Angela's Taxes, LLC, Angela L Wadsworth, CPA

09/15/2026

If you make quarterly estimated tax payments, mark your calendar. The third estimated tax payment for 2026 is due September 15.

Self-employed individuals, retirees, investors, and others who have income that isn’t subject to withholding may need to make estimated tax payments. Making payments on time can help taxpayers avoid an unexpected tax bill or possible penalties.

Learn more about estimated taxes from the : www.irs.gov/estimatedtaxes

09/15/2026

Estimated taxes aren’t just for the self-employed

Typically, people who are self-employed pay their federal income tax by making estimated tax payments. However, they aren’t the only ones that may need to pay estimated tax. Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. Which means the tax must be paid as income is earned or received during the year. The two ways federal taxes are paid are either through withholding or estimated tax.

Taxpayers who receive income from sources not subject to withholding or don’t have enough withheld, may have to make estimated tax payments. The next estimated tax payment due date is Sept. 15. Let’s take a closer look at who may have to pay estimated tax to ensure they are meeting their tax obligations.

Who may pay estimated tax
Self-employed individuals typically pay their tax this way. Even if a taxpayer isn’t self-employed, they still may have to pay estimated tax if they receive income from sources such as:

Interest
Dividends
Alimony
Capital gains
Royalties
Rents
Prizes and awards
Generally, individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed. Estimated tax is used to pay not only income tax but other taxes such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.

Ways to pay
Taxpayers can pay online, use Form 1040-ES and pay by mail, or by phone. Additionally, individuals can pay through their IRS Individual Online Account, where they can also see their payment history and other tax records.
Businesses can now make most common business tax payments, including estimated taxes and federal tax deposits, through their Business Tax Account or Direct Pay for businesses.

Most taxpayers who make estimated tax payments pay on a quarterly basis. However, they can also be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. if they have paid enough in by the end of the quarter. Visit IRS.gov/payments to view all the options. For additional information, refer to Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

Avoid penalties
Taxpayers who didn’t pay enough tax during the year, either through withholding or by making estimated tax payments, may have to pay a penalty. Generally, the IRS can figure this penalty for them.

Knowing the requirements and paying on time is key to avoiding any penalties.

Make payments, view your account or apply for a payment plan with the IRS.

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

IRS reminder: Direct Pay offers free, easy way to pay taxes

IR-2026-109, Sept.10, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers who have bank accounts that Direct Pay offers a free, secure way to pay federal taxes directly from a checking or savings account.

Direct Pay is available on IRS.gov and allows taxpayers to make one-time payments from their bank account without signing in or paying fees. Taxpayers answer a few basic questions to verify their identity, and no registration is required. For individual payments, Direct Pay uses information from a prior-year tax return selected by the taxpayer. For business payments, Direct Pay verifies the business name and employer identification number (EIN) against IRS records.

"As the IRS continues to support the broader federal effort to modernize payments to and from the government, Direct Pay gives taxpayers a free, secure, and convenient way to pay directly from a bank account,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "This is part of our ongoing effort to make it easier for taxpayers to interact with the IRS and take care of their tax responsibilities online.

Taxpayers can use Direct Pay for individual tax payments, including balance due payments, estimated tax payments, amended return payments, extension payments, and other federal income tax payments. If taxpayers are married and file jointly, they must enter information for the spouse whose name is listed first on the tax return when they make their payment. Business taxpayers can use Direct Pay to make balance due payments, federal tax deposits, and other federal tax payments.

With Direct Pay, taxpayers can quickly handle many common payment tasks online and choose the payment date that works best for them. Direct Pay allows taxpayers to:

Make a same-day payment or schedule a payment up to 365 days in advance.
Receive a confirmation number and the option for email confirmation.
Change or cancel a scheduled payment up to two business days before the payment date.
Pay directly from a U.S. financial institution using bank routing and account numbers'
Direct Pay cannot be used to receive tax refunds by direct deposit. Taxpayers who have never filed a tax return, or who have not filed in more than six years, may need to use another payment option.

Each Direct Pay payment must be less than $10 million. Taxpayers who need to make payment of $10 million or more can use a same-day wire or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), if they are already enrolled.

To make a payment, taxpayers can visit Direct Pay with bank account and select “Pay individual tax” or “Pay business tax.” Before making a payment, taxpayers must verify their identity by providing individual or business information. For more information about payment types, scheduling, confirmation numbers, and other payment options, visit Direct Pay Help.

09/04/2026

IRS reminder: National Payroll Week is time for a paycheck checkup
Workers can review withholding; employers can revisit payroll tax responsibilities
IR-2026-105, Sept. 4, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged workers and employers to review withholding and payroll tax responsibilities ahead of National Payroll Week.

Observed Sept. 7-11, National Payroll Week recognizes payroll professionals and the important role they play in helping ensure employees are paid accurately and on time. The observance also offers an opportunity for workers to look more closely at their paychecks and for employers to revisit important payroll responsibilities.

“Payroll professionals play an essential role in supporting America’s workers, businesses, and tax system,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “During National Payroll Week, we recognize the contributions of payroll professionals and reaffirm the IRS’s commitment to providing the tools and services they need to meet their responsibilities with confidence.”

Workers: Check withholding now
Federal income tax is generally paid throughout the year as income is earned. For employees, employers generally withhold federal income tax from each paycheck based on the employee’s earnings and the information provided on Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate.

The IRS encourages workers to check their withholding periodically, particularly after a major life or income change or when tax law changes. Events that may affect withholding include starting or leaving a job, working multiple jobs, marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, or a significant change in income.

The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator can help workers determine whether they are having too much or too little federal income tax withheld. The free online tool uses information such as recent pay statements, income, deductions, and credits to estimate federal income tax withholding.

If an adjustment is needed, workers can use the estimator results to help complete a new Form W-4 and submit it to their employer. Form W-4 should not be sent to the IRS.

Employers and payroll professionals: Keep payroll taxes on track and protected
Employers and payroll professionals play an important role in the nation’s tax system by withholding, reporting, and depositing employment taxes.

The IRS encourages employers to regularly review their payroll processes and use current IRS guidance. Key responsibilities include:

Withhold employment tax accurately: Employers generally must withhold federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax from employees’ wages.
Deposit federal taxes electronically: Federal tax deposits must be made by electronic funds transfer. Available options include the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), IRS Direct Pay for businesses, and Business Tax Account for eligible users.
File employment tax returns on time: Employers can electronically file many employment tax records, including Forms 940, 941, 943, 944, and 945.
Maintain payroll records: Employers should keep all records of employment for at least four years.
Protect payroll data: Employers and payroll professionals should verify changes to direct deposit or employee information through a trusted channel, limit access to payroll systems, use multifactor authentication, and remain alert to phishing and credential theft.
Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide provides information employers need to meet their federal employment tax responsibilities. Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods provides federal income tax withholding methods and tables.

Webinar for the payroll community
Payroll professionals can register for the free Sept 8 webinar, IRS and Payroll Professionals – Partners in Every Paycheck, for updates on federal employment tax deposits, Trump Account employer contributions, 2026 Form W-2 reporting changes, and IRS payroll resources.

IRS resources for the payroll community
The IRS provides resources throughout the year for employers and payroll professionals, including:

Payroll Professionals Tax Center
Understanding Employment Taxes
Tax Withholding Estimator
Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer’s Tax Guide
Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods
Business Tax Account
E-file Employment Tax Forms
Payroll professionals can also subscribe to e-News for Payroll Professionals for updates about federal payroll reporting, employment tax procedures, IRS announcements, and other developments affecting payroll tax returns.

09/03/2026

IRS Reminder: Disaster preparedness starts with tax records
IR-2026-104, Sept. 3, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers to protect important tax and financial records before disaster strikes.

As part of National Preparedness Month, the IRS reminds individuals, businesses, and tax professionals to make or update emergency plans, safeguard key documents, and know where to find IRS disaster relief resources. Taking a few steps now can make it easier to recover, apply for assistance, file insurance claims, or claim disaster-related tax benefits.

“Preparing now can make a real difference when a disaster strikes,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. “All taxpayers, even those in areas not prone to disaster, should take precautionary steps outlined in IRS resources to plan for the loss of valuable property and to ensure important financial records are protected.”

Disasters can happen quickly and with little warning. Floods, wildfires, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe storms, and other emergencies can damage homes, businesses, and records needed for tax, insurance, and federal assistance purposes.

Taxpayers can prepare by taking these steps:

Keep key documents safe. Taxpayers should keep tax returns, birth certificates, Social Security cards, insurance policies, property titles, and other important records in waterproof and fireproof containers.
Create electronic copies. Taxpayers should consider scanning papers records and saving electronic copies on a secure device or in the cloud. Many financial institutions also provide statements electronically.
Document valuable property. Photos or videos of homes, businesses, vehicles, and other properties can help support claims of losses of property for tax purposes, as well as insurance claims after a disaster. IRS disaster loss workbooks can help individuals and businesses compile a room-by-room list of belongings and equipment.
Review emergency plans. Taxpayers should review and update emergency plans each year. Ready.gov has resources and checklist to help individuals and businesses prepare.
Know how to access tax records. Taxpayers can use IRS Individual Online Account to access tax information, including transcripts, notices, and other records. Taxpayers who need copies of previously filed returns or transcripts after a disaster can also use Get Your Tax Records and Transcripts on IRS.gov.
Businesses should also review payroll protections. Employers who use a payroll service provider should ask whether the provider has a fiduciary bond. Eligible business taxpayers can use Business Tax Account to view balances, make payments, and view payment history. Registered Electronic Federal Tax Payment System users can continue to use EFTPS for federal tax payments.

IRS disaster tax relief may be available
When the IRS grants disaster tax relief, certain tax filing and payment deadlines that fall within the postponement period are postponed until the relief deadline. Specific relief varies by disaster, and taxpayers should review the applicable IRS disaster announcement for deadlines, returns, payments, and other actions covered.

In many cases, disaster tax relief is automatic for taxpayers whose IRS address of record is located in a covered disaster area. These taxpayers generally do not need to contact the IRS to receive relief.

Taxpayers who live outside a covered disaster area, but whose records are necessary to meet a deadline located in the affected area, will need to call the IRS Special Services Hotline at 866-562-5227 to request relief and tax practitioners should review bulk requests from practitioners for disaster relief.

Individuals and businesses that sustain uninsured or unreimbursed disaster-related losses may be eligible to claim those losses on a federal tax return, subject to applicable tax law requirements. Taxpayers should review Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, for more information about casualty losses and disaster-related tax rules.

More information
Taxpayers can find current disaster relief information and resources on IRS.gov:

Around the Nation
FAQs for disaster victims
Tax Resources for Disaster Victims
Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook (Personal-Use Property)
Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance - Federally Declared Disaster Area
Taxpayers can also visit DisasterAssistance.gov, Ready.gov, and FEMA.gov for additional disaster preparedness and recovery resources.

09/02/2026

How taxpayers can reconstruct records after a disaster

Some taxpayers may need to reconstruct vital records that were lost in a disaster. Having these records is important for tax purposes, federal assistance or insurance reimbursement. Here are a few steps people who were affected by a disaster can take if they need to obtain their lost records.

Replace tax records
A recent tip explained the different types of tax transcripts and how to get them. The most common type needed after a disaster loss is a tax return transcript. Taxpayers can:

Register to use Individual Online Account to view, print, or download their transcript(s)
Order a transcript by mail or call the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946. This typically takes between 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.
Request by submitting Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
Financial and bank records
Credit card companies and banks often provide users with access to past statements.

Reconstruct personal property records
Photos, videos, canceled checks, receipts can help establish the value of damaged or lost property. They can also check online sources to help determine fair market value.

Real property records

Property documents: Contact the title or escrow company or bank that handled the purchase of the home or other property for copies of the records.
Home improvements: Get in touch with the contractors who did the work and ask for statements to verify the work and cost. They can also get written descriptions from friends and relatives who saw the house before and after any improvements.
Inherited property: Check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, taxpayers can contact the attorney who handled the trust.
No records: People with no records available should check the county assessor's office for old records that might address the value of the property.
Vehicle records
Vehicle owners can research the current fair-market value for most vehicles. Resources are available online and at most libraries. They can also contact the dealer where the car was purchased and ask for a copy of the contract.
Taxpayers in a disaster area may now see personalized messages in their IRS Individual Online Account. The messages highlight tax relief, including extended filing and payment deadlines as well as a link to other disaster assistance information. They can also find news about disaster tax relief specific to their area on the Around the nation page of IRS.gov.

More information

Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance
Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
DisasterAssistance.gov
FAQs for disaster victims

08/27/2026

What taxpayers should know about IRS third party authorizations

Taxpayers can give a third party the authority to help with federal tax matters. Depending on the type of authorization, this could be a family member or friend, or a tax professional, attorney or business.

There are different types of third-party authorizations with specific roles assigned. Additionally, taxpayers who want to have a third party represent them must formally grant them permission to do so.

Different types of third-party authorizations:

Power of Attorney – Allows someone to represent a taxpayer when resolving tax matters with the IRS. With this authorization, the representative must be an individual authorized to practice before the IRS and Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative must be completed. A POA can do several things, such as:
Represent, advocate, negotiate and sign on behalf of the taxpayer
Argue facts and the application of law
Receive tax information for the matters and tax years/periods specified by the taxpayer
Receive copies of IRS notices and communications
Tax Information Authorization – Appoints a person to review or receive a taxpayer's confidential tax information for the type of tax for a specified period using form 8821.
Third Party Designee – Designates a person on the taxpayer's tax form to discuss that specific tax return and tax year with the IRS.
Oral Disclosure – Authorizes the IRS to disclose the taxpayer's tax info to a person the taxpayer brings into a phone call or meeting with the IRS about a specific tax issue.
Revoking a third-party authorization
A taxpayer can choose to revoke any authorization at any time.

Power of Attorney stays in place until the taxpayer revokes the authorization or the representative withdraws it.
Tax Information Authorization stays in effect until it is revoked by the taxpayer or the designee withdraws it.
Third Party Designee generally expires one year from the due date of the tax return, not counting extensions.
Oral disclosure, unless it’s stated otherwise, is automatically revoked once the conversation has ended. If the taxpayer wants additional oral disclosure exceeding the original request, a new authorization will be required.