The blog
Tax articles
Credits, deductions, business structures and side-income rules, in plain English.
California vs. Federal Taxes: Where the Rules Differ
Your California return starts from your federal numbers, but the state has not adopted many federal rules. Each difference is an adjustment someone has to remember to make.
Estimated Taxes: How to Avoid the Underpayment Penalty
You can pay every dollar you owe by April 15 and still be charged a penalty. The IRS and California both expect tax to be paid as income is earned, and the two follow different schedules.
Laid Off This Year? What It Means for Your Taxes
A layoff changes more than your paycheck. Severance, unemployment, your 401(k), stock options and health insurance each come with tax rules, and several have deadlines.
RSUs, ESPP and Stock Options: How to Avoid Paying Tax Twice
If part of your pay comes in company stock, the Form 1099-B from your broker often shows the wrong cost basis. Enter it as printed and you pay tax twice on the same income.
Selling Your Home: The $250,000 / $500,000 Exclusion Explained
When you sell your main home, up to $250,000 of gain, or $500,000 on a joint return, can be tax-free. In the Bay Area, many long-time owners have gains well beyond that.
No Tax on Tips, Overtime and Car Loans? Who Actually Qualifies
Four new federal deductions run from 2025 through 2028: tips, overtime, car loan interest and an extra deduction for those 65 and older. The headlines are simpler than the rules.
What the 2025 Tax Law Changed for Bay Area Families
The tax law signed in July 2025 rewrote several of the numbers Bay Area households rely on most. Here is what changed for your 2025 and 2026 returns, and what quietly ended.
Why a True Tax Professional Matters: Maximizing Your Savings
Finding a tax professional who thoroughly understands the tax code and takes the time to optimize your return is essential.
Side Hustles & Taxes: What You Need to Know
The rise of the gig economy has given millions of people the opportunity to earn extra income through side hustles. This is especially relevant in the Bay Area as a lot of tech based employees are diversify their income stream.
Tax Credits vs. Tax Deductions: What’s the Difference & Why It Matters
When tax season rolls around, terms like “tax credits” and “tax deductions” often get thrown around, but many taxpayers aren’t fully aware of how they differ and the financial impact each can have.
The Pros & Cons of Different Business Structures for Taxes
Choosing the right business structure is one of the most important decisions entrepreneurs make. Each structure has unique tax implications, liability considerations, and administrative requirements.
Top Tax Credits and Deductions Most People Overlook
Tax season can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be financially draining. With the Bay Area tech market facing uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re minimizing your tax burden.