Plain-English breakdowns of new IRS and state tax rules and law changes, and what to do about them.
The 2026 Child Tax Credit is up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with up to $1,700 refundable. See the qualifying tests, the $200,000 / $400,000 phase-out, the $2,500 earned income rule, and three worked examples.
Long-term capital gains are taxed at 0%, 15% or 20% in 2026 depending on taxable income. See the thresholds by filing status, how gains stack on top of your income, and four worked examples with the 3.8% net investment income tax.
How the IRS’s February 25, 2026 instruction change affects the no-tax-on-tips deduction for self-employed tipped workers, and why it’s worth double-checking an early-filed return.
How the new no-tax-on-tips deduction works for gig workers — the $25,000 cap, which years it covers, and why it doesn’t touch Social Security or Medicare tax.
