The Alt Key PLLC

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The Alt Key PLLC We are entrepreneurial CPAs who have been in the Game, meaning – we’ve been in your shoes. We are not number historians reporting on past results.

The Alt Key is a new breed of CPA firm built with a culture of strong client service and going beyond the numbers to help small businesses focus on being more successful. We offer all the traditional tax and accounting services, but we have a proactive focus that involves developing strategies that keep our clients on track and focused throughout the year. We’ve experienced the highs and lows, the trials and tribulations of business firsthand. From a stroke of genius in the night giving rise to a new idea, to the wee morning hours making the dream real, we understand the challenges our clients face. Instead, we are experienced business people who happen to be CPAs. We know numbers, more importantly, we know business. OUR STRENGTH
Our strength lies in helping entrepreneurs identify clear objectives for their businesses by defining success on their own terms. We work together to build strategies to meet those objectives and design reporting and measurement systems to give them pertinent, timely and actionable financial information. OUR PASSION
We are also passionate about working with individuals to plan their financial transactions in the most tax efficient manner while designing long term tax strategies for tax efficiency, wealth accumulation and asset protection. We guide our clients through a process that includes saving taxes, driving profits and building wealth.

If you’re sending money abroad, beware of a possible 1% excise tax. This new tax generally applies to transfers of cash,...
10/16/2026

If you’re sending money abroad, beware of a possible 1% excise tax. This new tax generally applies to transfers of cash, money orders or cashier’s checks from U.S. senders to foreign recipients via certain remittance transfer providers such as Western Union and MoneyGram. But transfers made via credit or debit card, bank account transfer, or digital wallet aren’t subject to the excise tax. Essentially, the tax doesn’t apply to transfers from accounts in financial institutions subject to Bank Secrecy Act requirements or to credit or debit cards issued in the U.S. So to avoid the extra expense, consider using a card or ACH transfer from your own bank account. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 to learn more.

If you disagree with an IRS decision, you may have more options than you realize. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights entitles t...
10/14/2026

If you disagree with an IRS decision, you may have more options than you realize. The Taxpayer Bill of Rights entitles taxpayers to a “fair and impartial administrative appeal” of most IRS decisions, including many penalties. The IRS Independent Office of Appeals is separate from the office that made the original determination and provides an impartial review of your case. You have the right to a written response explaining the Appeals decision. You may also have the right to take your case to court. Appeal deadlines can be strict, so act promptly. If you receive an IRS notice or disagree with a decision, call us at (480) 558-4400 to discuss your next steps.

We’re more than just tax and accounting professionals. We’re your partners in business growth. Beyond preparing your tax...
10/13/2026

We’re more than just tax and accounting professionals. We’re your partners in business growth. Beyond preparing your tax returns and keeping your books in order, we can help you improve cash flow, safely plan for expansion and make smarter financial decisions. Let’s talk about how our advisory services can strengthen your strategic planning, streamline operations, and uncover new opportunities for long-term growth and success. Call us today at (480) 558-4400 to schedule a consultation.

Good news: IRS penalty relief just got easier for many individuals and businesses. The new Automatic Exemption from Pena...
10/12/2026

Good news: IRS penalty relief just got easier for many individuals and businesses. The new Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) process may provide automatic relief from certain failure-to-file, failure-to-pay and failure-to-deposit penalties if you’ve filed returns and paid federal taxes on time for the previous three years (or 12 consecutive quarters for quarterly returns). You must still pay any tax and interest due. AEP will replace First Time Abate relief for eligible returns with original due dates on or after Jan. 1, 2027. During the transition, some eligible taxpayers may still receive penalty notices. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 to determine whether you qualify for AEP or other penalty relief.

Cryptocurrency holders: Be alert for a new IRS impersonation scam. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters directing rec...
10/09/2026

Cryptocurrency holders: Be alert for a new IRS impersonation scam. Fraudsters are mailing fake IRS letters directing recipients to a bogus “Digital Asset Compliance Portal.” The letters instruct recipients to scan a QR code that leads to a fraudulent website designed to look like IRS.gov. The site may ask for personal information, cryptocurrency wallet details, or exchange account credentials that criminals can use to steal identities or digital assets. If you receive one of these letters, don’t respond. Report any suspicious communication to the IRS immediately. If you have questions about an IRS notice or digital asset reporting, we’re here to help. Contact us at (480) 558-4400.

Do you donate thousands of dollars to charity each year? Do you miss out on the itemized charitable deduction because yo...
10/07/2026

Do you donate thousands of dollars to charity each year? Do you miss out on the itemized charitable deduction because you don’t have enough total itemized deductions to exceed your standard deduction? Consider “bunching” most of your donations into alternating years. By combining two years of gifts into one year, you may push your itemized deductions above your standard deduction and get a greater tax benefit from your charitable giving — even with the new deduction for nonitemizers starting in 2026. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 for help determining if you can benefit from this strategy.

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen ...
10/06/2026

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen when an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) is entered on your tax return or when Social Security Administration (SSA) records mistakenly indicate that you or your spouse have died. If you receive IRS Notice CP01H, verify that the SSN on the return in question matches your Social Security card. If it does, contact the SSA to see whether its records need to be corrected. Then follow the notice instructions to unlock your IRS account. Call us at (480) 558-4400 for help resolving this issue promptly.

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition o...
10/05/2026

Giving away assets during your life can reduce the size of your taxable estate. One option is to pay someone’s tuition or medical expenses. Such payments can be gift-tax-free — but only if you make them directly to a qualifying educational institution or medical provider. (Advancing the funds to a loved one or reimbursing previously paid expenses doesn’t count.) Unlike making gifts under the gift tax annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient for 2026), there’s no limit on the amount of tuition or medical expenses you can pay tax-free. Call us at (480) 558-4400 to learn more about lifetime gifts.

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor....
09/30/2026

As a small business owner, it’s easy to think of a succession plan as involving only two people: you and your successor. But a smooth transition may also require support from managers and other key employees. Communicating thoughtfully about your intentions and progress can help build confidence, reduce uncertainty and keep the business moving forward. Contact us at (480) 558-4400 for help addressing the tax, financial and strategic aspects of your plan.

If you’re thinking about financing a new vehicle, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 per year of interest paid. The...
09/29/2026

If you’re thinking about financing a new vehicle, you may be able to deduct up to $10,000 per year of interest paid. The deduction is available for certain personal auto loans originated after Dec. 31, 2024 — even if you don’t itemize deductions. Modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) limits apply, and only qualifying vehicles assembled in the U.S. are eligible. Before purchasing, consider whether eligibility for the deduction should factor into your vehicle choice. We can help run the numbers. Call us at (480) 558-4400.

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3514 N Power Road Suite 101
Mesa, AZ
85215

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