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Ballou & Associates

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Camden, ME
Ballou & Associates

Bookkeeping and QuickBooks consulting services, providing clients with solutions to help them get

Bookkeeping and business consulting service specializing in QuickBooks consulting, providing clients with solutions to help them get the most from their QuickBooks software saving time and money for their business.

10/12/2026

October 15 Filing Extension Deadlines

Taxpayers who timely requested an extension to file their 2025 federal income tax returns generally must file by Thursday, October 15, 2026. The same deadline generally applies to calendar-year C corporations that received an extension to file their 2025 corporate returns (Form 1120).

In addition, U.S. persons with a financial interest in or signature authority over foreign financial accounts whose combined value exceeded $10,000 at any time during 2025, and who are required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), generally must file by October 15, 2026. The FBAR extension is automatic; no extension request is necessary.

10/07/2026

Classifying workers correctly is an important part of running a business. Whether someone is an employee or an independent contractor affects payroll taxes, reporting requirements, benefits, and the level of control your business has over the work being performed.

Swipe through for a closer look at the key differences and why proper classification matters.

We hope you find this guide helpful. As always, if you have questions about worker classification, payroll setup, or your business's tax responsibilities, give our office a call. Our team is here to help you make informed decisions.

10/05/2026

Up to $5,120 of the Adoption Tax Credit Is Refundable for 2026 – Did You Know?

The Adoption Tax Credit helps eligible families manage qualified costs such as adoption fees, travel, legal services and home studies. In recent years, the credit was nonrefundable: it could reduce a person's federal income tax, but any unused amount generally had to be carried forward.

Under rules that took effect in 2025, part of the credit is now refundable. For tax year 2026, up to $5,120 per eligible child may be refundable, even if the taxpayer owes no federal income tax. Any unused nonrefundable portion may be carried forward for up to five years, but a carryforward cannot become refundable in a later year.

The Adoption Tax Credit is subject to income limits and other restrictions, and the timing of a claim depends on the circumstances of the adoption. A tax professional can help determine whether you qualify and how much credit you may claim.

09/29/2026

Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Childcare Costs – Did You Know? (2/2)

If you pay for care for your child under 13 years of age, or for your spouse or other dependent who requires help with basic self-care, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help reduce your federal income tax based on care expenses that you pay in order to work or seek work.

The CDCTC is calculated as a percentage of eligible care expenses. As in the past, the credit is subject to phase-down ranges, meaning that the maximum credit amount may decrease based on a person's adjusted gross income (AGI). However, new rules that took effect this year have significantly increased the maximum credit amount for people with AGIs both below and within the phase-down ranges.

For example, a married couple filing a joint return with an AGI of $75,000-$150,000 may qualify for a credit of up to 35% of eligible care costs, up from 20% in 2025. Meanwhile, a single filer with an AGI of $15,000 or less may be entitled to a credit equaling 50% of qualifying expenses. Above $15,000, the rate gradually declines, reaching 35% once AGI exceeds $43,000. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify for the CDCTC, and if so, what percentage you may use to figure your credit amount.

09/24/2026

One payroll term every business owner should know is “accrual.” Accruals can seem confusing at first, but understanding how they work can help keep your records accurate, organized, and easier to manage.

Swipe for a quick breakdown.

And as always, do not hesitate to contact our team if you need help with payroll or bookkeeping. We’re here to support your business.

09/22/2026

There are just about 100 days left in 2026, making now an ideal time to review your tax situation before tax season arrives. Swipe through for a few key tax-planning items worth looking at before the year closes.

The final months of the year often go by quickly, but there is still time to take advantage of planning opportunities before tax season arrives. Even a few small adjustments now may help improve your overall tax picture and reduce stress later.

That said, if you would like to review any of these items or talk through things you can do to set yourself up for success next year, please feel free to reach out to our team. We would be happy to help.

09/21/2026

Enhanced Tax Credit Can Help Cover 2026 Care Costs – Did You Know? (1/2)

If you pay for care for your qualifying child under age 13, or for your spouse or other qualifying person who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care and lives with you for more than half the year, then you may qualify for a federal tax credit. The Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) can help cover care expenses you pay in order to work or seek work. Rule changes that took effect this year have made the CDCTC more valuable for many households.

As in past years, you may use up to $3,000 of eligible expenses to figure the credit for one qualifying person, or up to $6,000 for two or more qualifying persons. However, beginning in 2026, the maximum credit rate increased from 35% to 50% of eligible expenses. The applicable percentage declines as adjusted gross income rises, but many households may qualify for a larger credit than under prior law. The increase can be as much as $900 for taxpayers with two or more qualifying persons.

In general, the CDCTC is available for all filing statuses except married filing separately (MFS). However, MFS filers may qualify if they meet special requirements, including filing separately, maintaining a home for a qualifying person for more than half the year, paying more than half the cost of maintaining the home, and not living with their spouse during the last six months of the year. To claim the credit, you must provide information about both the care recipient and care provider on your tax return. A tax professional can help you determine whether you are eligible for the CDCTC, and if so, help you meet the reporting requirements to claim the largest possible credit.

09/17/2026

Payroll errors can affect employee trust, tax compliance, and your bottom line.

From worker classification to overtime rules to recordkeeping, a few small issues can turn into bigger payroll problems if they are overlooked. Swipe through for common payroll risks to watch for and practical ways to stay ahead of them.

If you need help reviewing payroll processes, maintaining records, or cleaning up recurring issues, our team is here to help. Give us a call anytime.

09/14/2026

Tax Rules for Scholarships, Grants and Fellowships - Did You Know?

Common questions about education expenses relate to whether scholarships, fellowships and grants constitute taxable income. These awards are generally tax-exempt when received by a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution and used for qualified education expenses, including tuition, required enrollment fees, and required course-related books, supplies and equipment.

However, taxes may apply to funds used for nonqualified expenses like housing, food, travel and optional equipment. Fellowships that carry a work requirement, such as serving as a teaching assistant, are generally taxable compensation to the extent they represent payment for teaching, research or other required services, subject to limited exceptions.

The educational institution or scholarship provider should provide you with detailed information about the potential taxability of funds. By reviewing that information with you, a tax professional can help you maximize both tax benefits and peace of mind.

09/08/2026

Quarterly Estimated Tax Payments - Reminder

If you are making quarterly estimated tax payments to the IRS, the due date for the June 1 - August 31, 2026 payment period is coming up next week on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.

For payments made using IRS Direct Pay, you can make payments until 11:45 p.m. ET on the due date. Debit and credit card payments may also be made online through an IRS-approved payment processor.

Address

87 Elm Street, Ste 213
Camden, ME
04843

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 4pm
Tuesday	9am - 4pm
Wednesday	9am - 4pm
Thursday	9am - 4pm
Friday	9am - 4pm

Website

http://www.ballouandassociates.com/

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