Can You Claim Your College Student as a Dependent? What Parents Need to Know (2026 Guide)
As tax season approaches, one of the most common questions we hear at Pantana CPA is: “Can I still claim my college-aged child as a dependent?” With more students working...
A Practical Guide to Turning Your Vacation into a Tax-Deductible Business Trip
If you’ve ever wondered whether your next vacation could double as a tax-saving opportunity, the answer is: yes, if done correctly. At Pantana CPA, we help business owners legally maximize...
Why Do I Owe Taxes This Year?
If you’re asking yourself “Why do I owe taxes this year?” or “Why do I owe more taxes than last year?”— you’re not alone. Every tax season, thousands of individuals...
ACA Marketplace Subsidy Warning for 2026: Income Miscalculations Could Be Costly
ACA marketplace subsidy changes in 2026 increase the risk of tax repayment. Pantana CPA explains what taxpayers should know and how to plan. For many self-employed professionals, early retirees, and...
Non-Cash Charitable Contributions: The IRS Rule That Can Wipe Out Your Deduction
How One Taxpayer Lost a $6,760 Deduction — And How Pantana CPA Helps You Avoid the Same Mistake Charitable giving is one of the most meaningful tax deductions available to...
USPS New Postmark Rules: An Ugly Trap for Taxpayers
Why “Timely Mailed” No Longer Means What You Think and How Pantana CPA Helps You Avoid Costly Penalties For decades, taxpayers could rely on one simple rule:If your tax return...
2026 Tax Update: The End of the Business Meal Deduction as You Know It
The Tax Rule Most Businesses Haven’t Planned For That changed in 2026. Effective January 1, 2026, most employer-provided meals will no longer be deductible. What was previously a 50% deduction...
The Hidden Risk of Paying Employees Outside Payroll
Small payroll shortcuts often create expensive cleanups. It usually starts with good intentions. You want to reward an employee with a bonus.You need to cut a quick commission check.You reimburse...
Love & Taxes: Smart Financial Moves for Couples This Valentine’s Day
Are you and your partner maximizing your tax savings — or leaving money on the table? Valentine’s Day is about celebrating love, but it’s also the perfect time to show...
OBBBA Supercharges the Employer Childcare Credit for 2026
Pay for Employee Childcare and Cut Your Tax Bill in Half Starting in 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) dramatically expands the Employer Childcare Credit, turning it into...
