​Tax season tends to bring out two things: a rush to file… and a surge in scams.
Every year, the IRS releases a list of common schemes targeting individuals and business owners. And while the tactics evolve, the goal is always the same—get access to your money or your personal information. The problem is not just the scams themselves.
It’s how convincing they’ve become.
If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to mistake a scam for something legitimate.
​
Why This Matters
Tax-related scams can lead to:

• Stolen identities
• Fraudulent tax filings
• Lost refunds
• Compromised business or financial accounts

And once it happens, it’s not a quick fix. Cleaning it up can take months.

Common Tax Scams to Watch For

1. IRS Impersonation (Calls, Emails, or Texts)
Scammers pose as the IRS claiming you owe money or are due a refund.
They often:

• Create urgency (“Pay immediately or face penalties”)
• Threaten legal action
• Ask for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or crypto

Reality: The IRS does not initiate contact this way or demand immediate payment through those methods.

2. Phishing Emails and Fake Links
You may receive emails that look official, asking you to:

• “Verify your information”
• “Click to claim your refund”
• “Update your tax details”

These links are designed to capture your login credentials or personal data.
Reality: The IRS does not send unsolicited emails asking for sensitive information.

3. Fake Tax Preparers (“Ghost Preparers”)
Some individuals offer to file your taxes but:

• Don’t sign the return
• Don’t provide a copy
• Disappear after filing

They may inflate refunds to take a larger fee or use your information fraudulently.
Reality: A legitimate preparer signs your return and includes their PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number).

4. Refund and Credit Scams
Scammers promise “guaranteed” large refunds or credits you may not qualify for.
They may:

• Ask you to file false information
• Charge fees based on refund size
• Encourage aggressive or inaccurate claims

Reality: If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is—and you are responsible for what’s filed under your name.

5. Social Media Tax “Hacks”
There has been a rise in misleading advice online encouraging people to:

• Claim credits improperly
• File false income or deductions
• Use loopholes that don’t actually exist

Reality: Following bad advice can result in audits, penalties, and repayment of refunds.

How to Protect Yourself- This doesn’t require paranoia—just discipline.
Be cautious with communication

• Don’t click links from unknown or unexpected sources
• Verify any “urgent” request before responding

Work with trusted professionals

• Use a reputable tax advisor
• Avoid anyone who guarantees results or avoids signing your return

Protect your information

• Use strong passwords and secure networks
• Do not share sensitive information casually

Slow down

• Scammers rely on urgency
• Taking a moment to verify can prevent a costly mistake

From a GLM Perspective- Most tax scams don’t work because people aren’t smart.
They work because people are busy. When something looks official and creates urgency, it bypasses your normal decision-making process.

That’s why having a clear system matters:

• Who do you trust for tax advice?
• Where do you verify information?
• How do you respond when something feels off?

If those answers aren’t clear, that’s where problems start.

Final Thought
Clarity protects you.
If something doesn’t feel right, pause before acting. A quick conversation with a trusted advisor can save you from a much bigger issue later.
​
If you ever receive something questionable related to taxes or the IRS, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to take a look and help you determine what’s real and what’s not.

As a new year begins, many business owners naturally focus on budgets, tax planning, staffing, and growth goals. But one area that often deserves just as much attention is how your business is presented to the market.

Marketing does not always require a complete overhaul. Often, small upgrades in how you communicate can make a noticeable difference in how people perceive your business, your professionalism, and your value.

Here are three practical ways to strengthen your marketing in 2026.

Upgrade Your Social Media Communication
Many businesses are active on social media, but not all content creates confidence.
Take a close look at what your business is posting:
• Does your content clearly reflect your expertise?
• Is it informative, helpful, or inviting?
• Does it show the value of your business beyond selling?

Your social presence should not only promote services — it should also help people understand your business story, your team, your clients, and the solutions you provide.

A stronger mix often includes:
• Educational content
• Client success stories
• Team highlights
• Community involvement
• Industry insights
The goal is to move from basic posting to intentional communication that builds trust.

Refresh Your Printed Materials
Printed materials still matter more than many people realize.
Business cards, brochures, proposals, invoices, annual reports, and presentation materials all shape how your business is perceived.

Ask yourself:
• Does your business card still represent your brand well?
• Are your printed materials visually consistent?
• Is your messaging clear and current?
• Would someone immediately understand your value?

Sometimes businesses continue using materials that are functional but outdated. A simple design refresh can create a stronger impression and help your materials better match the quality of your service.
Even small upgrades can elevate professionalism.

Invest in Professional Visibility
One of the strongest ways to improve marketing is to improve where and how you are seen.
Professional associations, business groups, networking organizations, and educational programs all create opportunities to sharpen communication and expand visibility.

This can include:
• Joining a business development group
• Attending targeted networking events
• Participating in industry education
• Speaking at local events
• Building stronger referral relationships

Often the strongest marketing improvements happen when business owners step outside normal routines and engage in environments where new ideas and stronger positioning naturally develop.

A Strong Year Starts with Better Visibility
Marketing does not always require doing more. Often it requires doing familiar things with more clarity, consistency, and intention.

Small adjustments in presentation, communication, and visibility often produce measurable results over time.

As 2026 moves forward, this is a good time to evaluate where your business presentation may need refinement. Because in many cases, growth begins when people understand your value more clearly.

​Most professionals don’t struggle with meeting people.
They struggle with turning those interactions into real business relationships.
Networking isn’t about working the room harder.
It’s about working your approach smarter.
Here are a few principles that consistently separate effective networkers from everyone else.

Start with Mindset, Not Tactics
The biggest shift is simple:
Stop trying to impress people. Start trying to understand them.
Strong networkers walk into conversations with curiosity, not an agenda.
They listen more than they talk.
They ask better questions.
When people feel heard, they open up.
And when they open up, the relationship actually begins.

Clarity Beats Complexity
You don’t need a perfect pitch.
You need a clear one.
If someone can’t quickly understand:

• What you do
• Who you help
• Why it matters

…they won’t remember you.
Simple messages scale. Confusing ones don’t.
A short, natural explanation of your value will outperform a long, over-rehearsed pitch every time.

Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
A common mistake is trying to meet everyone.
You don’t need 30 conversations.
You need 3–5 meaningful ones.
Strong networkers:

• Identify who they want to meet
• Prioritize those conversations
• Go deeper instead of wider

A few real connections will always outperform dozens of surface-level ones.

Capture What Matters (While It’s Fresh)
Most people rely on memory.
That’s a mistake.
After an event, take a few minutes to note:

• Who you met
• What they do
• What stood out
• What you discussed

This is what allows you to follow up intentionally instead of generically.

Follow-Up Is Where It Actually Starts
The event is just the introduction.
The relationship begins after.
A simple follow-up within 24–48 hours is enough:

• Reference your conversation
• Keep it personal
• Suggest a next step if appropriate

Most people don’t follow up.
Doing this alone puts you ahead.

Lead with Value, Not Expectation
Strong networks aren’t built on keeping score.
They’re built on:

• Making introductions
• Sharing ideas
• Offering resources
• Supporting others

Give without expecting an immediate return.
That’s how trust is built.
And trust is what drives referrals.

The Bottom Line
Networking doesn’t need to feel forced or transactional.
When done right, it becomes:

• Easier
• More natural
• More productive

Because you’re not just collecting contacts.
You’re building relationships that actually move your business forward.

GLM Insight
​Busy networking doesn’t create results.
Intentional networking does.
If your current approach feels inconsistent or unclear, it’s not a time problem—it’s a strategy problem.
And once you fix the strategy, the results tend to follow.

As tax filing season gets underway, one of the most common questions we hear is simple:

“When will my refund arrive?”
While the IRS provides general timelines, the actual timing of your refund depends on how you file, what credits you claim, and whether your return requires additional review. Here’s what taxpayers should know as the season unfolds.

How Long Refunds Typically Take
If you file electronically and choose direct deposit, the IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days or less.
If you file a paper return, refunds can take four weeks or longer, and even more time if corrections or manual reviews are required.
The IRS continues to encourage electronic filing and direct deposit, as those returns move through the system faster and with fewer errors.

Why Some Refunds Take Longer
Not all refunds are processed on the same schedule. Refunds may take additional time if:

• The return includes errors or incomplete information
• The IRS needs to verify identity or income
• The return claims certain refundable credits

The IRS also cautions taxpayers not to rely on a refund by a specific date, especially when planning major purchases or bill payments.

Refundable Credits Can Affect Timing
Even if you file early, refunds that include certain credits may be delayed due to required verification.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)Refunds that include the Earned Income Tax Credit are often held longer as the IRS confirms eligibility, income, and filing status.
Child Tax Credit & Additional Child Tax CreditTaxpayers claiming these credits may also see delayed refunds, particularly when the Additional Child Tax Credit is involved.
In many cases, refunds tied to these credits become available later in February or early March, depending on processing and banking timelines.

How to Check the Status of Your Refund
Taxpayers can track refunds using the IRS’s “Where’s My Refund?” tool:

• Available online or through the IRS2Go app
• Updates once daily (usually overnight)
• Typically shows status within:
  • 24 hours of e-filing, or
  • About four weeks after mailing a paper return

To check your status, you’ll need:

• Your Social Security number or ITIN
• Filing status
• Exact refund amount from your return

Who Qualifies for Key Credits?
The article also highlights eligibility basics for popular credits:
Child Tax CreditGenerally available to taxpayers with qualifying children under age 17 who meet income and residency requirements.
Earned Income Tax CreditAvailable to lower- and moderate-income taxpayers who meet earned income thresholds and filing requirements, with income limits varying based on filing status and number of dependents.
Eligibility depends on several factors, and claiming a credit incorrectly can delay processing.

What’s Different This Year
One notable change: the IRS continues moving away from paper refund checks.
Most taxpayers are now required to provide bank account and routing numbers to receive refunds via direct deposit. This shift is designed to reduce fraud, speed processing, and lower administrative costs.

A Final Word on Refund Expectations
A tax refund is not a bonus — it’s the return of excess taxes paid during the year. While refunds are welcome, delays can happen, especially for returns that require extra review.
At GLM Accounting & Business Advisory, we encourage clients to:

• File accurately
• Keep documentation organized
• Avoid relying on refunds for immediate financial obligations

Understanding the process upfront helps reduce frustration and surprises later.
If you have questions about refund timing, credits, or filing strategy, we’re here to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.

​In Part 1, we covered several new and enhanced deductions that may be available to individual taxpayers in upcoming filing seasons. In this article, we’ll focus on how deductions are applied, including standard versus itemized deductions, documentation requirements, and helpful IRS tools.
Understanding how these pieces work together is key to making informed tax decisions.

Standard Deduction vs. Itemizing: What’s Different Now?
One important change is that many of the new deductions may be available to both:

• Taxpayers who take the standard deduction
• Taxpayers who itemize deductions

This represents a shift from past rules, though income limits and eligibility requirements still apply.

Standard Deduction Amounts for Tax Year 2025
The IRS adjusts standard deduction amounts annually for inflation. For tax year 2025, the amounts are:

• $15,750 — Single or Married Filing Separately
• $31,500 — Married Filing Jointly or Qualifying Surviving Spouse
• $23,625 — Head of Household

Most taxpayers continue to take the standard deduction, but itemizing may make sense if deductible expenses exceed these amounts.

Common Itemized Deductions
Taxpayers who itemize may deduct qualifying expenses such as:

• State and local income or sales taxes
• Real and personal property taxes
• Mortgage interest
• Charitable contributions
• Medical and dental expenses
• Certain casualty or disaster losses

These deductions are subject to dollar limits and substantiation requirements.

Documentation Still Matters
Regardless of which deductions apply, taxpayers must keep records to support what they claim, including:

• Receipts and statements
• Loan and interest documentation
• Proof of payment
• Accurate income records

Good documentation helps ensure deductions are applied correctly and reduces audit risk.

IRS Tools Available to Taxpayers
Several IRS resources can help taxpayers determine eligibility:

• IRS Free File for taxpayers under income thresholds
• Free File Fillable Forms for all income levels
• IRS Interactive Tax Assistant for deduction and credit eligibility

While helpful, these tools work best when paired with proactive planning.

Final Thought
Tax filing reports what already happened.
Tax planning helps shape future outcomes.
At GLM Accounting & Business Advisory, we help clients understand how changing tax rules apply to their unique situation — and how to plan with intention rather than react under pressure.
If you have questions about how these deductions may affect you, now is the right time to start the conversation.

Tax laws continue to evolve, and recent changes introduce several new and enhanced tax deductions that may impact individuals in upcoming filing seasons. While not every taxpayer will qualify, understanding what’s available — and how these deductions work — is an important part of proactive tax planning.
​
This first article focuses on what’s new, who these deductions may apply to, and why planning ahead matters.

What Is a Tax Deduction?
A tax deduction reduces the amount of income subject to federal tax.
Lower taxable income can lead to a lower overall tax obligation.
Deductions are different from tax credits, which reduce taxes owed dollar-for-dollar. While deductions don’t always provide immediate savings, they can significantly affect your tax outcome when used strategically.

New Deductions to Be Aware Of
Several new or expanded deductions are expected to be available in upcoming filing seasons. All are subject to income limits and eligibility requirements.

Additional Deduction for Seniors
Taxpayers age 65 and older may be eligible for an additional $6,000 deduction.
This deduction may be available whether you itemize or take the standard deduction, depending on income level.

Deductions for Tipped Workers
Some individuals who earn tips may be eligible to deduct up to $25,000 in qualified tips.
Because tipped income must be properly reported to qualify, documentation and compliance are essential.

Overtime Income Deduction
Individuals may be eligible to deduct:

• Up to $12,500 (single filers)
• Up to $25,000 (joint filers)

This deduction applies only to qualifying overtime income and phases out at higher income levels.

Passenger Vehicle Loan Interest
Taxpayers may be able to deduct up to $10,000 in interest paid on qualifying passenger vehicle loans.
Eligibility depends on the type of vehicle, loan structure, and other specific criteria.

Why Planning Ahead Matters
Many of these deductions phase out as income rises. In some cases, earning slightly more can significantly reduce or eliminate eligibility.
Understanding these rules early allows for better planning, smarter decisions, and fewer surprises at tax time.

Coming Next in Part 2
In Part 2, we’ll cover standard vs. itemized deductions, current standard deduction amounts, documentation requirements, and available IRS tools that can help taxpayers navigate these changes.

In today’s digital-first business world, your photo often speaks before you do. It shows up on LinkedIn, your website, Zoom calls, proposals, and marketing materials—sometimes all before a prospect ever meets you.

That’s why one of the smartest (and most overlooked) investments a business owner can make is a professional business portrait that actually feels like you.

This week’s Matching Ideas with Resources spotlight is on a colleague who has mastered that exact outcome.

After more than 35 years specializing in professional portraits, Jared has refined a process that removes the most common frustration people have with headshots: not liking the final image. His solution is simple—and surprisingly rare.

He retouches your photo with you, during the session.
Instead of waiting days and hoping the final result matches your expectations, you collaborate in real time. Adjustments are made on the spot, ensuring the finished image reflects how you want to show up professionally. The result? A business portrait you don’t just accept—you confidently use.
Even better, Jared backs this with a “Like It or Love It” guarantee, which is almost unheard of in this space.

For a limited time, he’s also offering a Valentine’s Day Professional Business Portrait Special, which includes:

• A professional business portrait session
• A personal photo session on the same day (if booked before 2/20/26)
• A relaxed, guided experience designed to produce images you’ll actually want to share

At GLM, we often talk about clarity, confidence, and credibility in business. How you visually represent yourself plays a bigger role in all three than most people realize.

If updating your professional image has been sitting on your to-do list, this is a great opportunity to finally check it off—with confidence.
​
👉 View the details here:
https://app.signtechsupport.org/location/XdDDCurEqlWNm5tc67Gr/page-builder/0Co0fKg0DSjRgYDAZAMv/versions