In recent years, IRS imposters have become increasingly adept at deceiving taxpayers, resulting in nearly $5 million in losses, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). These scammers are honing their tactics and targeting vulnerable people, making it crucial for everyone to stay vigilant. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
MKR Blog
How to Prevent Tax Identity Theft
The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts and new goals, but it’s also the beginning of the oft-dreaded tax season, which means Tax identity thieves are on the lookout for information they can use in order to create fraudulent tax returns. Here are some tips...
IRS Warns of Continued Phone Scams During Tax Season
Although taxpayers should always be on the lookout for scammers and fraudulent activity, tax season is a time to be especially wary of unknown emails or phone calls. Aggressive phone scams where criminals call posed as IRS officials are extremely common and are a part...
Effective Ways to Protect Your Credit After the Equifax Breach
Although Equifax has yet to reveal specifics about the individuals who were affected by their data breach, as many as 143 million Americans may have been impacted. With that in mind, anyone with credit should consider taking measures to protect their identity and...
Top 12 Social Security Stats You Ought to Know
While a majority of the population is covered by Social Security (SS) to some degree, many do not fully understand the program, resulting in frustration and confusion when it comes time to receive benefits. In an effort to curb miscommunication or misgivings, the...
IRS Changing Phone Policy
For years, taxpayers have been told that the IRS will never call to inquire about their taxes or collect unpaid funds. Rather, the IRS has operated under the communication policy that they will contact taxpayers by written notice only. However, immediately following...
TIGTA: IRS Can Take Action to Recognize/Investigate Fraud Indicators
By better ensuring that fraud indicators are recognized and properly investigated during field audits of individual tax returns, the IRS could increase revenue by an estimated $20 million a year, according to a report publicly released by the Treasury Inspector...
How To Avoid the 10-Year Tax Trap With an Inherited IRA
Inheriting an IRA might feel like a financial win, but the rules today are different than they were just a few years ago. If you’re not up to date, an unexpected tax bill could catch you off guard. Here’s what changed, and how to plan around it. Changes Made by the...
Top Trends Shaping the Retail Industry in 2026
The retail landscape has been reshaping since the pandemic, and what seemed like temporary changes have now solidified into permanent shifts in how consumers shop and what they expect from retailers. Here are the key trends shaping retail this year. Value-Oriented...
Will the IRS Take Your Tax Refund If You Owe Back Taxes? Here’s What to Expect
If you owe back taxes and you’re expecting a refund this year, you might be wondering if the IRS will keep it. In some cases, yes. In others, no. Whether the refund reaches your bank account depends on several factors. If you have unpaid federal tax debt, the IRS can...
What Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Tax Return
President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) could change your tax return in real ways. The bill offers potential relief for parents raising kids, workers earning tips or overtime, and seniors on fixed incomes. There are a few key areas to pay attention to. Here’s...
Top Veterinary Technology Trends for 2026 Every Practice Should Know
Running a veterinary clinic means juggling patient care, staff needs, and business operations. Technology can help ease that load, and in 2026, several trends are beginning to emerge for better efficiency, security, and staff and client support. Here are the...
More Americans Can Now Use HSAs
Health savings accounts (HSAs) are one of the best tools for saving on healthcare costs. And beginning this year, more Americans than ever will qualify for HSAs, thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), which was passed last July. Read on to learn what’s changing,...
Should You Leave Your 401(k) in Your Employer Plan After Retirement?
When you retire, you don’t have to move your 401(k) right away, and for many retirees, leaving it where it is could be a smart move. Employers are increasingly adding features that make staying in the plan more appealing. Why? Partly because when employees with large...
Construction Outlook 2026: Key Risks and Growth Opportunities for Business Owners
The construction industry enters 2026 facing both persistent headwinds and emerging opportunities. Rising material costs, ongoing labor shortages, and policy uncertainty continue to challenge business owners. But at the same time, there’s an undercurrent of guarded...
What Small Business Owners Need To Focus on To Increase the Value of Their Business
When it comes to increasing the value of a small business, focusing on top-line growth won’t give you the whole picture. Revenue alone doesn’t always equal value, and a bigger business isn’t always a better one. If your long-term goal is to build a valuable business...
How Tariffs Are Affecting Construction Costs
The Trump administration enacted new tariffs on lumber and kitchen cabinets, adding pressure to construction budgets. The tariffs apply a 10% duty on softwood lumber and a 25% levy on imported kitchen cabinets. By 2026, the cabinet tariff is set to double to 50%. As a...