRS Audit Triggers: 10 Red Flags That Put You on the IRS Radar
Fewer than 0.5% of returns are audited each year, but unreported income, consecutive business losses, and disproportionate Schedule C deductions can dramatically raise your odds. Here are the 10 most common IRS audit triggers—and how to keep your records audit-ready.
IRS Accountable Plan: The Complete Guide for Small Business Owners
An accountable plan lets businesses reimburse employee expenses tax-free and exempt from payroll taxes—saving employers roughly $382 per $5,000 in expenses. This guide covers the three IRS requirements, step-by-step setup, and common compliance mistakes to avoid.
Innocent Spouse Relief: How to Protect Yourself from Your Spouse's Tax Mistakes
Innocent spouse relief lets you escape IRS liability for a spouse's tax errors on a jointly filed return — but only ~18% of applicants are approved. Learn the three relief types, eligibility rules, and how to file Form 8857 correctly.
Inflation Reduction Act for Small Business Owners: What You Need to Know
The Inflation Reduction Act doubled the R&D payroll tax credit for qualifying startups to $500,000, expanded commercial clean energy credits, and boosted IRS enforcement funding—here's what each provision means for your small business tax strategy in 2025 and 2026.
Independent Contractor Tax Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Independent contractors pay a 15.3% self-employment tax plus federal income tax on net profit. This guide covers quarterly estimated payment deadlines, every major Schedule C deduction, and year-round bookkeeping habits to minimize what you owe.
Income Tax Liability: What It Is, How to Calculate It, and How to Reduce It
A practical guide to calculating income tax liability for sole proprietors, LLCs, S-corps, and C-corps—covering 2026 tax law changes including the 23% QBI deduction and 100% bonus depreciation, plus 7 strategies to legally reduce what you owe.
How to Spot Debt Collector Scams: A Complete Guide for Individuals and Business Owners
The FTC received 278,000+ debt collection complaints in 2025. Learn 7 red flags that signal a fake debt collector, how to verify legitimacy, your FDCPA rights, and what to do if you've been targeted — including specific protections for small business owners.