Tax Bite #1 | 4 Tax Concerns for Attorneys Starting Solo Practices
March 8, 2025
IRS 2026 Refund Changes: Why Paper Checks May Be Delayed Without Direct Deposit
February 19, 2026
Many taxpayers focus on whether they are going owe or get a refund, but that number alone doesn’t tell the full story of someone’s tax situation. What really matters is your total tax liability.
Let’s look at two common scenarios and why they might lead to very different reactions, even when the tax liability is the same.
Scenario 1
Tax Liability: $100,000
Withholding: ($95,000)
Balance Due: $5,000
Client: "Something's wrong. What am I missing? This can't be right. We need to talk. My friend doesn't pay this much tax."
Scenario 2
Tax Liability: $100,000
Withholding: ($105,000)
Refund: ($5,000)
Client: "Cool. Thanks."
Writing a check in April doesn't mean you left tax dollars on the table. Getting a refund doesn't mean you optimized your tax situation.
Your balance due or refund is TIMING. Your tax liability is what you ACTUALLY paid. You should plan for both.
