Finding out that a spouse, partner, or even a deceased loved one had hidden tax debt can feel overwhelming. It's not uncommon to feel a sense of betrayal, fear, confusion -- made all the more nauseating when you look it up and discover there's real financial and legal consequences. Whether the debt
How Seattle’s Proposed Public Safety Sales Tax Could Impact Small Businesses
Seattle’s small business owners are once again bracing for potential financial changes as the City Council prepares to vote on a 0.1% public safety sales tax. The measure, expected to pass, would raise Seattle’s total sales tax rate to 10.55% by 2026. This'd make it one of the highest among major US
Can a W2 Employee Deduct Phone & Internet Because of Job Requirements?
No, you cannot deduct your personal phone (or home internet), even if your employer requires you to use your own phone for work calls. Here's why and when the rare exceptions apply. Why It’s Usually Disallowed for W-2 Employees Before 2018, unreimbursed employee expenses (such as using your
When W2 and 1099 Collide: How to Handle Mixed Income Without Overpaying Taxes
If your household has a mix of W2 and 1099 income — maybe one person works a traditional job while taking on freelance projects, another runs a small side business, and someone else earns full-time wages — tax season can quickly get confusing. It’s not unusual for families in this situation to
Tips to Improve Your Chance of a Small Business Loan
If you’re a small business owner struggling to get a loan, you’re far from alone. Many entrepreneurs have had frustrating experiences: being ghosted by “loan specialists,” denied despite revenue, or forced into predatory high-interest offers. Here’s how to understand those roadblocks, reframe
How to Use NotebookLM to Keep Track of Your Expenses and Taxes (Safely)
For small business owners, freelancers, and consultants, tax season doesn’t begin in April, it lasts all year. From tracking receipts to managing deductions and keeping notes on client income, there’s a constant flow of information to organize. That’s where NotebookLM can help especially if
When Your Employer Switches You from W2 to 1099: What Changes, What to Watch Out For
You might hear from coworkers or see job posts that say “1099 only” or “contractor status.” Sometimes that’s legitimate, but in many cases, people find out after the fact that being a 1099 contractor is very different -- for better or worse. Let’s explore what changes when you move from being a
How Tax Brackets Actually Work (& How to Make Them Work for You)
If you’ve ever worried that earning “too much” could bump you into a higher tax bracket and cause you to lose money, you’re not alone. A surprising number of people misunderstand how tax brackets actually work. The good news? It’s not nearly as punishing as it sounds. Let’s clear things up and