Tax Time

09/01/2026

🚜 Ag Sales Tax Tip: Not everything used on a farm is tax-exempt!

To qualify for the agricultural production sales tax exemption, the item must be directly involved in growing or raising a product. Just because it’s used on a farm doesn’t automatically make it tax-free.

08/31/2026

08/05/2026

The State Sales Tax Holiday is a 10-day event that gives shoppers a break on sales tax when purchasing eligible clothing, footwear, and school supplies.

During the holiday, the state sales tax rate is reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%, saving shoppers 5%on qualifying purchases.

Eligible items include:
* Clothing and footwear priced under $125 per item.
* Certain school supplies used by students for school. There is no $125 price limit for qualifying school supplies.
*Local sales tax still applies.

For a list of all qualifying items, and more details, check out this link: https://tax.illinois.gov/research/publications/bulletins/fy-2026-30.html

07/13/2026

📢 It’s not too early to start planning for next tax season! 💰📅

A quick tax withholding check now could help you avoid an unexpected tax bill—or a bigger refund than you actually want—when you file next year. The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free, easy-to-use tool that helps workers and retirees make sure the right amount of federal income tax is being withheld from their paychecks.

Checking your withholding can help you:
✅ Avoid owing taxes and possible penalties
✅ Increase your take-home pay instead of waiting for a refund
✅ Adjust for life changes like a new job, marriage, buying a home, or welcoming a new baby 👶🏡💍
✅ Make sure income from side jobs or self-employment is taken into account

For the most accurate estimate, have your latest tax return, recent pay stubs, and information about all of your income sources available. 📄

Don't wait until tax season to find out you need to make changes. Check your withholding today with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

Questions about your withholding or taxes? We're here to help! 😊

Check your W-4 tax withholding with the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator. See how your withholding affects your refund, paycheck or tax due.

07/08/2026

📢 Attention Illinois Business Owners! 📢

Go to https://mytax.illinois.gov/_/

Scroll down 2/3 of the page to find the tax rate finder. You DO NOT need to be logged in to your My Tax IL account to look up an address.

Some addresses around Fairfield are now at 7.75% sales tax. If you're not collecting that amount, you are losing money out of your pocket.

🚨Effective July 1, 2026, several Illinois taxing jurisdictions have implemented new local sales taxes or changed existing local sales tax rates on general merchandise.

If you own or manage a business, be sure to:
✅ Update your cash registers and POS systems.
✅ Update any accounting or sales tax software.
✅ Verify your new combined State and local sales tax rate using the MyTax Illinois Tax Rate Finder.

These changes may affect:
• Business District Sales Tax
• County Public Safety Tax
• Home Rule Municipal Sales Tax
• Metro-East Mass Transit District (MED) Sales Tax
• Non-Home Rule Municipal Sales Tax

💻 If you use sales software, contact your software provider to ensure your tax rates are current.

Don't wait—making these updates helps ensure you're collecting and remitting the correct amount of sales tax and staying compliant with Illinois tax laws.

06/08/2026

⭐The official Trump Accounts app has been launched!

Trump Accounts debut July 4th 2026! 💰

Important Information...

-LEGITIMATE activation emails will come from:
[email protected]

-Those activation emails will be sent in phases, be patient.

-Department of Treasury will NOT contact you via phone or text.

-You can begin contributions on July 4th, not before.

-There is no cost to open a Trump Account!

- You must elect to receive the $1000 contribution (if applicable), it is not automatic.

BEWARE OF SCAMS!!!

As is always the case these days, scammers will jump on and create look-alike websites and various other fake methods to "help" you set up an account. Use ONLY the official app or TrumpAccounts.gov.

06/01/2026

Tax Time will be closed 6/2/26.
Regular hours resume next week: Monday 12-4, Tuesday 4-6.

05/10/2026

⚠️ Important IRS Notice Alert ⚠️

You may hear about IRS CP53E notices, so we wanted to share a little info on them with you. Some notices are legitimate, but scammers are also sending convincing fakes.

Here's what’s real:
- CP53E is a legitimate IRS notice tied to a tax refund issue with direct deposit information.
- The IRS sends these notices by U.S. mail.
- Some real notices may include QR codes—but it’s best practice not to use them.

Play it safe:
- Don’t scan QR codes or click links, even if the notice looks official.
- Don’t respond by text, email, or phone.
- Avoid any website that isn’t IRS.gov.

What you should do instead:
- Type IRS.gov directly into your browser.
- Log into your secure IRS account to verify and respond.
- If unsure, wait—legitimate refunds will still be issued if no action is taken.
- Reach out to your tax professional for additional guidance.

Learn more:
https://www.bonadio.com/article/fake-irs-cp53e-notices-circulating-heres-what-taxpayers-need-to-know/

Stay cautious and help protect your financial information. Member FDIC

05/06/2026

Our clients have made us aware of letters they have received regarding their bank account information included with their 2025 taxes.

The most secure way to login and update info with the IRS is through IRS.gov.

We urge you NOT to use the QR codes provided on any correspondence.

Scammers have become aware of these notices and are able to replicate the IRS letter with great accuracy. That is why you must only use the actual IRS website. We'd hate to hear of anyone getting scammed!!!