The James Family Tax Blog
Tax News and Information
Recent tax updates, IRS changes, important dates and practical tips for families and small businesses.
The October 15th Tax Deadline Is Almost Here
Filed a tax extension? October 15 is the final deadline to file. What to gather, why an extension isn't extra time to pay, and what if you miss it.
Understanding Your Financial Statements
Learn to read your profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statements, and what each one tells you about your small business.
San Antonio Tax Preparer-Reflecting on 2025 With A Grateful Heart
A thank-you from James Family Tax to our San Antonio and Schertz clients, with a look back at 2025 and ahead to the new tax season.
Love Story (But Make It Tax Deductible)
Getting married changes your taxes. How filing status, withholding, name changes and deductions work for newlyweds.
A Brief History of US Tax Laws: From Colonial Times to the One Big Beautiful Bill
From colonial tariffs to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025, a short history of how US tax law has changed and why it matters today.
A Guide to Schedule C Tax Deductions
A guide to Schedule C for sole proprietors: who must file and the most common business deductions that lower your tax.
Haven’t Filed Taxes? Here’s What You Can Do
Haven't filed taxes in a year or more? What happens, how to get your records, and how to catch up with the IRS before penalties grow.
How to Choose a Tax Professional & Why You Need One
Online software, a national chain or a local tax professional? Compare costs and trade-offs, plus red flags to avoid when choosing a preparer.
How to Check If Your LLC Is Active in Texas: A Complete Guide
How to check whether your Texas LLC is active and in good standing, what the Public Information Report is, and how to reinstate a forfeited LLC.
Keep These Handy Tips in Mind for Tax Season 2026
Get ready for the 2026 filing season: key changes from the One Big Beautiful Bill, documents to gather and deadlines to know.
BOI Reporting Update: What U.S. Small Business Owners Need to Know
BOI reporting update: FinCEN's August 2026 final rule permanently exempts U.S. companies. Here's who still must file and what to do.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Community Impact & Schertz Community
Thank you to Community Impact and the Schertz community for welcoming our second James Family Tax office at 1996 Schertz Pkwy.
James Family Tax Expands: Our Schertz Grand Opening!
James Family Tax opened its second location at 1996 Schertz Pkwy, Suite 204, in Schertz, TX. Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us.
Better Business Stories - JFT- Tax Services San Antonio
James Family Tax won the 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics. What the award means and how integrity guides our tax services.
Smart Tax Moves To Make This November
Smart tax moves for November: organize documents, review income, boost retirement and HSA contributions, and plan year-end giving.
Small Business Expense Tracking: Tips From Your Local Tax Preparer
Which small business expenses to track, why records matter at tax time, and simple tools to keep your books organized all year.
Filing Taxes 101: A Beginner's Guide to Your First Tax Return
Filing your first tax return? Whether you need to file, which forms you'll receive, and the steps to file accurately and on time.
Helping Your College-Bound Student Navigate Taxes
Sending a student to college? The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits, student loan interest, and your student's own return.
Maximizing Tax Benefits for Child Care: A Guide for Families
Child care tax benefits: the Child and Dependent Care Credit, dependent care FSAs, the child tax credit, and what changes in 2026.
James Family Tax Wins A 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics
James Family Tax won a 2024 BBB Torch Award for Ethics from the BBB serving the Heart of Texas, one of six businesses honored.
Understanding the Standard Deduction
Standard deduction amounts for 2025 and 2026, how the deduction works, and how to decide between the standard deduction and itemizing.
Self-Employment Taxes, Deductions, & Quarterly Payments Explained
Self-employment tax explained: the 15.3% rate, deductions you can claim, and the quarterly estimated tax due dates for 2026.
YourSA 2024 Best Places for Tax Services
James Family Tax was named one of YourSA's 2024 Best Places for Tax Services, voted by San Antonio readers.
Don't miss your quarterly tax dates: Here’s How To Make A Payment
Who needs to make quarterly estimated tax payments, how much to pay, the due dates and the easiest ways to pay the IRS online.
Protecting Your Identity with an IRS Identity Protection PIN
An IRS Identity Protection PIN stops anyone else from filing a return with your Social Security number. How to get one in minutes.
Spot IRS Scams and Guard Your Finances
How to spot IRS scams by phone, text and email, what the real IRS will never do, and how to report a scam.
Understanding the IRS Distinction Between Hobby and Business
Is your side activity a hobby or a business? How the IRS decides, why it matters for deductions, and how to run it like a business.
The Difference Between Tax Credits and Tax Deductions
Tax credits cut your tax bill dollar for dollar; deductions lower your taxable income. The difference, and which ones you may qualify for.
Why Do We Pay Taxes in America? Understanding the Basics
Where your tax dollars go, from public services and infrastructure to Social Security. A simple guide to why Americans pay taxes.
Tax Considerations And Tips For Counselors
Tax tips for counselors and therapists in private practice: deductions, estimated payments, entity choice and recordkeeping.
The Importance of Having An LLC For Your Small Business
Why many small business owners form an LLC: liability protection, flexible tax options and credibility with customers and banks.
How To Fill Out Your W-4 Form: Understanding Its Importance
How to fill out Form W-4 step by step, and when to update your withholding after marriage, a new baby or a second job.
Educational Tax Credits: A Guide for Incoming College Students
A guide for incoming college students to the American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning credits: who can claim them and what they're worth.
The Importance of Mileage Tracking for Small Business Owners
Why small business owners should track mileage, what counts as business driving, and how to keep a log the IRS will accept.
What Is A Tax Extension?
How tax extensions work: what Form 4868 does, filing deadlines for individuals and businesses, and why an extension isn't extra time to pay.
James Family Tax Voted One Of San Antonio's Best
James Family Tax was voted one of San Antonio's best tax services by local readers. Thank you to our clients and community.
Don’t Get 'Ghosted' By Your Tax Preparer This Tax Season!
Don't get ghosted by your tax preparer. How to choose a trustworthy, year-round preparer who protects your information.
SA Woman Feature
James Family Tax in SA Woman magazine's Dossier on tax professionals: our story, our approach and what sets us apart.
What's A Tax Plan - How To Start A Tax Plan Ahead Of Tax Season
What a tax plan is, how much time it saves at tax season, and three ways to start one now so you file faster and keep more of your money.
What To Do When You Receive A Letter From The IRS?
Got a letter from the IRS? How to read it, check that it's real, respond by the deadline, and when to get professional help.
Where’s My Refund: How To Find Your Tax Refund Date
Where's your tax refund? How to check the IRS Where's My Refund tool, typical timelines, and common reasons a refund is delayed.
Venmo, PayPal and Cash App Payments: Will You Get a 1099-K?
Do Venmo, PayPal or Cash App payments affect your taxes? The 1099-K threshold is back to $20,000 and 200 transactions. Here's what that means.
Do I Have To Pay Taxes On My Unemployment?
Yes, unemployment benefits are taxable. How they're reported on Form 1099-G, how to have tax withheld, and how to avoid a surprise bill.
Will your Tax Refund be impacted by the PATH Act?
Claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit? The PATH Act holds your refund until mid-February. Here's why.
Deductible Donations: Charitable Giving and Your Taxes in 2026
Starting in 2026, you can deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 married) of cash gifts to charity even if you don't itemize. How it works.
Explaining the 1099-NEC (and the New $2,000 Threshold)
What Form 1099-NEC is, who receives one, the new $2,000 reporting threshold starting with 2026 payments, and how it differs from 1099-MISC and 1099-K.
How Your Children Affect Your Taxes
How children affect your taxes: the $2,200 child tax credit, child care and education credits, the EITC, and tips for new parents.
Taking the First Steps to Starting Your Own Business
Thinking about starting your own business? First steps: business plan, entity choice, EIN, a separate bank account and tax setup.