News and Events
Are You Owed a Tariff Refund?
On the go? Listen to the audio version of this article. Businesses that paid certain duties imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) may be eligible to seek refunds through U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries (CAPE) process in the ACE Secure Data Portal. CBP has stated […]
IRS Says You Are Getting a Refund… But You Owed Taxes?
On the go? Listen to the audio version of this article. Many taxpayers are receiving IRS notices (CP53E) regarding refunds even though their 2025 tax return showed a balance due. This has caused confusion for taxpayers and tax professionals across the country, and reports indicate that many of these notices may have been issued in […]
What To Do If You Receive an IRS Notice
Opening your mailbox to find a letter from the IRS can feel stressful, but in many cases, there is no need to panic. IRS notices are often sent to request additional information, explain changes made to a tax return, or notify taxpayers about balances due or refund adjustments. If you do receive an IRS notice, […]
QuickBooks Desktop 2023 Discontinuation Notice
Intuit will discontinue support for QuickBooks Desktop 2023 software after May 31, 2026. After this date, the following services and features will no longer be available: To avoid interruptions in service, please verify that you are using QuickBooks Desktop 2024 or a newer supported version. If you are currently using QuickBooks 2023 or an earlier […]
Roth Requirement for Certain Catch-Up Contributions
Beginning January 1, 2026, new rules under the SECURE 2.0 Act will change how certain retirement plan participants make age 50 and older catch-up contributions. Employees age 50 and older may contribute additional amounts to their retirement plan beyond the standard annual IRS limit. For 2026, individuals age 50 or older may contribute an additional […]
Mailing Documents? USPS Postmark Changes Could Impact When They Are Considered Received
The North Carolina Department of Revenue has issued a notice about recent changes at the United States Postal Service (USPS) that may affect the postmark date on mailed tax documents and payments. Under current USPS processing practices, the postmark may reflect the date the mail is processed at a postal facility, not necessarily the date it […]
S Corporation and Partnership Tax Filing Deadline
The filing deadline for calendar-year S Corporations and Partnerships is March 15. This deadline applies to: Even if the business does not owe income tax, these returns must be filed on time. Both S Corporations and Partnerships are pass-through entities, which means income, deductions, and credits flow through to the owners. However, the entity itself […]
North Carolina Annual Report Reminder
Each year, many North Carolina corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and limited liability partnerships are required to file an Annual Report with the North Carolina Secretary of State. Please note: Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. does not prepare or file North Carolina Annual Reports. These reports must be filed directly with the Secretary of […]
What Are You Signing?
When engaging with our services, there are three main forms you may encounter: Engagement Letter, Individual Consent Form, and IRS Form 8879. These documents are essential for ensuring a smooth and compliant process for your tax preparation needs. Engagement Letter The engagement letter outlines the agreement between Martin Starnes & Associates CPAs, P.A. and the […]
Employer Meal Deductions Are Changing in 2026
Over the past several years, the tax treatment of employer-provided meals has shifted multiple times. During the COVID relief period, many business meals were temporarily 100% deductible. Since then, most business meals have been subject to a 50% deduction limit, with certain employee-related meals qualifying for full deductibility. Beginning in 2026, an important change takes […]