• Encore episode: Understanding Your Tax Return: Part 1
    Dec 15 2024

    This throwback takes us to the most listened-to episode of the year! In this episode, resident "Least Boring CPA" Steven Jarvis takes listeners through the first part of 1040, providing insights and information to help you understand your tax return. Steven dived into both technical details and key reminders on what’s most relevant, along with important yearly changes to watch out for. This episode is as "hands-on" as it gets—so grab your own tax return and follow along as Steven breaks it down

    https://zurl.co/oq0X3.

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    19 mins
  • Throwback: The worst two words when planning for the future Ep.78
    Dec 1 2024

    This week’s throwback takes us to one of our most popular episodes from last year, originally released on December 1st, 2023! In this episode, Ben and Steven had a less technical discussion and instead focused on the importance of mindset and perspective when it comes to planning. The words we use can make all the difference on the success of a plan and our ability to really consider changes we may need to make. Ben and Steven also talked about a live webinar they had together and some of the highlights of what was discussed there. Let’s revisit the powerful insights they shared!

    https://zurl.co/B6lL

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    16 mins
  • I got audited! (sort of) EP.77
    Nov 15 2024

    In this episode, Ben peppers Steven with questions about a recent IRS audit he participated in. Steven shares the ins and outs of going through an IRS audit, best practices for the actual process, and why it's so important to take the "straight face" approach to taxes whether you ever get audited or not. Listen in as Ben asks questions you've probably always had, and Steven takes some of the mystery out of what an IRS audit can be like. No, they aren't fun, but they don't have to be scary.

    https://zurl.co/kpvu

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    17 mins
  • Look out! Here comes the election Ep.76
    Nov 1 2024

    In this episode Ben and Steven talk about the weather (it was only a quick tangent, we promise), the upcoming election and the kind of tax planning that will get a professional sued. As always they are focused on helping people consistently do the little things over time that add up to a big difference and help listeners tune out the noise and confusion that inevitably comes with an election year, including on tax topics. Steven and Ben also answer a listener question, which we love receiving so keep sending them in.

    https://zurl.co/yVNH

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    20 mins
  • The One Episode On Politics (Sort of) Ep.75
    Oct 15 2024

    With only a few weeks until the election, Ben and Steven share their thoughts on how you should change your tax planning based on who wins. Spoiler Alert: regardless of the outcome of the election, you are most likely going to keep doing the same foundational things. Tax laws change; it's normal. The people who do their best to minimize their lifetime tax bill take a proactive, long-term approach, and that means not overreacting to headlines and sound bites. Listen in as Ben and Steven share their thoughts on how to navigate uncertainty on taxes.

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    19 mins
  • 91 days left of 2024; what's on your tax to-do list? Ep.74
    Oct 1 2024

    Ben and Steven are back and in this episode they are helping you get ready for the end of the year. With 91 days until 2025 there are still actions you can take but it pays to get started and avoid the end of the year crunch. In addition to sharing tax planning strategies you should be thinking about Steven shares some of the most common "bumps" he sees DIY taxpayers run into and how you can avoid them.

    https://zurl.co/BBq6

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    21 mins
  • Inherited IRAs - what you need to know Ep.73
    Sep 15 2024

    The dynamic duo are back together to discuss the IRS's latest "change" to tax rules. This isn't a new topic but the IRS has recently "finalized" the rules originally proposed years ago around inherited IRAs. Ben and Steven provide insight for how to think about inherited IRAs, the the 10 year rule, the value of long term planning and the requirements around required minimum distributions

    https://zurl.co/kt94

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    20 mins
  • The real math on owning real estate Ep.72
    Sep 1 2024

    In this episode Ben is generous enough to share a personal tax experience to help all our listeners better understand a confusing topic: real estate. Listen in as Ben and Steven talk through the details of Ben's real estate journey including the taxes along with other pieces people don't always think about when they are trying to decide if an investment was in fact "a good deal". Most people just look at "how much did I pay for it and how much can I sell it for" but that leaves out the cost of ownership each year and the potential tax liability. With taxes there is almost always more to the puzzle.

    https://zurl.co/CzBc

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    17 mins