FIRESIDE TAX

Personal Information:

• Social Security numbers (self, spouse, dependents)
• Previous year’s tax return (If new client)
• Valid photo ID
• CLICK HERE to Print the Client Data Sheet (This sheet is helpful for our team)

Income Documents:

• W-2 forms from employers
• 1099 forms (various types, e.g., 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV)
• Bank statements (interest, dividends)
• Investment income (capital gains/losses)
• Self-employment income and expenses
• Rental property income and expenses

Deductions and Credits:

• Mortgage interest statements (Form 1098)
• Property tax statements
• Charitable donations receipts
• Medical expenses
• Education expenses (Form 1098-T)
• Childcare expenses (provider’s name, address, and Tax ID)

Health Insurance:

• Forms 1095-A, 1095-B, or 1095-C

Other Relevant Information:

• IRA contributions
• Student loan interest (Form 1098-E)
• Unemployment income (Form 1099-G)
• State and local taxes paid
• Alimony received or paid (post-2018 agreements require recipient’s SSN)

Business Information (if applicable):

• Business income and expenses
• Employment taxes paid
• Business asset purchase details
• Having these documents ready will ensure a smooth and efficient tax preparation process.

What’s Changing for Taxes (2026 and Beyond)

The new tax law (nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”) introduces several changes that sound simple, but aren’t.

You may have heard things like “no tax on tips” or “no tax on overtime.” In reality, these are limited deductions, not full exemptions.

Here’s what that means:

Tips: Some workers can deduct up to $25,000 in tips
➡️Not all jobs qualify
➡️ Income limits apply
➡️ Automatic gratuities don’t count

Overtime: You may deduct part of your overtime pay
➡️Only the extra portion (not your full wage) qualifies
➡️ Taxes will still be withheld during the year
➡️ You claim the deduction when filing

Important:
➡️These rules only apply from 2025–2028
➡️ Payroll taxes (Social Security & Medicare) still apply
➡️ State and local taxes may still apply

There are also:

Extra deductions for those 65+
New deductions for certain car loan interest

Why This Matters

These changes come with rules, limits, and fine print.
What sounds like “no tax” could still require:

• Careful reporting
• Proper documentation
• Income tracking

Getting it wrong could mean missing savings or owing more later.

How Fireside Tax Helps

We help you:

• Figure out what you actually qualify for
• Apply deductions the right way
• Avoid common misunderstandings
• Stay up to date with new IRS rules and forms

Bottom Line

If you earn tips, work overtime, are 65+, or recently financed a vehicle, this may affect you.

These changes aren’t as simple as they sound. Getting guidance now can save you time, money, and stress later.

Get Ahead of It

Book your tax appointment with Fireside Tax today.

Call: 330-478-1505

Do you typically owe Ohio state income taxes?

Instead of simply sending that money to the state, you can direct it toward a cause that makes a difference by donating to the Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization (OCEN SGO).

Why consider donating?

When you donate online to OCEN SGO before the end of the tax year, you may qualify for a dollar-for-dollar Ohio state tax credit of up to $750 per taxpayer.

Your contribution may also reduce your federal and state tax liability—our accountants can confirm how this applies to your situation BEFORE YOU DONATE!

Rather than just paying your tax bill, you can use that same amount (up to $750 per taxpayer) to support scholarships for Ohio students to attend Christian schools.

In short, you can redirect your tax dollars into an opportunity that transforms lives—without increasing what you owe.

How Does the Ohio Tax Credit Work?
When you make a donation to the Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization (OCEN SGO), you can claim a nonrefundable Ohio income tax credit for the same tax year in which the gift is made.

• The credit directly reduces your Ohio state tax liability—dollar-for-dollar—up to $750 per taxpayer.
• Married couples filing jointly can maximize their benefit by making two separate $750 donations (one in each spouse’s name), which can result in a combined $1,500 tax credit.
• A single $1,500 donation, however, only qualifies for a $750 credit, so structuring your gift properly matters.

Before donating, it is wise to confirm how this credit fits into your overall tax situation—contact Fireside Tax at 330-478-1505 for a personalized review.

Where Does Your Gift Go?
Your contribution provides scholarships to Ohio students in the Ohio Christian Education Network, enabling them to access quality Christian education.

• You may designate your gift to benefit a specific participating school, or contribute to the general scholarship fund, where support is prioritized for students with the greatest financial need.

Make an Impact Before Year-End
By donating online before December 31, you can:

• Claim your Ohio tax credit for the current year,
• Potentially reduce both your state and federal tax liability, and
• Directly invest in the future of Ohio students.

Together, we can redirect tax dollars to empower students, strengthen schools, and support families—without increasing your tax bill.