Alex Tong, CPA

Alex Tong, CPA Carol Wu & Alex Tong CPAs are a Plano, TX CPA firm offering a full range of accounting, tax, business consulting, and financial management services.

We are a Plano, TX CPA firm offering a full range of accounting, tax, business consulting, and financial management services.

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or...
08/31/2026

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss may be disallowed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid triggering the wash sale rule and still achieve your goals. Contact us at (972) 423-8880 to discuss balancing tax considerations with investment objectives.

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of...
08/28/2026

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of the awards are tax-free. To qualify for tax-free status, scholarships must meet three criteria: 1) The student must be a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution, 2) the award must be used to pay for tuition and fees, books, and certain supplies (not room and board or travel), and 3) the award can’t represent wages for teaching or research. Many graduate student awards have employment compensation components, so they may be taxable. Also, taxable scholarship money could potentially be subject to the “kiddie” tax. Contact us at (972) 423-8880 for more information.

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expe...
08/26/2026

Business owners and self-employed individuals who use their vehicle for business may be able to deduct auto-related expenses. But if a vehicle (including a car, van, pickup or panel truck) is used both for business and personal purposes, the expenses must be split based on mileage. These rules apply to both owned and leased vehicles. There are two methods for calculating auto expenses: actual expenses and the standard mileage rate. Both require careful recordkeeping, though using the mileage rate is generally easier. Contact us at (972) 423-8880 to determine which method makes sense for your situation.

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for R...
08/25/2026

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR) — and it’s rarely in your favor. The IRS uses information it already has, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, to prepare the SFR. But it usually skips deductions and credits you may be entitled to, often resulting in a higher tax bill. You could also face penalties, interest and collection actions, such as liens or levies. The good news? You can fix it. Filing an accurate return can generally replace the SFR and may reduce what you owe, though penalties and interest may still apply. Call us at (972) 423-8880 for help.

If your trust is subject to high state income tax, you may be able to change its residence (or “situs”) to a state with ...
08/24/2026

If your trust is subject to high state income tax, you may be able to change its residence (or “situs”) to a state with low or no income taxes. Relocating a trust may offer a tax advantage if the trust is an irrevocable nongrantor trust, accumulates (rather than distributes) substantial amounts of ordinary income or capital gains, and can be moved to a state with low or no taxes on accumulated trust income. Call us at (972) 423-8880 for more information.

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising...
08/21/2026

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising fuel costs. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup truck or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year. The revised rate for medical and eligible moving purposes is 23.5 cents per mile, up from 20.5 cents per mile. For charitable driving, the 14 cents per mile rate remains unchanged. These rates apply to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid ones. To protect your deduction, keep detailed mileage records. Call us at (972) 423-8880 with questions.

If you were born in 1960 or later, you can start taking “full” Social Security benefits when you turn age 67. But should...
08/19/2026

If you were born in 1960 or later, you can start taking “full” Social Security benefits when you turn age 67. But should you? It may depend on your health, retirement income and other factors. If possible, try to delay taking benefits until you’re age 70, when you’ll receive larger monthly payments. In fact, benefits increase by 8% each year you delay taking them! For more about Social Security and funding your retirement, call us at (972) 423-8880.

Applying for a business loan can feel like a catch-22. On one side of the desk is the risk-averse lender, who’s willing ...
08/18/2026

Applying for a business loan can feel like a catch-22. On one side of the desk is the risk-averse lender, who’s willing to loan money only to successful business owners. On the other side is the business owner, who needs the funds to grow and be successful! To avoid this paradox, approach a loan as a partnership rather than a provider-customer interaction. After all, if you were going into business with someone, you’d want to clearly understand their vision for the venture. Contact us at (972) 423-8880 for help effectively presenting your business plan and financials to prospective lenders.

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labo...
08/17/2026

Effective job costing can help business owners make smarter pricing and budgeting decisions. By tracking the direct labor, materials and overhead tied to specific jobs or projects, you gain a clearer picture of profitability and operational efficiency. Without accurate data, it’s easy to underprice work, overlook cost overruns or misjudge your most profitable services. We can help you set up practical costing methods that improve financial insight and support better decision-making. Call us at (972) 423-8880 for more information.

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you...
08/14/2026

It’s easy to focus on the excitement of a big win. But before you spend lottery, gambling or other winnings, be sure you understand the tax impact. Federal tax law generally treats such winnings as taxable income. Knowing the basic rules can help you avoid surprises when you file your 2026 return next year. For example, if you win more than $5,000, generally the payer (lottery agency, casino, etc.) will withhold 24% for federal tax purposes — which may or may not be enough to cover your tax liability — and send you and the IRS a Form W-2G showing the winnings paid and tax withheld. There also might be state tax consequences. Call us at (972) 423-8880 to learn more.

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101 E Park Boulevard, Suite 1100
Plano, TX
75074

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Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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