News

Georgia Homestead Exemption & Property Tax Tips for Homeowners
The Georgia Homestead Exemption offers valuable savings to homeowners by reducing the taxable value of their property. Residents in Stone Mountain, Lithonia, Monroe, and Athens may qualify for hundreds of dollars in property tax relief—yet many homeowners never apply. Understanding the exemption and how to file is crucial for maximizing savings. To qualify, the homeowner must use the property as their primary residence as of January 1 of the tax year. Additional exemptions are available for seniors, disabled homeowners, and veterans. Filing is simple, but deadlines matter—missing the application window... Read more...
How Marriage, Divorce, or Separation Can Affect Your Tax Refund
Major life events such as marriage, divorce, or separation can dramatically affect your tax situation. Your filing status determines your standard deduction, tax bracket, and eligibility for certain credits. Many people are surprised by how much these changes impact their refund—or what they owe. Married couples can choose to file jointly or separately, each with different tax implications. Meanwhile, recently divorced individuals may qualify for Head of Household status if they have dependents, which often results in a larger refund. However, misunderstandings about dependents, custody, or income reporting can easily... Read more...
Child Tax Credit 2025: Updates, Income Limits & How to Claim
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) continues to be one of the most important credits for families. For 2025, the IRS has updated income limits, phase-out thresholds, and refund amounts. Families in Stone Mountain, Lithonia, and nearby areas should review these changes early to ensure they receive the full credit they deserve. Eligibility is based on the age of your child, their residency, relationship to the taxpayer, and your household income. Many families lose part of the credit because of filing errors, missing Social Security numbers, or incorrect dependent information. Filing... Read more...
Received an IRS Letter? Here’s What It Means & What to Do
Receiving an IRS letter can be stressful, especially when you don’t understand what triggered it. The key is not to panic—most IRS notices are informational or simply require clarification. The most common letters involve income mismatches, identity verification, missing forms, or simple adjustments. Each IRS notice includes a code and explanation. For example, CP2000 letters mean unreported income, while 4883C letters ask you to verify your identity before your refund is released. Responding promptly is crucial; ignoring letters can lead to penalties or delayed refunds. Whether you’re in Stone Mountain,... Read more...
How to File Taxes for LLCs in Georgia (Single-Member & Multi-Member)
How to File Taxes for LLCs in Georgia (Single-Member & Multi-Member)
Filing taxes for an LLC depends on how the business is structured. Single-member LLCs are typically treated as sole proprietorships, meaning the business income is reported on the owner’s personal... Read more...
Small Business Deductions Every Georgia Entrepreneur Should Claim in 2025
Small Business Deductions Every Georgia Entrepreneur Should Claim in 2025
Small business owners often miss out on thousands in deductions simply because they don’t know what they can legally write off. For 2025, the IRS continues to support entrepreneurs with... Read more...
1099-K Changes for PayPal, Cash App & Zelle: What Georgia Side Hustlers Need to Know
1099-K Changes for PayPal, Cash App & Zelle: What Georgia Side Hustlers Need to Know
Starting in 2025, the IRS is enforcing updated reporting requirements for third-party payment platforms such as PayPal, Cash App, Venmo, and Zelle. Anyone earning income through sales, services, or online... Read more...
Self-Employment Taxes Explained: A Simple Guide for Gig Workers in Stone Mountain & Athens
Self-employment taxes can be confusing, especially if you’re new to gig work or side hustles. Whether you drive for Uber, deliver for DoorDash, braid hair, sell online, or operate a small business, understanding how your taxes work is essential. In 2025, more Georgians than ever are earning income outside of traditional jobs, making tax education extremely important. Self-employed individuals are responsible for both the employer and employee portions of Social Security and Medicare taxes, also known as SE tax. Additionally, independent contractors receive 1099 forms—or they must track their income... Read more...
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) 2025: Who Qualifies & How Much You’ll Get
The Earned Income Tax Credit is one of the most beneficial tax credits for working individuals and families with low to moderate income. For 2025, the IRS has increased the credit amounts, offering higher potential refunds for qualifying taxpayers. If you live in Stone Mountain, Lithonia, or nearby underserved communities like Monroe and Athens, you may be eligible for thousands in refundable credits. Qualification depends on your income, filing status, and number of dependents. Single taxpayers, married couples, and individuals without children can all qualify, although credit amounts vary. Many... Read more...
IRS Refund Delays 2025: What Taxpayers Should Expect
Every tax season brings questions about refund delays, and 2025 is no different. The IRS has publicly acknowledged that certain returns may take longer to process due to increased identity-verification measures, staffing shortages, and updated fraud-prevention systems. Understanding these delays ahead of time helps taxpayers avoid unnecessary stress or confusion. Taxpayers claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) may experience longer processing times due to laws requiring the IRS to verify income before issuing refunds. The IRS typically does not release these refunds before mid-February,... Read more...
What Documents You Need for Your Tax Appointment: 2025 Checklist
What Documents You Need for Your Tax Appointment: 2025 Checklist
Preparing for tax season doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a clear checklist of everything you need. Many taxpayers delay their appointments simply because they’re unsure which documents... Read more...
What’s New for the 2025 Tax Season? IRS Updates Metro Atlanta, Stone Mountain & Lithonia Residents Must Know
What’s New for the 2025 Tax Season? IRS Updates Metro Atlanta, Stone Mountain & Lithonia Residents Must Know
As the 2025 tax season approaches, the IRS has introduced several updates that taxpayers in Stone Mountain, Lithonia, and surrounding Metro Atlanta communities should be aware of. Each year, changes... Read more...