Welcome to THINK OUTSIDE THE TAX BOX, the premier on-line publication for tax reduction information!
Here at TOTTB, we produce in-depth, easy to understand, exhaustively cited, essays on the topic of tax reduction for our subscribers! And, every two weeks, we add more articles and more features like our live webinar events, private Facebook group, downloadable “Client Alerts” and Infographics, features like our blog, Around the Tax World, an aggregator of all the news happening in the tax world!
If you aren’t a subscriber yet, please understand that this blog is a very small part of what we do. If you really want to dig in, SUBSCRIBE! (We offer a 30-day money back guarantee, you have nothing to lose!)

Around the Tax World- JULY 21, 2026
In The HeadlinesTrump’s $1.776 billion IRS settlement is blocked by a federal judge.
What's New In The Tax World?As refunds surpass $49 billion, what does the future hold for U.S. tariffs?
State-By-State-UpdatesWill Alaska’s gasline tax bill become law?
Tax Planning TipsClaiming the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit is a more narrow road than some imagined
READ MOREAround the Tax World- JULY 7, 2026
In The HeadlinesTrump pushes back on foreign digital services taxes by threatening 100% tariffs.
What's New In The Tax World?Could the federal gas tax be on its way out?
State-By-State-UpdatesCalifornia approves a tax on Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund.
Tax Planning TipsDo Trump Account contributions need to be reported as a gift to the IRS?
Around the Tax World- JUNE 23, 2026
In The HeadlinesOpenAI goes on a spending spree to the tune of $3.7 billion.
What's New In The Tax World?Money is running out from a Social Security trust fund—what could that mean for your taxes?
State-By-State-UpdatesCalifornia’s governor pushes back on a proposed billionaire tax.
Tax Planning TipsTax planning could make a major difference to your student loan payments
Around the Tax World- JUNE 9, 2026
In The HeadlinesThe Supreme Court decides to stay out of the California-Florida tax tussle.
What's New In The Tax World?Retail sales spiked in 2026, but the reason might be tax refunds
State-By-State-UpdatesFlorida debates a total overhaul of their property tax system.
Tax Planning TipsHow can Trump Accounts help with tax savings?
Around the Tax World- May 26, 2026
In The HeadlinesTrump settles his lawsuit against the IRS—and gains audit protection in the process.
What's New In The Tax World?Jeff Bezos stirs up talk about eliminating income taxes in a recent interview
State-By-State-UpdatesNew Mexico faces disappointing results from its $512 million in state tax credits.
Tax Planning TipsThe enhanced premium tax credit didn’t make it to 2026—what has the impact been?
Around the Tax World- May 7, 2026
In The HeadlinesThe S&P 500 stalls as the war in Iran continues and the Federal Reserve meets on interest rates.
What's New In The Tax World?Republican lawmakers look to woo voters with lower capital gains taxes
State-By-State-UpdatesCalifornia’s “billionaire tax” makes it a step closer to the November ballot.
Tax Planning TipsWho can benefit most from the IRS’ free tax withholding tool?
Around the Tax World- April 23, 2026
In The HeadlinesJust how bad is the energy crisis? Experts assess the impact of the ongoing war in Iran.
What's New In The Tax World?Despite the OBBBA tax cuts, polls show that most Americans think they are overpaying on taxes—a sentiment that could impact midterm elections
State-By-State-UpdatesHawaii’s climate cruise tax is blocked by an appeals court—what’s next?
Tax Planning TipsAs annuity sales reach record growth levels, what does this mean for tax planning?
Around the Tax World- April 9, 2026
In The HeadlinesPresident Trump projects an end to the war in Iran in April, causing stocks to rally.
What's New In The Tax World?Did you know tax assessments have an expiration date? Here’s what to know.
State-By-State-UpdatesAlaska struggles with lost revenue from properties erroneously claiming a tax exemption.
Tax Planning TipsAre your investments tax-advantaged—and if not, what needs to change?
Around the Tax World- march 25, 2026
In The HeadlinesThe Federal Reserve keeps interest rates as-is but alludes to a future cut.
What's New In The Tax World?The National Taxpayer Advocate anticipates 2026 challenges due to staffing reductions and retroactive changes to tax law
State-By-State-UpdatesCalifornia adds animated and competition TV shows to its Film & Television Tax Credit Program.
Tax Planning TipsHow do the OBBBA tax policies impact retirement planning?
NOT A Subscriber YET?
SUBSCRIBE TO GET ALL OF OUR
GREAT ARTICLES AND RESOURCES!
CURRENT EDITION

When Your Client’s World Is Bigger Than the U.S.
A lot of client meetings still start with the same assumptions: W-2 in a U.S. state, mortgage nearby, a 401(k), maybe some RSUs, and a college-savings plan. Yet many of those “simple” clients now own an apartment in another country, freelance for a foreign company, or have parents wiring money from overseas. The tax code does not see those details as background color; it treats them as organizing facts. This is where citizenship, residency, and domicile quietly step onto center stage. For planners, the challenge is not memorizing every cross-border rule. It is knowing when a client is no longer “just domestic” and shifting your planning framework before you stumble into penalties, double taxation, or blown opportunities.

Are You Committing Filing Status Malpractice?
Consider this article your periodic reminder that, for married taxpayers, filing jointly is an election and not the default (and certainly not the only) filing status option. It is important in a busy practice to remember to offer this option to clients who may benefit from filing separately, even if they don’t ask.

Syndicated Easements: Fresh IRS Offer and the Perils of Post-BBA Gamesmanship
The IRS has issued a statement about a new settlement offer that is going out for conservation and historic preservation easement disputes. It is similar to previous offers, but there is one big difference. The partnership will not have to make a payment at the time that it accepts the offer. Other than that, it is similar to the deal offered in 2020. Taxpayers get to deduct what they are out-of-pocket as an ordinary deduction and are subject to a 10% penalty. In general, the out-of-pocket donation might be around 20% to 25% of the claimed charitable deduction. The Tax Court, on average, has been allowing 6%, although results vary. There is usually a 40% penalty in the decided cases.
