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IRS Issues Erroneous CP35E Notices to Millions of Taxpayers: What Milton Law Group Clients Need to Know

In late April and early May 2026, the IRS mistakenly issued millions of CP35E notices stating: “We couldn’t direct deposit your 2025 Form 1040 refund.” These notices were sent even to taxpayers who were not owed a refund - including many who had a balance due on their 2025 return. This widespread error has caused understandable confusion, especially because the CP35E notice is normally associated with the IRS’s new direct-deposit verification process tied to the federal shift away from paper refund checks. What Is a CP35E Notice? The CP35E notice is part of the IRS’s updated refund-processing system. It is typically issued when...

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5 Things You Must Have in Your Estate Plan

Estate planning is not just for the ultra-wealthy. If you own property, have a bank account, or have minor children, you need a plan in place to protect your family's future. In this week's 5 on Fridays, Mark Milton breaks down the five essential components every estate plan must include. https://youtube.com/shorts/qyspL2ve3g8?si=kwKmHC_XWj9Cw-AL 1. A Will (Specifically a Pour-Over Will) A will is the foundation of your estate plan. It explicitly decides who gets your assets and, crucially, who will take care of your minor children if you pass away. For most of our clients, we utilize a "pour-over will." This means that upon your death,...

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5 Essential Post-Tax Day Tips to Set Yourself Up for Success

Tax Day is officially behind us! While most people breathe a sigh of relief on April 15th and forget about the IRS until next year, the smartest taxpayers know that post-Tax Day is actually the most critical time to set yourself up for financial success. https://youtube.com/shorts/k_UOFn6E0UI?feature=share In our latest installment of 5 on Fridays, former U.S. Department of Justice Tax Attorney Mark Milton breaks down the top five things you should be doing right now to minimize your tax burden and avoid massive headaches next tax season. 1. Send a Thank You Note to Your Tax Professional If you have a tax pro who...

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5 Things You Must Do Before the April 15 Tax Deadline

Tax Day, April 15th, is rapidly approaching. Whether you have your documents neatly organized or you are scrambling at the last minute, the impending deadline can induce a lot of anxiety. However, panicking or worse, ignoring the deadline entirely, will only lead to IRS penalties. https://youtube.com/shorts/zDCuhH22ZdU?si=4Istr3Hr1iPqhEww In this week’s "5 on Fridays," Managing Attorney Mark Milton breaks down the five essential things you need to do before Wednesday, April 15th, to ensure you stay compliant and protect your wallet. 1. Pull Your IRS Wage and Income Transcripts If you haven't started gathering your tax documents yet, you need to act fast. A common mistake...

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How Are Gambling and Sports Betting Winnings Taxed?

With the rise of legalized sports betting apps and the ever-present allure of the casino floor, more taxpayers than ever are finding themselves with gambling winnings. But a big win can quickly become a headache if you don’t understand how the IRS views that income. https://youtube.com/shorts/fMJ1YTgiuOg?feature=share In a special March Madness edition of "5 on Fridays," Managing Attorney Mark Milton outlines the five essential rules you need to know about gambling and your taxes. 1. All Gambling Income is Taxable The golden rule of gambling taxes is simple: if you win, the IRS expects you to report it. Whether you hit a jackpot at...

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The Kwong v. United States Decision: A Path to IRS Refunds

https://youtube.com/shorts/68DgQ0CIPWM?si=6pt7u73ie6TovbmR Can I get an IRS penalty refund due to COVID-19? Yes. A landmark court decision, Kwong v. United States, ruled that the IRS improperly charged penalties and interest during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you paid Failure-to-File, Failure-to-Pay, or Underpayment Interest and/or late-payment interest on tax obligations due between January 20, 2020, and July 10, 2023, you may be eligible for a full refund or abatement. For most taxpayers, the deadline to file refund or abatement claims is July 10, 2026. The Kwong v. United States Decision: A Path to IRS Refunds A late-2025 court decision from the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, Kwong v. United States, has...

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5 Benefits of Setting Up an IRS Online Account

In the digital age, managing your relationship with the Internal Revenue Service shouldn't depend on paper forms and the postal service. The IRS has made significant strides in its online infrastructure, and for taxpayers, the results are powerful. In this week’s "5 on Fridays," Managing Attorney Mark Milton discusses why every individual taxpayer should prioritize setting up their own secure account at IRS.gov. 1. Check Your Balance in Real-Time One of the most immediate benefits is the ability to see exactly where you stand with the federal government. Your online account allows you to check for any balances due for the current year...

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What to Do if an IRS Agent Shows Up at Your Door

Facing a surprise visit from an IRS agent is a high-stress situation that can catch even the most prepared taxpayer off guard. Whether the inquiry is civil or criminal in nature, knowing your rights is the first step in protecting your interests and your future. https://youtube.com/shorts/4pq9iNNuioc?si=hMrUvekBzi9BKNv3 In this week's "5 on Fridays," Managing Attorney Mark Milton provides 5 essential tips for how to handle an unexpected visit from a federal agent. 1. Always Ask for Identification If someone identifies themselves as an IRS agent, your first step is to verify their identity. Ask to see their badge and official credentials. This ensures that you...

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Top 5 Books for Small Business Owners & Entrepreneurs

Success in business is as much about your mindset as it is about your mechanics. As a business owner, managing attorney Mark Milton is constantly looking for new perspectives that can help me better serve my clients and lead my team at Milton Law Group. In this week's "5 on Fridays," Mark shares five books that have significantly influenced his professional journey. Whether you are just starting out or have been in business for years, these titles offer invaluable insights into leadership, psychology, and finance. 1. "The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins This is a powerful read about emotional intelligence and boundaries....

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5 Ways to Lower Your Tax Bill Before April 15th

The calendar may say 2026, but for many taxpayers, there is still time to impact your 2025 tax return. While most tax planning happens during the fourth quarter, the IRS allows several specific contributions to be made up until the April 15th filing deadline. In this week's "5 on Fridays," Managing Attorney Mark Milton outlines five ways you can still lower your tax burden before the clock runs out. 1. Make a Deductible IRA Contribution For many individuals, making a traditional IRA contribution is the fastest way to lower taxable income. For the 2025 tax year, you can contribute and deduct up to...

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