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 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?
READ MOREAround the Tax World- June 10, 2025
In The HeadlinesSteph Curry’s collection of brands hit $173.5 million in revenue last year.
What's New In The Tax World?Will Congress deliver on tax reform by President Trump’s July 4th “deadline”?
State-By-State-UpdatesIllinois’ grocery tax is set to expire in 2026—but the mayor of Chicago is pushing back.
Tax Planning TipsThe Child Tax Credit would face a new restriction under the federal tax bill: What could this mean for families?
Around the Tax World- May 27, 2025
In The HeadlinesElon Musk is stepping back from DOGE and from hefty political spending.
What's New In The Tax World?Trump’s tax bill centers on extending the 2017 tax cuts—but the cost may be too high for some Republicans
State-By-State-UpdatesMaryland’s latest bill brings significant tax increases.
Tax Planning TipsWhat can the entire U.S. Senate agree on? Apparently, no tax on tips.
Around the Tax World- May 8, 2025
In The HeadlinesCould Tesla be seeking a replacement for Elon Musk?
What's New In The Tax World?What could make it into the next budget bill? SALT and staffing are the next big conversations
State-By-State-UpdatesOver 400,000 Florida taxpayers will get a check through the Hillsborough County Sales Tax settlement.
Tax Planning TipsThe federal government may flip the script on electric vehicles by introducing an annual EV registration fee.
Around the Tax World- April 24, 2025
In The HeadlinesCould Harvard and other universities lose their tax-exempt status?
What's New In The Tax World?The renewal of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts is facing pushback from within the Republican party
State-By-State-UpdatesFlorida lawmakers weigh the pros and cons of two budget bills, both proposing over $5 billion in tax cuts.
Tax Planning TipsCould the federal tax on Social Security income actually be eliminated?
Around the Tax World- April 7, 2025
In The HeadlinesInflation rises more than expected in February when it comes to consumer spending.
What's New In The Tax World?The next wave of tariffs hits the auto industry as Trump introduces a 25% levy on imports
State-By-State-UpdatesIowa is looking to increase business development, which could mean both new tax credits and the elimination of old ones.
Tax Planning TipsSenior citizens could still reduce this year’s tax bill with these best practices.
Around the Tax World- March 25, 2025
In The HeadlinesThe stock market leaves investors reeling after a rollercoaster week.
What's New In The Tax World?In the push to renew the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, SALT could cause the stalemate
State-By-State-UpdatesConnecticut lawmakers are weighing a new retail delivery tax.
Tax Planning TipsSenior citizens could still reduce this year’s tax bill with these best practices.
Around the Tax World- March 10, 2025
In The HeadlinesNew leadership, fewer lawsuits—changes are afoot at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
What's New In The Tax World?Will federal budget cuts be enough to offset the revival of TCJA tax cuts?
State-By-State UpdatesFlorida’s governor advocates to axe the state’s property tax.
Tax Planning TipsHCould repealing the clean energy tax credits drive up electricity bills?
Around the Tax World- February 24, 2025
In The HeadlinesCVS Health could be making a revenue comeback in 2024.
What's New In The Tax World?Could $4.5 trillion in tax cuts be coming down the federal pipeline?
State-By-State UpdatesA new Georgia bill could provide taxpayers with another special refund.
Tax Planning TipsHave a home equity loan? Be clear on the tax deductions available to you.
NOT A Subscriber YET?
SUBSCRIBE TO GET ALL OF OUR
GREAT ARTICLES AND RESOURCES!
CURRENT EDITION
2026 Changes to Form 2441 and Dependent Care Benefits
The credit for dependent-care expenses (such as daycare costs) has long been stuck at 20% for “average” taxpayers. It finally gets a permanent boost in 2026 (for returns filed in 2027). Also, the amount of money a taxpayer can put into a dependent care assistance program is increasing by $2,500 for 2026. This change presents a chance for taxpayers and tax pros to reevaluate which is better – claiming the credit or using a flex plan.
Turning Intellectual Property into Interest Deduction Capacity: Use of an IP Holdco After the OBBBA
Many taxpayers have lived with a frustrating mismatch since the Section 163(j) limitation tightened after 2021 – the business may generate plenty of cash, yet its interest deductions are limited because adjusted taxable income (“ATI”) is too low, e.g., due to capex. The 2025 restoration of depreciation and amortization addbacks makes ATI planning relevant again, especially for groups that own valuable intangible property (“IP”), and the choice of legal entity to house group IP may have very different tax consequences as discussed in this article.
Do You Know U.S. Tax History?
In recognition of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, let’s review 250 years of tax history. Our nation’s tax systems have evolved over two and a half centuries as ways of doing business and living have changed. Also, expectations of services the public wants and needs from the government have grown, resulting in tax changes to generate increasing amounts of tax revenue. Along the way, lawmakers have considered principles of simplification, equity, fairness, economic growth and effective tax administration that have shaped our tax laws. This article offers questions and answers to cover a range of interesting aspects of our federal tax history.
