How to Get IRS Tax Transcripts and Complete Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)

When preparing a tax return, responding to an IRS notice, or resolving back tax issues, one of the first things we often need is your IRS tax transcripts. These transcripts help verify income, tax payments, filing history, and any IRS activity on your account.

There are two easy ways to authorize Gina Byrd CPA, PA to obtain your IRS information:

1. Download your own IRS transcripts and send them to us.
2. Authorize us to obtain them directly by completing IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or by approving our electronic authorization request through your IRS Online Account.

Here’s how each option works.

Option 1: Download Your Own IRS Tax Transcripts

The IRS allows taxpayers to securely access their tax information online through an IRS Online Account. From there, you can view and download several different types of transcripts.

Step 1: Sign in to Your IRS Online Account

Visit the IRS Online Account and sign in using your credentials. If you have never created an account, you’ll be asked to verify your identity before accessing your records.

Step 2: Navigate to Tax Records

After logging in:

• Select Tax Records
• Choose Get Transcript
• Select the tax year(s) requested by our office

The IRS provides several transcript types, including:

• Tax Return Transcript
• Account Transcript
• Wage and Income Transcript
• Record of Account Transcript
• Verification of Non-Filing Letter

Depending on your situation, we may ask for one or more of these documents.

Step 3: Download the PDF

Save each transcript as a PDF and securely email or upload the files to our office.

Option 2: Complete IRS Form 2848 (Power of Attorney)

A Power of Attorney (Form 2848) allows Gina Byrd CPA, PA to communicate directly with the IRS on your behalf regarding the tax matters you authorize.

This authorization allows us to:

• Request IRS transcripts
• Speak directly with IRS representatives
• Receive copies of IRS correspondence
• Help resolve notices
• Represent you during examinations and collections for the matters you authorize

A Form 2848 only covers the tax matters and years you specify on the form.

Completing Form 2848

We’ll usually prepare most of the form for you, but it’s helpful to understand what each section means.

Part I – Taxpayer Information

Provide:

• Your name
• Social Security Number (or EIN for businesses)
• Current mailing address
• Daytime phone number

If filing jointly, each spouse must complete and sign a separate authorization when required.

Representative Information

Our office will complete this section with the representative information and CAF details.

Tax Matters

This section identifies exactly what we’re authorized to handle.

Examples include:

• Form 1040 – Individual Income Tax
• Form 1120S – S Corporation
• Form 1065 – Partnership
• Payroll tax returns
• Specific tax years

We’ll complete this section based on your needs.

Signature

Simply sign and date the form.

If you’re signing for a business entity, please sign using your official title.

Once signed, return the completed form to our office. We can submit it electronically or by other IRS-approved methods.

The Easiest Option: Approve Our Electronic IRS Authorization Request

The IRS now offers a fast and convenient electronic authorization process through Tax Pro Account and your IRS Online Account.

Instead of completing paper forms, we can send you an electronic authorization request.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1

Our office prepares the authorization request.

Step 2

The IRS sends the request to your IRS Online Account.

Step 3

You sign in to your IRS Online Account.

Step 4

You’ll see a notification that Gina Byrd CPA, PA has requested authorization to represent you.

Step 5

Review the authorization details.

Step 6

Approve the request electronically.

Once approved, the authorization is generally available immediately for eligible requests, allowing us to begin assisting you without waiting for paper processing.

Why We May Request IRS Transcripts

IRS transcripts help us prepare accurate tax returns and resolve tax issues more efficiently.

We frequently use transcripts to:

• Verify prior-year tax returns
• Confirm estimated tax payments
• Identify IRS adjustments
• Review wage and income information
• Confirm withholding
• Verify tax balances
• Research missing returns
• Resolve IRS notices
• Prepare amended returns

Having the IRS records often prevents filing errors and saves valuable time.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Download Your Own Transcripts if:

• You only need us to prepare a return.
• You prefer to access your own records.
• You already have an IRS Online Account.

Complete Form 2848 or Approve Our Electronic Authorization if:

• You’ve received IRS notices.
• You owe back taxes.
• You need representation before the IRS.
• You want us to communicate directly with the IRS.
• You’d like us to obtain your transcripts for you.

Many clients find the electronic authorization process to be the fastest and easiest option because it eliminates paper forms and speeds up IRS access.

We’re Here to Help

IRS transcripts and Power of Attorney forms can seem intimidating, but they don’t have to be.

At Gina Byrd CPA, PA, we’ll guide you through every step of the process. Whether you need help accessing your IRS transcripts, completing Form 2848, or approving an electronic authorization request, our experienced team is here to make it simple.

Serving Kissimmee and Central Florida since 1993, we’ve helped thousands of individuals and businesses resolve IRS issues and stay compliant with confidence.

Need Assistance?

If you’ve received a request from our office for IRS authorization—or if you’d like help obtaining your IRS transcripts—schedule an appointment with Gina Byrd CPA, PA today.

We’ll walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you get the information needed to resolve your tax matter as quickly as possible.

2026 Tax Law Changes: What Individuals and Small Business Owners Need to Know

As we begin 2026, taxpayers are navigating one of the most significant updates to the federal tax code in years. Several provisions from recent tax legislation are now taking effect, creating new opportunities for individuals, families, retirees, and business owners to reduce their tax liability.

While many of these changes are designed to provide tax relief, every taxpayer’s situation is unique. Understanding how these new laws affect your finances can help you make smarter decisions throughout the year—not just at tax filing time.

If you haven’t reviewed your tax strategy recently, now is the ideal time.

1. Permanent Individual Tax Rates Bring Long-Term Certainty

One of the biggest changes entering 2026 is the continuation of the current federal individual income tax brackets.

Because many of the lower tax rates were made permanent, taxpayers can now plan with greater confidence instead of wondering whether rates will suddenly increase.

For many households, this means:

• More predictable tax planning
• Better long-term retirement planning
• Improved investment decisions
• Greater confidence when making major financial purchases

Planning several years ahead is now easier than it has been in quite some time.

2. Standard Deduction Remains High

Most taxpayers continue to claim the standard deduction rather than itemizing deductions.

The larger standard deduction simplifies tax preparation while reducing taxable income for millions of Americans.

However, itemizing may still make sense if you have:

• Significant charitable contributions
• High mortgage interest
• Large medical expenses
• Qualified business deductions

A yearly review helps determine which approach saves the most money.

3. Families Continue to Benefit

Families with children continue to receive valuable tax benefits through the Child Tax Credit and other family-related tax provisions.

If your family experienced changes during the past year—including marriage, divorce, birth, adoption, or children aging out of certain credits—your tax situation may look very different in 2026.

Updating your tax plan now helps avoid surprises next filing season.

4. Small Business Owners Have New Planning Opportunities

Business owners remain among the biggest beneficiaries of the current tax law.

Depending on your business, opportunities may include:

• Section 179 deductions
• Bonus depreciation
• Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction
• Retirement plan contributions
• Business vehicle deductions
• Home office deductions (when applicable)
• Health insurance deductions for self-employed individuals

Proper timing of purchases and expenses can significantly reduce taxable income.

5. Review Your Business Structure

As businesses grow, their tax needs change.

If you’ve experienced increased profits, added employees, or expanded operations, it may be time to evaluate whether your current entity remains the most tax-efficient.

Review whether operating as a:

• Sole Proprietorship
• LLC
• Partnership
• S Corporation
• C Corporation

still provides the greatest tax advantages.

Entity selection can affect both current taxes and long-term wealth.

6. Retirement Planning Remains One of the Best Tax Strategies

Tax planning isn’t just about reducing this year’s taxes—it’s also about preparing for the future.

Contributions to retirement accounts may reduce taxable income while building long-term financial security.

Depending on eligibility, consider contributing to:

• Traditional IRA
• Roth IRA
• SEP IRA
• SIMPLE IRA
• Solo 401(k)
• Employer-sponsored retirement plans

A coordinated retirement strategy can provide both current and future tax benefits.

7. Keep Better Books Throughout the Year

One of the biggest mistakes small business owners make is waiting until tax season to organize their records.

Instead, review your financial statements every month.

Your bookkeeping should accurately reflect:

• Revenue
• Expenses
• Payroll
• Bank reconciliations
• Credit card reconciliations
• Loans
• Fixed assets
• Owner distributions

Maintaining clean books throughout the year makes tax preparation faster, less expensive, and far less stressful.

8. Review Your Profit & Loss Statement

Your Profit & Loss Statement tells the story of your business.

Ask yourself:

• Are expenses categorized correctly?
• Have all deductible expenses been recorded?
• Are there unusual increases in expenses?
• Are profits where you expected?
• Is cash flow healthy?

Regular review helps identify problems before they become expensive.

9. Don’t Ignore Your Balance Sheet

Many business owners focus only on profits while overlooking their Balance Sheet.

A current Balance Sheet should accurately reflect:

• Bank accounts
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Credit cards
• Loans
• Equipment
• Fixed assets
• Owner equity

An inaccurate Balance Sheet often creates unnecessary complications during tax preparation.

10. Tax Planning Is No Longer a Once-a-Year Event

Modern tax planning should happen throughout the year—not just in March or April.

Meeting with your CPA regularly allows you to:

• Estimate tax liability
• Adjust withholding
• Plan major purchases
• Time income and deductions
• Evaluate retirement contributions
• Prepare for life changes
• Reduce surprises at tax time

The earlier planning begins, the more opportunities become available.

Why Work with Gina Byrd CPA, PA?

For more than 30 years, Gina Byrd CPA, PA has proudly served Kissimmee and Central Florida, helping individuals, families, nonprofits, and small businesses navigate changing tax laws with confidence.

Our services include:

• Individual tax preparation
• Business tax planning
• Bookkeeping services
• Payroll processing
• QuickBooks support
• Financial statement preparation
• IRS representation
• Nonprofit accounting
• Tax planning throughout the year

We believe proactive planning—not last-minute preparation—is the key to minimizing taxes and helping businesses succeed.

Schedule Your 2026 Tax Planning Appointment Today

Every tax year brings new opportunities—and new challenges.

Whether you’re preparing your individual return, growing a business, cleaning up your bookkeeping, or looking for ways to reduce your tax bill, now is the perfect time to create a plan for 2026.

Schedule an appointment with Gina Byrd CPA, PA today to review your tax situation, Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, and bookkeeping records.

Together, we’ll identify opportunities to maximize deductions, improve financial reporting, and develop a tax strategy tailored to your goals.

Serving Kissimmee and Central Florida since 1993, our family is committed to helping your family and your business succeed.

Call Gina Byrd CPA, PA today to schedule your 2026 tax planning appointment and start the year with confidence.

2025 Year-End Tax Planning

November 2025 is the perfect time to begin your 2025 year-end tax planning. Every year, taxpayers miss valuable deductions, credits, and tax-saving opportunities simply because they wait until tax season to review their finances.

Whether you’re an individual, retiree, or small business owner, planning before December 31, 2025, could reduce your tax bill, improve your cash flow, and help you start 2026 on the right foot.

At Gina Byrd CPA, PA, we’ve proudly served Kissimmee and Central Florida since 1993, helping individuals, families, nonprofits, and businesses navigate changing tax laws with confidence. Here are some of the most important tax planning strategies to consider before the end of the year.

1. Estimate Your 2025 Taxable Income

The first step in effective year-end tax planning is projecting your taxable income before December 31.

Review whether you should:

• Accelerate or defer income
• Harvest investment gains or losses
• Make additional retirement contributions
• Increase estimated tax payments
• Delay deductible expenses into 2026 if appropriate

Knowing where your income falls before year-end gives you time to make informed decisions that may lower your federal income tax.

2. Maximize Retirement Contributions

One of the easiest ways to reduce taxable income is maximizing retirement plan contributions.

Consider contributing to:

• Traditional IRA
• Roth IRA (if eligible)
• SEP IRA
• SIMPLE IRA
• Solo 401(k)
• Employer-sponsored 401(k)

Increasing retirement savings today may reduce your current tax liability while strengthening your long-term financial future.

3. Harvest Capital Losses

If you own stocks or mutual funds that have declined in value, tax-loss harvesting may help reduce your tax bill.

Capital losses can:

• Offset capital gains
• Reduce taxable investment income
• Carry forward into future tax years

Before repurchasing investments, remember the IRS wash-sale rules.

4. Make Charitable Contributions

Year-end charitable giving remains one of the most effective tax planning strategies.

Consider:

• Cash donations
• Appreciated securities
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRAs
• Donor-Advised Funds

Always maintain proper documentation for every charitable contribution.

5. Purchase Business Equipment Before Year-End

Small business owners may benefit from purchasing qualifying business assets before December 31.

Potential deductions include:

• Section 179 expense deduction
• Bonus depreciation
• Computers
• Office furniture
• Machinery
• Business vehicles (when eligible)
• Software and technology upgrades

Strategic purchases can reduce taxable business income while investing in your company’s future.

6. Review Payroll and Contractor Records

Before the end of the year, business owners should verify:

• Payroll tax deposits
• Employee reimbursements
• Owner compensation
• Contractor payments
• W-2 information
• Form 1099 recipient information

Reviewing payroll now helps prevent costly errors during tax season.

7. Evaluate Your Business Entity

Business growth may mean your current business structure is no longer the most tax-efficient.

Now is an excellent time to review whether operating as a:

• Sole Proprietorship
• LLC
• Partnership
• S Corporation
• C Corporation

continues to be the best option for your business.

8. Review Estimated Tax Payments

If your income increased during 2025 because of self-employment, rental properties, investments, or retirement withdrawals, you may need an additional estimated tax payment before year-end.

Planning now can reduce IRS penalties and unexpected tax bills.

9. Review Tax Withholding

Major life changes often affect your tax situation.

Review your withholding if you:

• Changed jobs
• Got married
• Got divorced
• Purchased a home
• Started a business
• Had a child
• Retired

Small adjustments today can prevent large surprises next spring.

Tax Deductions and Tax Credits Ending After 2025

Several valuable federal tax deductions and tax credits are scheduled to expire or change after December 31, 2025, unless Congress extends them.

Current provisions scheduled to sunset or phase out include:

• Residential Clean Energy Credit
• Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit
• Certain Electric Vehicle tax credits
• Select clean energy incentives
• Various business energy tax incentives
• Temporary disaster-related tax relief provisions
• Certain state-specific tax incentives

Because tax legislation can change, consult a qualified tax professional before making major financial decisions based on anticipated tax benefits.

Review Your Profit & Loss Statement Before Year-End

One of the most valuable tax planning tools for any business owner is an up-to-date Profit & Loss Statement.

Ask yourself:

• Is all income recorded?
• Have expenses been categorized correctly?
• Are there deductible expenses missing?
• Should additional business purchases be made before December 31?
• Is payroll properly recorded?

Reviewing your Profit & Loss Statement now can uncover deductions that might otherwise be missed.

Don’t Forget Your Balance Sheet

Your Balance Sheet provides an overall snapshot of your company’s financial health.

Review:

• Bank account balances
• Credit card balances
• Loan balances
• Accounts Receivable
• Accounts Payable
• Fixed assets
• Owner contributions
• Owner distributions

An accurate Balance Sheet leads to cleaner financial statements and a smoother tax preparation process.

Clean Up Your Bookkeeping Before Tax Season

The weeks before year-end are the ideal time to organize your bookkeeping.

Complete these tasks before December 31:

• Reconcile bank accounts
• Reconcile credit cards
• Record missing transactions
• Match receipts
• Verify payroll records
• Review loan balances
• Correct bookkeeping errors
• Organize supporting documentation

Well-maintained books help maximize deductions, reduce tax preparation costs, and minimize IRS questions.

Need Help with Year-End Tax Planning?

If your bookkeeping is behind or you’re unsure whether you’re taking advantage of every available deduction, don’t wait until tax season.

The experienced professionals at Gina Byrd CPA, PA provide:

• Year-end tax planning
• Individual tax preparation
• Small business tax planning
• Bookkeeping services
• Payroll services
• QuickBooks support
• Financial statement review
• IRS representation
• Nonprofit accounting
• Small business consulting

For more than 30 years, we’ve proudly helped Kissimmee and Central Florida individuals and businesses reduce taxes, organize their books, and plan for long-term financial success.

Schedule Your Year-End Tax Planning Appointment Today

Before December 31 arrives, let Gina Byrd CPA, PA review your Profit & Loss Statement, Balance Sheet, bookkeeping records, and tax strategy to identify opportunities that could save you money.

Questions about your books? Need help cleaning up QuickBooks? Looking for proactive tax planning?

Call Gina Byrd CPA, PA today. Our family has proudly served Kissimmee since 1993, and we’re ready to help your family or business finish 2025 strong.

Understanding the Tax Changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

What Individuals and Small Business Owners Need to Know

Congress’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) represents the most significant overhaul of the federal tax code since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Signed into law on July 4, 2025, the legislation permanently extends many tax provisions that were scheduled to expire while adding several new deductions and incentives. For taxpayers, this means greater certainty—but also new planning opportunities.

Whether you’re an employee, retiree, business owner, or investor, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions.

1. The 2017 Tax Cuts Are Here to Stay

One of the bill’s biggest accomplishments is making many of the individual income tax provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent. Without this legislation, tax rates would have increased beginning in 2026.

The law permanently preserves:

• Lower individual tax brackets
• The larger standard deduction
• The higher Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) exemption
• Reduced marginal tax rates

For many households, this means tax rates will remain lower than previously expected, providing greater certainty for long-term financial planning.

2. Higher Standard Deduction

Most Americans claim the standard deduction instead of itemizing.

The new law permanently increases the standard deduction, allowing many taxpayers to reduce their taxable income without keeping detailed deduction records.

For many families, this means:

• Simpler tax returns
• Lower taxable income
• Less need to itemize deductions

This continues the trend toward simpler tax filing for most households.

3. Child Tax Credit Gets Bigger

Families with children also benefit.

The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child, with future inflation adjustments built into the law.

Parents should remember that eligibility rules—including Social Security number requirements and income phase-outs—still apply.

4. Bigger SALT Deduction

One of the most debated provisions raises the deduction for State and Local Taxes (SALT).

Previously, taxpayers could deduct only up to $10,000 in state income taxes and property taxes.

The new law increases that cap to approximately $40,000, although higher-income taxpayers begin to lose part of the benefit through income-based phase-outs. This expanded deduction is temporary and is scheduled to change after several years under current law.

5. New Deductions for Tips, Overtime, and Auto Loan Interest

The legislation introduces several temporary deductions designed to benefit working Americans.

Depending on eligibility requirements, taxpayers may qualify for deductions related to:

• Qualified tip income
• Certain overtime wages
• Interest paid on qualifying auto loans for eligible U.S.-assembled vehicles

These provisions are temporary and generally apply through 2028 under current law. Employers also have new reporting requirements for certain overtime wages.

6. Additional Tax Relief for Seniors

Although Social Security benefits themselves are not exempt from federal income tax, the legislation provides many older taxpayers with an additional deduction.

Eligible seniors may claim an extra deduction (subject to income limitations), reducing taxable income during the years the provision is available.

This benefit was designed to reduce or eliminate federal income tax for many retirees with moderate incomes.

7. Small Businesses Receive Significant Benefits

Business owners are among the largest beneficiaries of the new law.

Several important business provisions include:

Permanent Qualified Business Income (QBI) Deduction

Owners of S corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and sole proprietorships continue to receive the valuable 20% Qualified Business Income deduction, which had been scheduled to expire.

This provides long-term certainty for pass-through businesses.

100% Bonus Depreciation Returns

Businesses can once again immediately deduct the full cost of many qualifying capital purchases instead of depreciating them over several years.

This can significantly improve cash flow for companies investing in:

• Equipment
• Machinery
• Technology
• Certain business property

8. Estate Planning Changes

Families with substantial wealth should revisit their estate plans.

The legislation permanently increases the federal estate and gift tax exemption to approximately $15 million per person, indexed for inflation.

For married couples, this effectively allows around $30 million to pass to heirs before federal estate tax applies, although state estate taxes may still apply in some jurisdictions.

9. Some Tax Credits Are Going Away

Not every taxpayer benefits equally.

The legislation accelerates the expiration of several clean-energy incentives, including certain:

• Electric vehicle credits
• Alternative fuel credits
• Some renewable energy incentives

Individuals considering these purchases should review the new eligibility deadlines carefully.

What Should Taxpayers Do Now?

Although many provisions provide tax savings, every taxpayer’s situation is different.

Now is an excellent time to:

• Review your tax withholding.
• Update your tax planning strategy.
• Evaluate retirement contributions.
• Consider business equipment purchases.
• Review estate planning documents.
• Meet with a trusted tax professional before year-end rather than waiting until tax season.

Many of the new provisions create planning opportunities that are most valuable when addressed before December 31.

Final Thoughts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act delivers the most comprehensive federal tax update in years. By permanently extending many provisions from the 2017 tax law while introducing new deductions for families, seniors, workers, and business owners, Congress has created a tax landscape that offers greater predictability and new planning opportunities.

Understanding how these changes affect your personal or business tax situation can make a meaningful difference in the amount of tax you pay—not just this year, but for years to come.

If you’d like personalized guidance, the experienced team at Gina Byrd CPA, PA has proudly served the Kissimmee and Central Florida community since 1993, helping individuals, families, nonprofits, and businesses navigate complex tax laws with confidence. As a family-owned accounting firm, Gina Byrd CPA, PA offers year-round tax planning, bookkeeping, payroll, QuickBooks support, IRS representation, and comprehensive tax preparation tailored to your unique needs.

Don’t wait until tax season to discover missed opportunities. Contact Gina Byrd CPA, PA today and let over three decades of experience help you make the most of the new tax law.