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ALERTS AND ARTICLES
Stay up to date with the most recent industry news and what’s happening at Topel Forman
IRS raises the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026
The IRS raised the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026, effective July 1, with the business rate increasing from 72.5 cents to 76 cents per mile. Taxpayers who use their vehicle for business, medical, or qualifying moving purposes will need to track mileage separately for each half of the year. Learn what the new rates mean for your deductions, reimbursement policies, and recordkeeping.
Form 990 filing mistakes that can undermine your nonprofit’s credibility
Form 990 is more than a tax return; it's a public document that donors, grantmakers, and regulators use to evaluate your nonprofit. Common mistakes in filing, reconciliation, and narrative disclosures can raise questions about financial stewardship or put your tax-exempt status at risk. This article outlines the key errors to avoid and how to build a more reliable year-over-year filing process.
Divorce and your tax return: what the settlement may not resolve
A divorce settlement divides assets and establishes legal rights, but it does not resolve every tax question that follows. Filing status, child-related benefits, property basis, retirement transfers, and prior joint return liability all require a separate tax review. Understanding where the settlement ends and tax law begins can help you avoid costly surprises after the divorce is final.
Why homeowners need to track improvements before a sale or inheritance
As home values rise, the federal home sale exclusion may no longer be enough to eliminate capital gains tax when a property is sold or inherited. The difference between a large tax bill and a smaller one can come down to how well a homeowner documented capital improvements over the years. Keeping a permanent record of qualifying expenses is one of the simplest steps homeowners can take to protect themselves.
A Conversation on Financial Planning
Financial planning is a holistic practice that should be done regularly as big life changes happen: 529 plans, estate planning, and tax considerations are only a few of the factors that could be considered during financial planning.
Lisa Blechman Named Chief Operating Officer at Topel Forman
Topel Forman is pleased to announce that Lisa Blechman has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
Behind the humor: the tax misunderstandings that cost real money
Laugh at the most relatable tax misunderstandings - then learn the real rules on service animals, business travel, multi-state filing, and how the IRS actually detects discrepancies.
Why HSAs Are More Powerful Than You Realize
HSAs have a triple tax advantage. Our tax expert explains the qualifications needed for an HSA, how you can contribute, and how you can use an HSA as a long term planning tool for your financial picture.
State tax nexus in 2026: what business owners need to know about unexpected tax obligations
If your business sells online, has remote employees, or uses third-party fulfillment, you may owe taxes in states where you've never filed a return. Learn how physical presence and economic nexus rules work, what triggers an obligation, and what to do if your business has unexpected exposure.
IRS Announces Automatic Penalty Relief for Eligible Taxpayers
The IRS has announced a new administrative penalty relief process designed to make relief more automatic for taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time. The new process, called the Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP), will allow the IRS to automatically prevent certain penalties from being assessed when eligible taxpayers make a one-time mistake.
I’m a Landlord – Taxation of Short-Term, Long-Term, and Vacation Home Rentals
Own rental property? This webinar covers how short-term, long-term, and vacation rentals are taxed — including income reporting, deductions, and depreciation.
Conservation easements: what they are and why the IRS is watching
Conservation easements have a legitimate place in tax and estate planning, but for years promoters have been packaging them into abusive investment schemes that have drawn IRS enforcement. If you’ve been approached with one of these arrangements, or if you’ve already participated in a prior year, the consequences of getting this wrong include disallowed deductions, steep penalties, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution. This article breaks down how legitimate easements work, what the abusive versions look like, and what steps to take if you have questions about your situation.
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IRS raises the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026
The IRS raised the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026, effective July 1, with the business rate increasing from 72.5 cents to 76 cents per mile. Taxpayers who use their vehicle for business, medical, or qualifying moving purposes will need to track mileage separately for each half of the year. Learn what the new rates mean for your deductions, reimbursement policies, and recordkeeping.
Form 990 filing mistakes that can undermine your nonprofit’s credibility
Form 990 is more than a tax return; it's a public document that donors, grantmakers, and regulators use to evaluate your nonprofit. Common mistakes in filing, reconciliation, and narrative disclosures can raise questions about financial stewardship or put your tax-exempt status at risk. This article outlines the key errors to avoid and how to build a more reliable year-over-year filing process.
Divorce and your tax return: what the settlement may not resolve
A divorce settlement divides assets and establishes legal rights, but it does not resolve every tax question that follows. Filing status, child-related benefits, property basis, retirement transfers, and prior joint return liability all require a separate tax review. Understanding where the settlement ends and tax law begins can help you avoid costly surprises after the divorce is final.
Why homeowners need to track improvements before a sale or inheritance
As home values rise, the federal home sale exclusion may no longer be enough to eliminate capital gains tax when a property is sold or inherited. The difference between a large tax bill and a smaller one can come down to how well a homeowner documented capital improvements over the years. Keeping a permanent record of qualifying expenses is one of the simplest steps homeowners can take to protect themselves.
A Conversation on Financial Planning
Financial planning is a holistic practice that should be done regularly as big life changes happen: 529 plans, estate planning, and tax considerations are only a few of the factors that could be considered during financial planning.
Lisa Blechman Named Chief Operating Officer at Topel Forman
Topel Forman is pleased to announce that Lisa Blechman has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer.
Behind the humor: the tax misunderstandings that cost real money
Laugh at the most relatable tax misunderstandings - then learn the real rules on service animals, business travel, multi-state filing, and how the IRS actually detects discrepancies.
Why HSAs Are More Powerful Than You Realize
HSAs have a triple tax advantage. Our tax expert explains the qualifications needed for an HSA, how you can contribute, and how you can use an HSA as a long term planning tool for your financial picture.
State tax nexus in 2026: what business owners need to know about unexpected tax obligations
If your business sells online, has remote employees, or uses third-party fulfillment, you may owe taxes in states where you've never filed a return. Learn how physical presence and economic nexus rules work, what triggers an obligation, and what to do if your business has unexpected exposure.
IRS Announces Automatic Penalty Relief for Eligible Taxpayers
The IRS has announced a new administrative penalty relief process designed to make relief more automatic for taxpayers with a history of filing and paying on time. The new process, called the Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP), will allow the IRS to automatically prevent certain penalties from being assessed when eligible taxpayers make a one-time mistake.
I’m a Landlord – Taxation of Short-Term, Long-Term, and Vacation Home Rentals
Own rental property? This webinar covers how short-term, long-term, and vacation rentals are taxed — including income reporting, deductions, and depreciation.
Conservation easements: what they are and why the IRS is watching
Conservation easements have a legitimate place in tax and estate planning, but for years promoters have been packaging them into abusive investment schemes that have drawn IRS enforcement. If you’ve been approached with one of these arrangements, or if you’ve already participated in a prior year, the consequences of getting this wrong include disallowed deductions, steep penalties, and in serious cases, criminal prosecution. This article breaks down how legitimate easements work, what the abusive versions look like, and what steps to take if you have questions about your situation.
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