🚗 Are you looking in the rearview mirror or through the windshield when it comes to your taxes?
Most tax professionals are excellent at preparing tax returns. But preparing a return and helping you strategically reduce future taxes are two very different things.
In this quick video, Tom Hicks, CPA explains the key difference between a "tax preparer" and a Tax Advisor.
A tax preparer focuses on reporting what already happened. A tax advisor focuses on helping you make better decisions before they happen, so you can legally reduce your tax burden and keep more of what you earn.
If you've ever found yourself saying:
✔️ "I wish my tax professional would give me more advice."
✔️ "I want to be more proactive about taxes."
✔️ "There has to be a better way to plan ahead."
Then this video is for you.
At J.T. Hicks & Company, we believe tax efficiency isn't about how much you make. It's about how much you keep. That's why we focus on education, planning, and proactive tax strategies designed to help our clients reach their financial goals.
📅 Ready to find out if you're missing opportunities to reduce your taxes? Schedule a FREE consultation today and let's discuss your goals, your tax situation, and how strategic planning may help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
🚨 Business Owners: Major 1099 Changes Are Coming in 2026 🚨
If your business pays contractors, freelancers, vendors, attorneys, or other non-employees, you'll want to pay attention to this update.
One of the biggest changes? The federal reporting threshold for many Form 1099 requirements is increasing from $600 to $2,000 beginning in 2026.
While this may reduce some reporting burdens, there are still important compliance requirements you need to understand. Including who should receive a 1099, how to properly collect W-9 information, filing deadlines, and how to avoid costly penalties.
In this short video, Tom Hicks, CPA, breaks down:
✔️ What is changing in 2026
✔️ Who is affected
✔️ Common 1099 mistakes business owners make
✔️ Why collecting a W-9 before making payment can protect your business
✔️ Best practices for staying compliant and organized
The tax code is constantly changing, and proactive planning can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches.
📅 Have questions about how these changes could impact your business? Schedule a FREE consultation with our team and let's discuss your situation before these rules take effect.
A good tax advisor isn't expensive—they're priceless.
In this video, Tom Hicks, CPA breaks down key tax strategies, common mistakes taxpayers make, and why waiting until tax season is often too late to make meaningful changes.
Too many people:
❌ Overpay in taxes
❌ Miss deductions
❌ Wait until April to think about tax strategy
❌ Assume their refund means everything was done correctly
The reality? A good tax strategy should happen year-round.
At J.T. Hicks & Company, we help individuals and business owners proactively plan ahead to reduce surprises and legally minimize tax liability.
📞 We also offer a FREE consultation with our tax professionals to review your situation and discuss potential opportunities you may be missing.
Getting a huge tax refund might feel exciting, but it can also mean you gave the government an interest-free loan all year.
If you consistently receive large refunds, it may be time to review:
✔️ Your paycheck withholdings
✔️ Estimated tax payments
✔️ Tax credits and deductions
✔️ Income changes from the past year
A refund is not necessarily bad, but the goal should be accurate tax planning—not overpaying all year and waiting for your money back.
On the flip side, owing thousands every April is usually a sign your tax strategy needs attention, too.
The sweet spot? Keeping more of your money throughout the year while avoiding surprise tax bills later.
Small adjustments now can make a major difference next tax season.
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living increase to monthly Social Security and SSI benefits for 2026 — slightly lower than last year’s 3.2% bump. The increase reflects inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index through September 2025.
For those still working, the maximum income subject to Social Security tax will rise to $184,500 — a 4.8% jump from 2025. That means the maximum annual employee Social Security tax will now be $11,439, an increase of $521. If you work multiple jobs and overpay, you can claim the excess as a credit on your tax return.
📈 Key Highlights:
Average monthly Social Security benefit: $2,071, up $56.
SSI qualification limits remain low: $2,000 in resources for singles, $3,000 for married couples.
Students who are blind or disabled can continue to receive SSI within income limits.
Social Security and Medicare tax rates remain 6.2% and 1.45%, respectively. Self-employed individuals pay both halves (15.3% total).
➡️ Tax Planning Tip: The wage base for Social Security keeps rising faster than inflation—so higher earners should plan now for the extra withholding.
💡 Tax Tip Tuesday: Get Ahead of the Shock
If you found yourself writing a big check to the IRS (again), chances are your tax plan is reactive, not PROACTIVE. That “refund or owe” result isn’t just about what happens in April… it’s about choices you make all year long.
👉 Tip: Mid-year is the smart time to run a tax projection.
A quick review now can:
✅ Help adjust your withholdings
✅ Identify hidden income triggers (like side gigs, bonuses, investment sales)
✅ Reveal opportunities to save on your 2025 tax bill
The worst time to fix a tax problem is after it’s already happened.
The best time? Right now.
📉 Still shocked by your last tax bill? You're not alone.
One of the most common complaints we hear is:
"Why do I owe so much when I thought I did everything right?"
The truth is, most tax surprises don’t come from mistakes — they come from lack of planning.
Tax Tip:
Don’t wait until tax season to think about taxes. Mid-year is the perfect time to adjust:
✅ Review your withholdings or estimated payments
✅ Look at upcoming income events (bonuses, asset sales, etc.)
✅ Start tracking deductible expenses now
✅ Consider strategies like Roth conversions or business deductions before the year is over
Pro tip: A quick mid-year review can help avoid a painful tax bill next spring — and sometimes even uncover ways to save.
New SALT Tax Deduction Debate: What It Means for You
The longstanding cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is back in the news—and it could impact your tax bill. A group of lawmakers from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, and California are fighting to lift or repeal the $10,000 deduction cap that was introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The cap limits how much you can deduct for property, income, and sales taxes paid to state and local governments.
For many middle- and upper-income households in high-tax states, the SALT cap has meant higher federal tax bills. As home values and local taxes continue to rise, this deduction limit is straining household budgets and raising concerns about tax fairness.
While some lawmakers argue lifting the cap would provide much-needed relief to overburdened taxpayers, others say it primarily benefits wealthier households and reduces federal revenue. The debate is heating up again as we approach another round of tax reform talks before the 2025 tax changes expire.
Why this matters:
If you live in a state with high property or income taxes and itemize your deductions, the outcome of this debate could significantly change your future tax liability. It’s a reminder that tax policy isn’t just numbers—it directly affects your wallet.
💬 Want to know how a change to the SALT cap could affect your tax plan? Let’s talk.
J.T. Hicks & Company
🚗 Are you looking in the rearview mirror or through the windshield when it comes to your taxes?
Most tax professionals are excellent at preparing tax returns. But preparing a return and helping you strategically reduce future taxes are two very different things.
In this quick video, Tom Hicks, CPA explains the key difference between a "tax preparer" and a Tax Advisor.
A tax preparer focuses on reporting what already happened. A tax advisor focuses on helping you make better decisions before they happen, so you can legally reduce your tax burden and keep more of what you earn.
If you've ever found yourself saying:
✔️ "I wish my tax professional would give me more advice."
✔️ "I want to be more proactive about taxes."
✔️ "There has to be a better way to plan ahead."
Then this video is for you.
At J.T. Hicks & Company, we believe tax efficiency isn't about how much you make. It's about how much you keep. That's why we focus on education, planning, and proactive tax strategies designed to help our clients reach their financial goals.
🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/KLlSjEN__hM
📅 Ready to find out if you're missing opportunities to reduce your taxes? Schedule a FREE consultation today and let's discuss your goals, your tax situation, and how strategic planning may help you keep more of your hard-earned money.
A tax advisor isn't expensive, they're priceless!
#TaxAdvisor #TaxPlanning #CPA #TaxStrategy #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #TaxEfficiency #FinancialP
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
🚨 Business Owners: Major 1099 Changes Are Coming in 2026 🚨
If your business pays contractors, freelancers, vendors, attorneys, or other non-employees, you'll want to pay attention to this update.
One of the biggest changes? The federal reporting threshold for many Form 1099 requirements is increasing from $600 to $2,000 beginning in 2026.
While this may reduce some reporting burdens, there are still important compliance requirements you need to understand. Including who should receive a 1099, how to properly collect W-9 information, filing deadlines, and how to avoid costly penalties.
In this short video, Tom Hicks, CPA, breaks down:
✔️ What is changing in 2026
✔️ Who is affected
✔️ Common 1099 mistakes business owners make
✔️ Why collecting a W-9 before making payment can protect your business
✔️ Best practices for staying compliant and organized
The tax code is constantly changing, and proactive planning can save you time, money, and unnecessary headaches.
🎥 Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/dYxFIJuCxLo
📅 Have questions about how these changes could impact your business? Schedule a FREE consultation with our team and let's discuss your situation before these rules take effect.
A good tax advisor isn't expensive—they're priceless.
#TaxTips #1099 #BusinessTaxes #SmallBusiness #TaxPlanning #CPA #TaxAdvisor #IRSUpdates #BusinessOwners #TaxEfficiency
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
🚨 Tax Surprise Alert 🚨
Got a raise this year?
Started a side hustle?
Received a bonus?
Then this Tax Tip Tuesday is for YOU.
Too many people assume their taxes are "taken care of" because money comes out of every paycheck.
Then April shows up... and so does a tax bill. 😬
A quick review now could help you:
✅ Avoid owing next year
✅ Adjust your withholding
✅ Plan for additional income
✅ Keep more of what you earn
The worst time to discover a tax problem is when you're filing your return.
The best time? Right now.
Contact Us Now: jthicksandcompany.com
#TaxTipTuesday #TaxTips #CPA #MoneyMatters #TaxPlanning #FinancialTips #JTHicksAndCompany
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
PART TWO!!
Most people don’t have a tax problem…
They have a tax planning problem.
In this video, Tom Hicks, CPA breaks down key tax strategies, common mistakes taxpayers make, and why waiting until tax season is often too late to make meaningful changes.
Too many people:
❌ Overpay in taxes
❌ Miss deductions
❌ Wait until April to think about tax strategy
❌ Assume their refund means everything was done correctly
The reality? A good tax strategy should happen year-round.
At J.T. Hicks & Company, we help individuals and business owners proactively plan ahead to reduce surprises and legally minimize tax liability.
📞 We also offer a FREE consultation with our tax professionals to review your situation and discuss potential opportunities you may be missing.
keap.page/qdj379/new-client-welcome-page.html
Watch the video and start thinking differently about taxes.
https://youtu.be/D3YmYhDy6Fw
#TaxPlanning #CPA #TaxStrategy #FinancialPlanning #SmallBusiness #TaxTips #JTHicksAndCompany
3 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
💡 TAX TIP TUESDAY 💡
Getting a huge tax refund might feel exciting, but it can also mean you gave the government an interest-free loan all year.
If you consistently receive large refunds, it may be time to review:
✔️ Your paycheck withholdings
✔️ Estimated tax payments
✔️ Tax credits and deductions
✔️ Income changes from the past year
A refund is not necessarily bad, but the goal should be accurate tax planning—not overpaying all year and waiting for your money back.
On the flip side, owing thousands every April is usually a sign your tax strategy needs attention, too.
The sweet spot? Keeping more of your money throughout the year while avoiding surprise tax bills later.
Small adjustments now can make a major difference next tax season.
#TaxTipTuesday #TaxPlanning #FinancialWellness #TaxSeason #SmallBusinessTaxes #JTHicksAndCompany
4 weeks ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
💸 Still frustrated by what you owed in taxes this month?
Here’s a mistake we see every year: people get hit with a large tax bill in April and then make no changes afterward.
Fast forward 12 months:
➡️ Same income
➡️ Same tax habits
➡️ Same surprise bill
Sometimes it’s even worse.
If you owed thousands this tax season, now is the time to ask yourself:
✔️ Are your withholdings accurate?
✔️ Are you making estimated payments?
✔️ Did your income increase?
✔️ Are you missing deductions?
✔️ Do you need a better tax strategy?
April shouldn’t be the first time you think about taxes. It should be the time you figure out what needs to change.
The people who save the most on taxes are usually planning in May, June, and July, not scrambling next April.
Don’t repeat the same tax surprise next year. Start making adjustments now.
Call Us: www.jthicksandcompany.com
#TaxPlanning #TaxSeason #TaxTips #FinancialPlanning #SmallBusinessTaxes #TaxStrategy #JTHicksAndCompany
1 month ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
Social Security Update for 2026
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8% cost-of-living increase to monthly Social Security and SSI benefits for 2026 — slightly lower than last year’s 3.2% bump. The increase reflects inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index through September 2025.
For those still working, the maximum income subject to Social Security tax will rise to $184,500 — a 4.8% jump from 2025. That means the maximum annual employee Social Security tax will now be $11,439, an increase of $521. If you work multiple jobs and overpay, you can claim the excess as a credit on your tax return.
📈 Key Highlights:
Average monthly Social Security benefit: $2,071, up $56.
SSI qualification limits remain low: $2,000 in resources for singles, $3,000 for married couples.
Students who are blind or disabled can continue to receive SSI within income limits.
Social Security and Medicare tax rates remain 6.2% and 1.45%, respectively. Self-employed individuals pay both halves (15.3% total).
➡️ Tax Planning Tip: The wage base for Social Security keeps rising faster than inflation—so higher earners should plan now for the extra withholding.
7 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
“Why did I owe again this year?”
💡 Tax Tip Tuesday: Get Ahead of the Shock
If you found yourself writing a big check to the IRS (again), chances are your tax plan is reactive, not PROACTIVE. That “refund or owe” result isn’t just about what happens in April… it’s about choices you make all year long.
👉 Tip: Mid-year is the smart time to run a tax projection.
A quick review now can:
✅ Help adjust your withholdings
✅ Identify hidden income triggers (like side gigs, bonuses, investment sales)
✅ Reveal opportunities to save on your 2025 tax bill
The worst time to fix a tax problem is after it’s already happened.
The best time? Right now.
📞 Schedule a check-in and avoid another April surprise.
keap.page/qdj379/new-client-welcome-page.html
#TaxTipTuesday #TaxPlanning #PainPointPost #StopTheShock #TaxHelp #FinancialWellness #JTHicksAndCompany #CPAFirm #MaineBusiness #TaxProTips
10 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
📉 Still shocked by your last tax bill? You're not alone.
One of the most common complaints we hear is:
"Why do I owe so much when I thought I did everything right?"
The truth is, most tax surprises don’t come from mistakes — they come from lack of planning.
Tax Tip:
Don’t wait until tax season to think about taxes. Mid-year is the perfect time to adjust:
✅ Review your withholdings or estimated payments
✅ Look at upcoming income events (bonuses, asset sales, etc.)
✅ Start tracking deductible expenses now
✅ Consider strategies like Roth conversions or business deductions before the year is over
Pro tip: A quick mid-year review can help avoid a painful tax bill next spring — and sometimes even uncover ways to save.
👉 Ready to stop guessing and start planning? Let’s talk.
keap.page/qdj379/new-client-welcome-page.html
#TaxTipTuesday #TaxPlanning #FinancialTips #PainPointPost #JTHicksAndCompany #CPA #TaxHelp
11 months ago | [YT] | 0
View 0 replies
J.T. Hicks & Company
Here is what we are seeing...
New SALT Tax Deduction Debate: What It Means for You
The longstanding cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction is back in the news—and it could impact your tax bill. A group of lawmakers from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, and California are fighting to lift or repeal the $10,000 deduction cap that was introduced under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The cap limits how much you can deduct for property, income, and sales taxes paid to state and local governments.
For many middle- and upper-income households in high-tax states, the SALT cap has meant higher federal tax bills. As home values and local taxes continue to rise, this deduction limit is straining household budgets and raising concerns about tax fairness.
While some lawmakers argue lifting the cap would provide much-needed relief to overburdened taxpayers, others say it primarily benefits wealthier households and reduces federal revenue. The debate is heating up again as we approach another round of tax reform talks before the 2025 tax changes expire.
Why this matters:
If you live in a state with high property or income taxes and itemize your deductions, the outcome of this debate could significantly change your future tax liability. It’s a reminder that tax policy isn’t just numbers—it directly affects your wallet.
💬 Want to know how a change to the SALT cap could affect your tax plan? Let’s talk.
🔗www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/nyregion/salt-tax-deduc…
11 months ago | [YT] | 0
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