Getting ahead on your taxes isn’t just about filing early. Tax experts say the most effective moves happen right at the start of the year, long before paperwork piles up or forms go missing. By taking a few intentional steps in January, you can smooth out your tax burden, reduce errors and make the 2026 filing season far less stressful. Here are eight smart ways to build momentum now. Be Aware: 8 Ways Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ Could Offer Tax Relief Read Next: 9 Low-Effort Ways To Make Passive Inco ...

The next tax filing season in the U.S. might not be so bad, after all. In a recent appearance on NBC10 Philadelphia, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said American households are going to receive “very large refunds” during the next tax filing season. All thanks to the retroactive policy changes introduced under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) in July. The anticipated refunds, which could total between $100 billion and $150 billion, are drawing attention not only from consumers but also from mark ...

xalien / Shutterstock.com Quick Read The OBBBA creates a $6,000 annual deduction for taxpayers 65 and over starting in 2025. The deduction phases out for income above $75,000 (single) or $150,000 (joint). The tax break expires in 2028, so retirees should make the most of it. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, there are three quick questions causing many Americans to realize they can retire earlier than expected. take 5 minutes to learn more here President Trump promised ...

Core Insights - Michael Dell and his wife Susan are donating $6.25 billion to "Trump accounts," which provide $1,000 in federal funds to U.S. children born on or after January 1, 2025, until the end of 2028 during Donald Trump's presidency [1] - The contribution will benefit approximately 25 million children, allocating about $250 per child [1] - The accounts serve as long-term savings vehicles, with parents able to contribute starting July 2026, and funds will be invested in stock market mutual or index funds [2] Eligibility and Contribution Details - "Trump accounts" are available to all U.S. children under 18 with a Social Security number, managed through the U.S. Treasury as part of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) [3] - The Dell Foundation's contribution is specifically for children born from 2016 to 2024 in areas with median household incomes below $150,000 per year [4] - Parents and community members can collectively contribute up to $5,000 per year to an Invest America account, with no cap on contributions from philanthropists or charitable organizations [5] Withdrawal and Usage of Funds - Funds can be accessed starting at age 18 for education, job training, starting a business, or purchasing a first home, with accounts converting to traditional IRAs at that age [6] - The specifics of account opening and management are still unclear, with further information available through investment firm Charles Schwab [7]

December 1, 2025 05:01 AM GMT What Are Companies Saying? A Recurring Publication from US Equity Strategy Focused on Key Topics of Discussion from US Companies +1 212 761- 5863 Michael Wilson Chief US Equity Strategist & CIO of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management and Institutional Securities M.Wilson@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-2532 Andrew Pauker Equity Strategist Andrew.Pauker@morganstanley.com +1 212 761-1330 Michelle M. Weaver, CFA Equity Strategist Michelle.M.Weaver@morganstanley.com +1 212 296- 5254 Diane ...

Core Insights - The KeyBank survey indicates that 70% of middle market companies plan to leverage the provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for competitive advantage [1][3] - The survey reveals high familiarity with OBBBA among executives, with 60% reporting awareness of its provisions [5] - Companies anticipate significant impacts on the U.S. economy and their own businesses, with 86% expecting moderate or greater effects within the next 12 months [5] Familiarity and Expectations - 60% of middle market companies are familiar with OBBBA provisions [5] - 86% expect the bill's provisions to have a moderate or greater level of impact on the U.S. economy in the next 12 months, with 45% anticipating significant impact [5] - 60% expect a meaningful positive impact on their business in the next two years [5] - 89% anticipate at least one significant long-term impact from OBBBA on their business [5] Anticipated Long-Term Impacts - The top three expected long-term impacts include: - Increased ability to invest in growth and expansion (59%) [5] - Improved cash flow through accelerated depreciation and capital expenditure incentives (59%) [5] - Greater certainty and stability in financial planning and forecasting (53%) [5] Strategic Priorities Post-Enactment - Within 12 months of OBBBA enactment, middle market companies plan to prioritize: - Upgrading technology or investing in process automation (68%) [5] - Increasing domestic R&D investment (65%) [5] - Expanding/reconfiguring supply chain (63%) [5] - Adjusting debt financing or leverage strategy (59%) [5] - Accelerating capital expenditures (58%) [5] - Enhancing employee benefits (57%) [5] - Investing in clean energy projects (55%) [5]

Core Insights - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) offers significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and early-stage investors through an overhaul of the Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) rules, potentially reshaping the financial future for many founders [1] QSBS Enhancements - The OBBBA increases the per-issuer limitation for QSBS from $10 million to $15 million, indexed for inflation, for QSBS issued after July 4, 2025 [2] - Introduction of partial exclusions starting in year three allows founders and investors to access tax exclusions sooner, with eligible gains excluded on a scale of 50% after three years, 75% after four years, and 100% after five years [3][7] Expanded Eligibility - The gross asset threshold for Domestic C corporations to issue QSBS is raised from $50 million to $75 million, enabling more companies to benefit from tax advantages [4] - This change is crucial for startups and small businesses, allowing them to attract investment more effectively while scaling their operations [5] Strategic Planning Opportunities - Companies can now implement strategies for capital raising, exit planning, and entity structuring, as those that previously exceeded the $50 million limit can resume issuing QSBS until surpassing the new threshold [5] - Provisions in the OBBBA allow corporations to reduce the tax basis of their assets, helping them stay below the $75 million limit and continue issuing QSBS [6] - Immediate expensing of domestic research and experimental costs under Section 174A starting in 2025 will enable full upfront deductions, aiding in maintaining leaner balance sheets [6]

Core Insights - CBIZ, Inc. has released its 2026 Tax Planning Guide to assist businesses and individuals in navigating the changes brought by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) [1][2] Group 1: Key Changes and Provisions - The OBBBA introduces significant tax policy changes, including immediate deductibility of domestic research and experimental expenses, restoration of 100% bonus depreciation, permanent expansion of Section 179 expensing, and increases to estate and gift tax exemptions [3] - New tax incentives under the OBBBA affect both C corporations and pass-through entities, prompting businesses to reconsider their entity selection [4] Group 2: Tax Planning Strategies - The guide emphasizes tax planning as a growth driver rather than a year-end checklist, encouraging decision-makers to transform complexity into clarity and strategy into savings [3] - The guide includes a sector-by-sector analysis to help organizations identify opportunities and compliance priorities in light of the new provisions [8] Group 3: Additional Provisions - Manufacturers can now claim a 100% deduction for new qualified production property, with construction starting after January 19, 2025, and before 2029 [8] - Expanded Qualified Opportunity Zones provide new avenues for capital-gain deferral and reinvestment for both business and individual investors [8] - New individual tax-advantaged provisions include higher state and local tax caps, new deductions for tip income and overtime pay, and temporary bonus deductions for seniors [8] Group 4: Upcoming Events - CBIZ is hosting a webinar on November 13, 2025, to discuss insights from the guide and the implications of tax changes for businesses and personal finances [5]

Core Points - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed by President Donald Trump includes several provisions that can positively impact personal finances [1] Group 1: Child Tax Credit - The Child Tax Credit (CTC) allows parents to claim up to $2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 being refundable even if no federal income tax is owed [2] - The credit begins to phase out at a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of $200,000 for single filers and $400,000 for married couples filing jointly [3] Group 2: Auto Loan Interest Deduction - For the first time, individuals can deduct up to $10,000 per year in auto loan interest for cars assembled in the U.S., provided the loan is in the individual's name [4] - This benefit is available until 2028, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the vehicle qualifies [5] Group 3: Small Business Benefits - Small business owners can write off 100% of the cost of qualified business property in the year of purchase, applicable to items like computers and office equipment [6] - This deduction is now permanent, providing immediate financial benefits for businesses [6] Group 4: Qualified Business Income Deduction - Business owners may deduct up to 20% of their qualified business income, with full deductions available for incomes under $197,300 for single filers and $394,600 for married couples filing jointly [7] - The deduction phases out for incomes exceeding $247,300 for single filers and $494,600 for joint filers [7]

Core Insights - Social Security is projected to face severe financial challenges by the 2030s, with predictions of insolvency as early as 2033, leading to only 77% of benefits being payable to beneficiaries [1][2][3] - The depletion date for Social Security's trust funds has been moved up to late 2022, primarily due to the financial implications of President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which is expected to cost $3.4 trillion over the next decade [3][4] - Potential solutions to address the funding shortfall include raising the retirement age or increasing payroll taxes, though these options are unpopular among voters and Congress [5] Financial Implications - The One Big Beautiful Bill Act will significantly impact Social Security funding, accelerating the depletion of trust funds and diminishing benefits for future recipients [4] - The government has limited time to implement measures to preserve Social Security, with uncertainty surrounding the actions that will be taken before the 2030s [5] Preparation for Recipients - It is crucial for individuals to prepare for a future where Social Security benefits may be reduced, as the program will continue to exist but at a diminished capacity [6] - Individuals are encouraged to download their Social Security statements to understand their estimated benefits based on different retirement ages [7]