News and Events

Clarifying Tax Payment Options: NC and IRS Updates We have received several questions following our recent article about the elimination of paper checks for federal tax payments. This follow-up will help clarify what is changing—and what is not—at both the federal and state levels. North Carolina DOR (State Taxes) Paper Checks: Still accepted. The NC […]

If you are a U.S. citizen or resident living or working outside the United States, the deadline to file your federal income tax return for the 2024 tax year is Monday, June 16, 2025. This extension gives qualifying taxpayers two additional months beyond the regular April 15th deadline. Who Qualifies for the Automatic Extension? Important […]

The U.S. government is making a major change in how it sends and receives payments. Beginning September 30, 2025, most federal payments—including tax refunds—will no longer be issued by paper check. Similarly, the government will stop accepting paper checks for most payments made to federal agencies, including tax payments. What This Means for You If […]

The Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers that reviewing tax withholding early can help avoid unnecessary surprises when filing your taxes. Making adjustments now can prevent the need for larger changes later in the year. Use the IRS Tax Withholding Estimator The IRS Tax Withholding Estimator is a free tool for workers, independent contractors, and retirees. It helps […]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced additional tax relief for individuals and businesses in North Carolina due to the lasting impact of Hurricane Helene. A wide range of tax deadlines has been further postponed until September 25, 2025. Who Qualifies This relief is available to individuals and businesses located anywhere in North Carolina. The […]

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) has announced that it will not issue fines or penalties against companies that miss deadlines for filing or updating their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reports under the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This decision is meant to ease the burden on businesses while allowing the government to focus on high-risk […]

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, enabling taxpayers to monitor their federal tax refund status promptly and conveniently. This online resource provides real-time updates, reducing the need to contact the IRS directly. Accessing “Where’s My Refund?” When to Check Your Refund Status Information Needed To use the “Where’s My Refund?” […]

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using text messages to impersonate trusted organizations like the IRS, banks, and delivery services. These fraudulent messages often claim you owe money, have an unclaimed refund, or need to verify personal details. Falling for these scams can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or unauthorized access to your accounts. Common […]

At Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A., protecting your sensitive information is our priority. That’s why we use SafeSend, a secure and user-friendly platform for sending, receiving, and signing confidential documents. Why Use SafeSend? Standard email attachments can be risky. SafeSend provides an encrypted, efficient, and seamless way to exchange financial documents securely. Key Benefits: […]

As we prepare for the 2025 tax season, we look forward to working with all of our valued clients once again. To help ensure a smooth and timely filing process, we want to remind you of the importance of submitting your tax documents by the deadlines outlined below. If we do not receive your information […]