%201.png)
.png)
.png)
It's Official! Another Round of Stimulus Payments Approved by Congress
Heading 1
Heading 2
Heading 3
Heading 4
Heading 5
Heading 6
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.
Block quote
Ordered list
- Item 1
- Item 2
- Item 3
Unordered list
- Item A
- Item B
- Item C
Bold text
Emphasis
Superscript
Subscript
Categories
Article Highlights: Economic Impact Payments High-Income Taxpayer Phaseout Reconciliation Dependents Decedents Social Security Number Requirements Non-Filers IRS Information Sites The American Rescue Plan Act has passed and includes a third much-anticipated economic impact payment (EIP). This is one of several government measures intended to help financially stressed citizens. This will be the third round of EIPs since the pandemic began disrupting the economy at the beginning of 2020, leaving many Americans without jobs or any way to support their families. This round of EIPs will be: $1,400 ($2,800 for joint filers), plus $1,400 per dependent—unlike the prior payments, the payment will apply to all of a taxpayer’s dependents regardless of age. Since the payments are meant for lower-income taxpayers, they will phase out for higher-income taxpayers. Thus, the payment amounts will phase out for taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) between: $150,000 and $160,000 for married taxpayers filing jointly; $112,500 and $120,000 for head-of-household filers; and $75,000 and $80,000 for all other filers. The Treasury will make these payments automatically based on a taxpayer’s filing status, AGI, and claimed dependents on their 2019 return—or the 2020 return if it has been filed and processed by the IRS by the time the IRS generates the payments. Example: Don and Shirley file jointly, have one dependent, and their 2019 AGI is $152,500 (they had not filed their 2020 return by the time the third round of EIPs were determined). Because their AGI is a quarter of the way through the phaseout range for joint filers, their EIP3 will be reduced by 25%. Here is the computation for their EIP3: EIP for Don & Shirley: 2,800 EIP for their dependent 1,400 Total before phaseout 4,200 Phaseout (25%) -1,050 Economic impact payment 3,150 Had Don and Shirley had an AGI of less than $150,000, their EIP would have been $4,200. Had Don and Shirley had an AGI of $160,000 or more, their EIP would have been $0. It is anticipated that the Treasury will begin issuing the EIP3s within a week after President Biden signs the American Rescue Plan Act into law. Reconciliation – When taxpayers file their 2021 tax returns, they will need to reconcile the payments they received with the amounts they were entitled to based upon the 2021 tax return filing status, AGI and claimed dependents. If payments were less than what they were entitled to, the difference becomes a refundable tax credit on the 2021 tax return. Taxpayers who received more than they were entitled to are not required to repay any difference.
.png)
.png)
Tax and Financial Insights
by NR CPAs & Business Advisors
2026 IRS Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Insights
The IRS has rolled out the inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026, offering taxpayers an efficient way to claim deductions for vehicle-related expenses incurred for business, charity, medical, or moving purposes. These adjustments reflect the continued economic shifts impacting car operation costs.
Effective January 1, 2026, the new standard mileage rates are established as follows:
- Business Travel: Increased to 72.5 cents per mile, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks a rise from the 70 cents per mile rate set for 2025
- Medical/Moving Purposes: Reduced slightly to 20.5 cents per mile, down from 21 cents in the previous year, reflecting the variable cost considerations.
- Charitable Contributions: Consistent at 14 cents per mile, a fixed rate unchanged for over a quarter-century.
As is typical, the business mileage rate considers the integral fixed and variable costs of automobile operation. Meanwhile, the medical and moving rates remain contingent on variable expenses as determined by the IRS study.
It is critical to note that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) held firm on disallowing moving expense deductions except for specific cases within the Armed Forces and intelligence community, marking a substantial shift since 2017.
When engaging in charitable work, taxpayers might opt for a direct expense deduction over the per-mile method, covering gas and oil costs. However, comprehensive upkeep and insurance costs are non-deductible expenses.
Business Vehicle Use Considerations: Taxpayers can alternatively compute vehicle expenses using actual costs, which might benefit from shifting depreciation rules, particularly through bonuses and first-year advantages. Keep in mind, however, reverting from actual cost calculations to standard rates in subsequent years is restricted, particularly per vehicle protocol and when exceeding four vehicles in concurrent use.
Additionally, parking, tolls, and property taxes attributable to business can be deducted independently of the general rate, an often-overlooked advantage by many business owners.
Tax Strategies for Employers and Employees: Reimbursements based on the standard mileage framework, providing the right documentation is in place, remain tax-free for employees. Meanwhile, the elimination and continued prohibition of unreimbursed employee deductions continue, with particular exceptions offered to qualified personnel across specific occupations.
Opportunities for Self-employed Individuals: Entrepreneurs remain eligible for deductions on business-related vehicle use via Schedule C, with potential to account for business-use interest on auto loans.
Heavy SUVs and Deduction Advantages: Heavier vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds but under 14,000 pounds open opportunities for substantial tax deductions through Section 179 and bonus depreciation avenues. The lifecycle of such a vehicle bears implications on recapturing initially claimed deductions, urging cautious tax planning.
For professional guidance on optimizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and understanding their implications on tax strategies, contact our office in Coral Gables, Florida, where expert advice and strategic insights are just a call away.
Educator's Deduction Reform: Key Changes Under OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant enhancements for educators' tax deductions starting in 2026, offering both strategic opportunities and planning considerations for educators who qualify. With the reinstated itemized deduction for qualified unreimbursed expenses, educators have a broader spectrum of financial relief. This is complemented by the retention of the $350 above-the-line deduction, allowing educators to maximize their tax benefits by selectively allocating expenses between these avenues.
Understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial for educators and financial advisors alike. The dual-option deduction strategy can potentially enhance tax efficiency, thereby aligning with broader financial planning goals.
At NR CPAs & Business Advisors, based in Coral Gables, Florida, our expertise in tax preparation and planning provides invaluable support to educators navigating these changes. Our comprehensive approach, combined with personalized advice from our experienced team, ensures compliance and optimization in line with the latest tax legislations.
Given these updates, it is imperative to engage with seasoned professionals to fully leverage your deduction strategies. Contact us today to streamline your tax planning under OBBBA's new guidelines and maximize your deductions for upcoming tax years.
