What are the opening hours?

Monday 10am - 6pm Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday 10am - 6pm Thursday 10am - 6pm Friday 10am - 6pm

D.T. Ton & Associates, 16051 Brookhurst, Suite B, Fountain Valley, CA (2026)

03/23/2026

Changes to Postmarking Procedures May Affect Mailing of Tax Forms – Did You Know?

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) made an announcement in late December that may affect millions of people who mail tax forms or payments this filing season. In general, forms and payments sent by mail are considered to be on time if they are postmarked on or before the due date. Historically, mailed items were usually postmarked the same day they were handed to a postal employee, or deposited in a USPS drop box before the last scheduled pickup time.

However, the USPS is now in the process of consolidating mail processing activities down to just 60 regional sorting locations, with a limited number of truck deliveries to those facilities daily. Since most mailed items will not get postmarked until they arrive at one of the 60 locations, many postmarks will show a date several days after the item was originally mailed. These changes are especially likely to affect rural communities, many of which will now be hundreds of miles from the nearest processing facility.

Therefore, anyone who needs to send tax documents through the mail should play it safe by dropping parcels off at a post office or collection facility at least a week before the IRS deadline. As an alternative, consider e-filing tax forms whenever possible. A tax professional can help you securely submit your return, other IRS document or tax payment electronically for fast, verified delivery.

03/18/2026

Refund Amounts - Did You Know?

If your refund amount is different than stated on the filed tax return, part or all of your refund may have been used to pay off (offset) past-due federal tax, student loans, state income tax or other past-due debts.

You'll receive a notice from the IRS if such an offset occurs that will show the original tax refund amount, the offset amount, as well as the name, address and telephone number of the agency receiving the payment.

If you haven't received your refund yet, you may be able to check the status using the IRS' "Where's my Refund?" tool: https://www.irs.gov/refunds.

03/16/2026

2026 Tax-Related Scam Warnings – Did You Know? (2/2)

The IRS recently posted its official list of the worst tax-related scams to watch out for in 2026. They include:

Scams Involving Bogus Tax Credits or Exaggerated Withholding:

Scammers often make false claims about tax rules in order to persuade people to file inaccurate returns. One of these schemes relates to a supposed "self-employment tax credit." No such credit exists, and very few people qualify for the actual credit that the scam involves. Other scammers encourage people to inflate tax withholding figures to get larger refunds. In reality, improperly claiming credits or reporting inaccurate tax figures may trigger severe IRS penalties.

Ghost Preparers:

By law, anyone paid to prepare a tax return for another person must sign the return, and must have an IRS-issued Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). Remember, regardless of who prepares it, you are ultimately responsible for the accuracy of your return. Do not take the risk of putting your standing with the IRS in the hands of someone who hides in the shadows.

Offer-in-Compromise (OIC) Mills:

The IRS offer-in-compromise (OIC) program enables some people with large tax debts to settle those debts for less than the full amount owed. However, submitting an OIC application is a very complicated process, and the majority of applications get rejected. OIC mills overpromise results to lure in vulnerable people, and then charge nonrefundable fees to submit applications with virtually no chance of success. If you owe more tax than you can afford to pay, work only with a trusted tax professional who has experience preparing realistic OIC proposals.

03/11/2026

2026 Tax-Related Scam Warnings – Did You Know? (1/2)

The IRS recently posted its official list of the worst tax-related scams to watch out for in 2026. They include:

IRS Impersonation and Online Account Identity Theft:

Scammers claiming to represent the IRS often contact people by phone, email or other messaging apps. They may demand immediate payment of supposed tax debts, threaten imminent arrest, or give instructions to scan QR codes or click links leading to impostor websites that harvest personal data. Other identity thieves steal sensitive data by pretending to help people set up online IRS accounts. The use of AI has made some of these calls and messages more convincing, but the IRS simply does not operate in these ways.

Social Media Misinformation on Tax Matters:

Videos and posts promoting "tax hacks" abound across social media platforms. These supposed money-saving strategies often involve reporting inaccurate information to the IRS, at the risk of facing harsh tax penalties or even criminal charges. Stay safe by seeking tax advice only from reputable sources, like a trusted tax professional.

Fake Charities:

Fraudsters create fake charities to steal people's money, identities or both. With the recent creation of a new non-itemized deduction for charitable donations starting in 2026, these scams have become more common. Before donating to any organization, request detailed information about its mission, location and tax-exempt status. If you have any doubts, search the IRS database of registered charities (link below) to verify that the organization is legitimate. Search carefully, since many fake charities use names very similar to those of legitimate organizations.

IRS Tax-Exempt Organization Search: https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/search-for-tax-exempt-organizations

03/09/2026

Partnerships and S-Corporations Filing Deadline

The filing deadline for partnerships (Form 1065) and S corporations (Form 1120-S) is coming up on Monday, March 16, 2026, for calendar-year filers. You may file Form 7004 by then for an automatic 6-month extension to September 15, 2026 but be sure to pay any taxes owed by the original date.

03/04/2026

Common Tax Filing Errors – Did You Know? (2/2)

Every year, many taxpayers may make mistakes on their returns that cause IRS processing delays. Some common errors may also result in paying too much or too little tax. A miscalculation in either direction can be costly, since the IRS may assess penalties for underpayment.

The following mistakes can cause filers to pay the wrong amount of tax:

Math Mistakes:
Even mathematicians sometimes make errors in simple addition and subtraction, and some of the calculations required for 1040 schedules can be complicated. Thoroughly double-check every bit of math on your return.

Incorrect Filing Status (Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.):
The IRS will not accept a return showing a filing status that you are not eligible to claim. If you qualify for more than one status (for example, filing jointly or separately if you are married), the option you choose may significantly change your tax.

Incorrectly Figuring Credits or Deductions:
Once you determine that you qualify for a tax deduction or credit, you must carefully compute the amount that you can claim. Many taxpayers fail to take into account income limitations (including the calculations that must be made if your income falls within a “phase-out” range) and other restrictions. Others claim less than they could, or miss out on deductions and credits entirely by not filing the required forms and schedules. The IRS notes that filing errors are common among taxpayers eligible for the earned income credit (EIC) and/or Child and Dependent Care Credit.

To avoid costly mistakes, the IRS recommends having a tax professional prepare or check your return and file it electronically. A tax pro might also help you claim deductions and credits that you would otherwise miss.

02/25/2026

"No Tax on Overtime" Deduction – Did You Know?

In order to claim the deduction, you must be an FLSA overtime-eligible employee, where FLSA stands for the Fair Labor Standards Act. Many full-time employees fit this category but some do not, so if you are unsure about your FLSA designation, check with your employer.

You may only claim the "No Tax on Overtime" deduction if you have a Social Security number (SSN) valid for U.S. employment. If you are married, you must file a joint tax return with your spouse. Note that the deduction applies only to "bonus" overtime pay above your normal salary or wage rate. For example, if your normal pay rate is $20/hour but you get paid $30/hour for overtime work ("time and a half"), then at most $10/hour of your overtime pay will be deductible. Your 2025 W-2 form might not clearly show your qualifying overtime pay, so you may need to obtain the information another way, such as logging into a portal created by your employer.

You do not need to itemize deductions in order to deduct overtime pay. The maximum deduction amount is $12,500, or $25,000 for joint filers if both spouses have qualifying overtime pay and valid SSNs. The deduction amount decreases for people with modified adjusted gross incomes above $150,000 (or $300,000 for joint filers). A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify to deduct overtime, and if so, help you properly figure your deduction amount.

02/23/2026

Changing Life Circumstances Can Affect Your Taxes – Did You Know?

When a momentous life event like a marriage or the birth of a child occurs, taxes are probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, once the excitement of the moment settles down, it is important to perform a quick tax checkup to avoid an unpleasant IRS surprise. Here is a checklist of some of the most common life changes that may affect your taxes:

Change of Name:
Your name on your tax return must match the name on file for you with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Therefore, if your name changes due to marriage, divorce, or for any other reason, it is important to request a new Social Security card, which can be done at ssa.gov.

Change of Filing Status:
Married couples may choose to file either jointly or separately, and this choice can affect both tax rates and eligibility for certain deductions and credits. If your marital status changes during the year, or you and your spouse decide to change your filing method, it is a good idea to use the IRS Withholding Estimator tool to determine whether a change in your paycheck withholding amount is needed.

Change of Address:
From time to time, the IRS may need to contact you about your return, refund, or other matters. If you move during the year, inform the IRS by filing Form 8822, Change of Address, to ensure that you do not miss any important communications.

Change in Number or Ages of Dependents:
If your family grows this year due to a birth or adoption, you may be eligible for additional tax deductions and credits. Conversely, your eligibility for certain credits might change as your children grow older.

Some of the tax implications of these and other life changes can get complicated. A professional tax advisor can help you evaluate these impacts, and if necessary, take action to stay on track with your tax payments and qualify for the deductions or credits available to you.

02/19/2026

Digital Asset Transaction Reporting and New IRS Form 1099-DA

A wide range of digital asset transactions such as buying, selling, trading, exchanging, or using crypto and other digital assets must be reported on tax returns. In particular, you may get a Form 1099-DA if you worked with a U.S.-based broker to sell or trade crypto or other digital assets, or used those assets to pay broker transaction fees. The form will show any potentially taxable gain from the transaction, and may also show your basis, a critical figure to know for tax purposes. In most cases, though, you will need to figure your basis separately.

If you believe that a Form 1099-DA you receive is incorrect or should not have been issued, contact the sender promptly to request that the form be replaced or voided. A tax professional can help you interpret 1099-DA forms and properly report the related transactions, and also help with basis calculations to ensure that you do not overpay in tax.

02/17/2026

Filing Season Scams

Tax filing season unfortunately brings with it a spike in activities by scammers looking to steal people's identities, money or both. The IRS recently warned all Americans to stay alert for fraudulent email or text messages that claim to come from the IRS or a tax service company. These messages may include requests for sensitive information like a Social Security number (SSN), or links to impostor websites created to harvest personal data or trick people into sending money. Many of these scams specifically target seniors. If you receive a suspicious message about tax season, delete it promptly, and do not reply or click on any links.

Other scammers post messages or videos on social media about made-up tax deductions or credits that the IRS is supposedly hiding from the public. They may use these claims to lure people into paying for fraudulent tax preparation services. Or they may just want to sow chaos, by persuading people to file false returns and incur IRS penalties.

One of the hardest scams to spot is false return filing, where a person files bogus tax returns in other people's names, in an attempt to steal IRS refunds. Victims of this scam may face lengthy processing delays for their legitimate returns, and therefore have to wait months or even years for their refunds. You can protect yourself by obtaining an IP PIN from the IRS, which is a unique identifying number that prevents anyone else from submitting a return in your name.

Apply for an IP PIN: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

02/11/2026

Adoption Tax Credit – Did You Know?

The Adoption Tax Credit helps parents recoup costs necessary to adopt a child. Thanks to rule changes implemented under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), parents who adopted a child in 2025 may qualify for enhanced tax benefits. Qualifying adoptive parents may claim a credit of up to $17,280 per eligible child for domestic, international, private or foster care adoptions. Expenses covered by the credit may include adoption fees, home studies, reasonable travel costs to complete the adoption, and court and legal fees.

Beginning with tax year 2025, up to $5,000 of the Adoption Tax Credit may be refundable. Therefore, if your credit is greater than the amount of tax you owe, you may receive up to $5,000 of the excess credit as a tax refund. Any remaining excess credit may typically be carried forward for up to five years. However, carryovers cannot be used to generate a tax refund.

For 2025, you can claim the full credit if your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is $259,190 or less. The credit decreases gradually as your MAGI rises from $259,191 to $299,189, and it is no longer available if your MAGI is $299,190 or higher.

To qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit, an adopted child generally must be younger than 18 years old or have special needs, and cannot be your spouse's child. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify for the credit, and if so, help you take full advantage of new benefits available under the OBBBA.

02/09/2026

IRS 2026 IP PIN - Did You Know?

The IRS encourages everyone to get an identity protection number (IP PIN) for the 2026 tax filing season. An IP PIN is a unique code that you include on your tax return and other IRS forms that you file during a given year. Using this code prevents scammers from submitting fraudulent tax documents in your name, in an attempt to steal your refund or identity.

The easiest way to obtain an IP PIN is to create an online IRS account (link below). You can also request one by mail by filing IRS Form 15227. Note that an IP PIN only lasts for one calendar year, so even if you had one in 2025, you will need a new one this year. Once you receive your 2026 IP PIN, make sure to include it on your 2025 tax return, so that the IRS will accept the return and reject any fakes. A tax professional can help you file your return electronically with your IP PIN properly entered, to ensure the fastest possible processing.

Open an IRS online account: https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

D.T. Ton & Associates

03/23/2026

03/18/2026

03/16/2026

03/11/2026

03/09/2026

03/04/2026

02/25/2026

02/23/2026

02/19/2026

02/17/2026

02/11/2026

02/09/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Monday	10am - 6pm
Tuesday	10am - 6pm
Wednesday	10am - 6pm
Thursday	10am - 6pm
Friday	10am - 6pm