taxgirl

10/16/2026

You be the tax judge! ⚖️

A California couple renovated their home office, moving a wall to make the space bigger, replacing carpet, installing a safe, and adding underfloor heating.

Then they claimed a home-office deduction of nearly $25,000.

The IRS wasn't convinced.

Among the questions: Were the renovations deductible business expenses or capital improvements? And how much of the house was actually being used for business?

The case ended up in Tax Court.

What would you decide? Deductible? Not deductible? Partially deductible?

Cast your vote before you see what the court decided.

https://www.taxgirl.com/2026/10/13/you-be-the-tax-judge-can-you-write-off-a-home-office-makeover/

Can you deduct the cost of renovating your home office? A California couple claimed nearly $25,000 in deductions. You be the tax judge.

10/16/2026

Posting for folks with interest in working in Tax Court.

The Tax Court is accepting applications for the position of Law Clerk to the Honorable L. Paige Marvel.

Judges Currently Recruiting Law Clerks for the United States Tax Court

10/16/2026

Looking for Taxgirl? I'm still here!

I've been getting some lovely messages from readers asking why they're no longer receiving my newsletters or seeing my articles on Forbes.

The short answer? I've moved on.

I'm guessing that between summer vacation, the start of school, and tax extension season, some of you missed the news. I left Forbes at the end of August, but I'm still doing what I've always loved: writing about taxes, tax policy, the IRS, the courts, financial crime, and the people and stories behind the headlines.

You can find my articles at Taxgirl.com, along with some familiar features (and a few new ones). And if you've been missing my newsletters, you can sign up for the new one at newsletter.taxgirl.com. It's free.

Same Taxgirl. New (old) home.

And to everyone who's reached out to ask where I've been, thank you. It's nice to be missed. ❤️

(Image is a throwback to when I started writing when the kids were small… Talk about a great audience!)

10/16/2026

For taxpayers who use a professional tax preparer: What's one thing you wish your tax preparer understood about what makes filing season difficult for you?

10/15/2026

Giving to charity can make you feel terrific. But will it help at tax time?

For 2026, the answer may be different than it was in 2025.

Thanks to changes in the tax law:

💚 Taxpayers who don't itemize may be able to deduct up to $1,000 in qualifying charitable contributions ($2,000 for married couples filing jointly).

💚 Taxpayers who DO itemize face a new limitation tied to adjusted gross income.

💚 Taxpayers in the highest tax bracket will see additional limits on the tax benefits of their deductions.

And that's before we get to donor-advised funds, appreciated stock, and qualified charitable distributions.

The bottom line? Giving is good. Understanding the tax rules before you give is even better.

Here's what's changed in 2026—and what to know before making those year-end donations.

Charitable giving tax rules change in 2026. Learn about the new $1,000/$2,000 deduction, the 0.5% AGI floor, and limits for high-income taxpayers.

10/15/2026

Heads up for folks working on deadlines today: Click-N-Ship (USPS) is undergoing routine maintenance from 9 p.m. ET through 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, October 15th, 2026. During this time, some features in the application may be temporarily unavailable.

Of course, dropping at the post office (typically using a traceable method at the counter) is the best way to prove date and time of mailing. But still good information.

10/14/2026

Bigger Social Security checks are coming in 2027. 💰

The Social Security Administration announced the 2027 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which could mean an extra $75 a month for the average retired worker. You know I love charts, so you'll find one with the increases in the piece—I'll also post in the comments.

But there's more to the announcement than bigger checks. Medicare premiums could eat into that increase, taxes may come into play, and the Social Security wage base is going up, too.

I break down what’s changing, who’s affected, and what those numbers actually mean.

Social Security benefits will rise 3.6% in 2027. See how the COLA affects monthly checks, taxes, Medicare premiums, and earnings limits.

10/14/2026

A quick reminder that tomorrow, October 15, is the deadline to file your 2025 federal income tax return if you requested an extension.

Still scrambling? Don't panic. And file even if you can't pay. The IRS failure-to-file penalty is generally much higher than the failure-to-pay penalty. Filing on time can save you money, even if you can't pay your full tax bill right now.

One thing at a time. Get that return filed. You've got this! 💚

📸: Prateek Katyal on Unsplash

10/14/2026

Have you ever noticed that little checkbox on your federal income tax return asking if you'd like to contribute $3 to the Presidential Election Campaign Fund? 🗳️

Checking it won't increase your taxes or reduce your refund. But where does that money actually go? And do presidential candidates even use it anymore?

The answers might surprise you. (And there's a fascinating connection to childhood cancer research.)

I looked at the history of the checkbox, where the money goes today, and why fewer taxpayers are checking it.

Plus, there's a poll! I want to know: Do you check the box?

Read the story and cast your vote:
https://www.taxgirl.com/2026/10/13/whats-that-presidential-election-campaign-fund-checkbox-on-your-tax-return/

10/14/2026

Taxes are on the ballot this November. 🗳️

Voters in at least 17 states will weigh in on tax policy, with proposals ranging from billionaire wealth taxes in California to property tax relief in Florida and Wyoming—and even a plan in Missouri to eventually replace state tax revenue with investment earnings.

Some measures could change what taxpayers owe. Others could change how (or whether) lawmakers can raise taxes in the future.

I broke down what's on the ballot, what it could mean for taxpayers, and which proposals didn't make the cut.

https://www.taxgirl.com/2026/10/13/taxes-are-on-the-ballot-in-2026-heres-what-voters-need-to-know/

From billionaire wealth taxes to property tax relief, voters in 17 states face tax-related ballot measures in November 2026. Here's what you need to know.