“Do I need a trust?” This is one of the most common estate-planning questions people ask -- and for good reason. Trusts can feel mysterious, expensive, or like something “rich people do.” But the truth is that trusts are far more common today, and many families, parents, homeowners, and small
How Small Businesses Can Acquire New Clients
"If a man can make a better mousetrap, the world will make a beaten path to his door." -Ralph Waldo Emerson Most business owners know the three classic pillars of client acquisition: outreach, advertising, and word of mouth. They matter (and they work), but they aren’t the whole picture. As
Short Sale or Rent Out Your Home?
When your mortgage balance is higher than what your home can sell for, the situation can feel overwhelming. Many Washington homeowners find themselves weighing two difficult options: renting out the property (often at a loss), or pursuing a short sale. Each path has pros, cons, and long-term tax
Wage Garnishment, CP504, and LT11: What Washington State Residents Need to Know Before the IRS Takes Action
Getting a letter from the IRS can turn any normal day into a stressful one -- especially if it hints at collection action. Two notices in particular, CP504 and LT11 (or Letter 1058), often show up right before the IRS begins wage garnishment or bank levies. If you’re in Washington State, the
Understanding IRS Notice CP14: What It Means, Why You Received It, and What to Do Next
If you’ve opened your mailbox and found an IRS CP14 notice -- you’re far from alone. This is one of the most common letters the IRS sends, and while it does require action, it’s usually straightforward to resolve. This guide walks you through what a CP14 is, who gets it, how to pay it, and when
What to Do When You Discover a Loved One’s Hidden Tax Debt: A Guide for Spouses, Heirs, and Families
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