https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ en-us https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/e8bc935b76c1deaa34ea856ea8a1f96f?s=400&d=mm&r=g https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ Kelly Phillips Erb's stories. Copyright 2026 Forbes Media LLC https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/05/23/tax-breaks-the-death-and-taxes-edition/ Plus: Not reporting foreign gifts can cost you, U.S. Tax Court, the new car loan interest deduction, and Shakira’s latest residency tax win in Spain. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a1080f3c7061859491da014 Sat, 23 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-05-24T16:19:41-04:00 Plus: Not reporting foreign gifts can cost you, U.S. Tax Court, the new car loan interest deduction, and Shakira’s latest residency tax win in Spain. C.J. Burton/Getty Images Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/23/death-and-taxes-forbes-practical-guide-for-families/ Advice for survivors on everything from state inheritance and estate taxes, to inherited IRAs, to sorting through a lifetime of possessions and papers. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fe1338192706d340311e30 Sat, 23 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-05-23T17:37:31-04:00 Advice for survivors on everything from state inheritance and estate taxes, to inherited IRAs, to sorting through a lifetime of possessions and papers. Hero Image C.J. Burton/Getty Images Hero Image Mobile Illustration by C.J. Burton Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Business /business Policy /policy Daily Cover daily-cover Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/21/how-long-to-keep-your-tax-and-financial-records-and-your-parents/ A guide to what receipts, documents and forms must be saved, and for how long, to satisfy the IRS. Plus, tips for storing, scanning and shredding all that paper. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a074f135ee6b777f33a4cad Thu, 21 May 2026 07:30:54 -0400 2026-05-23T17:40:04-04:00 A guide to what receipts, documents and forms must be saved, and for how long, to satisfy the IRS. Plus, tips for storing, scanning and shredding all that paper. Hero Image Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/19/shakira-wins-spanish-tax-residency-fight-worth-more-than-55-million/ A court found that Spain failed to prove the singer was a tax resident in 2011. The case is a reminder that where you live—and how you document it—can matter at tax time. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a0bd72d66e18a4a52b22a08 Tue, 19 May 2026 10:26:14 -0400 2026-05-19T10:26:14-04:00 A court found that Spain failed to prove the singer was a tax resident in 2011. The case is a reminder that where you live—and how you document it—can matter at tax time. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Personal Finance /personal-finance Hollywood & Entertainment /hollywood-entertainment Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/19/after-death-income-tax-filing-and-irs-debts-live-on/ The final 1040 could be just the beginning. What estate executors and survivors need to know about retirement accounts, refunds, back taxes, liens and Form 1041. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a06133e619e24d861ccdff3 Tue, 19 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-05-23T17:38:37-04:00 The final 1040 could be just the beginning. What estate executors and survivors need to know about retirement accounts, refunds, back taxes, liens and Form 1041. Hero Image Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Hero Image Mobile Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/18/inherited-retirement-accounts-what-you-need-to-know-now/ Congress changed the rules for when beneficiaries must take money from inherited IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts. Here’s how to avoid the most common traps. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a061082d45ce5f9f0929ff8 Mon, 18 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-05-23T17:38:55-04:00 Congress changed the rules for when beneficiaries must take money from inherited IRAs, 401(k)s, and other retirement accounts. Here’s how to avoid the most common traps. Hero Image Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Hero Image Mobile Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/17/what-to-do-with-your-parents-stuff-selling-donating-charity-taxes/ A guide to disposing of all the things your parents accumulated over a lifetime. Plus, 10 tips for organizing your own stuff to spare your kids trouble o conflict. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fdf855570e58eb31db3588 Sun, 17 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-05-23T17:39:13-04:00 A guide to disposing of all the things your parents accumulated over a lifetime. Plus, 10 tips for organizing your own stuff to spare your kids trouble o conflict. Hero Image Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Hero Image Mobile Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Wealth Management /wealth-management Lifestyle /lifestyle Daily Cover daily-cover Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/05/16/tax-breaks-the-taxes-and-playing-the-long-game-edition/ Plus: Baby names, Social Security, gas prices, card skimmer fraud, safe harbors, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a078a52b41f0035f399a14d Sat, 16 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-05-16T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: Baby names, Social Security, gas prices, card skimmer fraud, safe harbors, tax trivia and more. Getty Images Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/16/state-estate-inheritance-taxes-probate-costs-2026/ How much your heirs inherit depends on where you lived. Here’s a state-by-state guide to estate and inheritance taxes and onerous probate fees. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fdf817709a5e1f2b62277a Sat, 16 May 2026 06:30:00 -0400 2026-05-23T17:38:19-04:00 How much your heirs inherit depends on where you lived. Here’s a state-by-state guide to estate and inheritance taxes and onerous probate fees. Hero Image Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Hero Image Mobile Illustration by C.J. Burton for Forbes Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Wealth Management /wealth-management Daily Cover daily-cover Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/14/the-pga-championship-payday-is-big-but-so-are-the-taxes-and-expenses/ Professional golfers lead complicated financial lives, with prize money, endorsements, taxes owed to multiple states, and expenses ranging from travel to caddies. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a06632c4215cdc94f58393e Thu, 14 May 2026 21:37:00 -0400 2026-05-15T09:30:14-04:00 Professional golfers lead complicated financial lives, with prize money, endorsements, taxes owed to multiple states, and expenses ranging from travel to caddies. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business SportsMoney /sportsmoney Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/14/card-skimming-fraud-costs-more-than-1-billion-at-the-gas-pump-each-year/ Thieves use card skimmers to steal debit and credit card information at gas pumps. Here’s what to look for and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_6a0639904215cdc94f583938 Thu, 14 May 2026 17:38:19 -0400 2026-05-14T17:38:19-04:00 Thieves use card skimmers to steal debit and credit card information at gas pumps. Here’s what to look for and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/05/09/tax-breaks-the-tax-law-is-having-a-constitutional-moment-edition/ Plus: Best places to retire, fraud keeps growing, more on 1031 exchanges, the childcare crisis, Revenue Rulings and other IRS guidance, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fe5917d0301718a8570c31 Sat, 09 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-05-09T11:43:44-04:00 Plus: Best places to retire, fraud keeps growing, more on 1031 exchanges, the childcare crisis, Revenue Rulings and other IRS guidance, tax trivia and more. AFP via Getty Images Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/08/liam-and-olivia-are-the-most-popular-baby-names-in-the-us-once-again/ The Social Security Administration has released its latest baby name data and the usual favorites are on top. But babies also need a Social Security number for parents to claim some tax-related breaks and Trump account money. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fe52a95ac4fb8eb4461e65 Fri, 08 May 2026 18:14:17 -0400 2026-05-15T17:53:12-04:00 The Social Security Administration has released its latest baby name data and the usual favorites are on top. But babies also need a Social Security number for parents to claim some tax-related breaks and Trump account money. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/08/scams-are-booming-the-latest-numbers-and-how-to-protect-yourself/ According to the FTC, fraud losses hit $15.9 billion in 2025. Imposter scams led in sheer number of reports, but investment scams caused the steepest financial damage. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fdf8d6192706d340311e26 Fri, 08 May 2026 11:53:14 -0400 2026-05-08T11:53:14-04:00 According to the FTC, fraud losses hit $15.9 billion in 2025. Imposter scams led in sheer number of reports, but investment scams caused the steepest financial damage. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/07/supreme-court-says-nonprofits-can-challenge-government-requests-for-donor-information/ The high court recognized that government requests alone can chill support and trigger First Amendment concerns. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69fd12e1fa0870e8209a89db Thu, 07 May 2026 19:11:58 -0400 2026-05-07T22:31:08-04:00 The high court recognized that government requests alone can chill support and trigger First Amendment concerns. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/04/world-cup-tipping-practices-could-undercut-no-tax-on-tips-break/ An influx of World Cup tourists from countries with different tipping cultures has restaurants eyeing mandatory service charges. But workers could lose the tips deduction. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69f8fdeaf4998ae951305e79 Mon, 04 May 2026 17:55:42 -0400 2026-05-04T17:55:42-04:00 An influx of World Cup tourists from countries with different tipping cultures has restaurants eyeing mandatory service charges. But workers could lose the tips deduction. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Lifestyle /lifestyle Dining /dining Travel /travel Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy SportsMoney /sportsmoney Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/05/02/tax-breaks-the-fight-over-pandemic-erc-credits-goes-into-overtime-edition/ Plus: Tax-exempt organizations face new rules, 1031 exchanges, Big Four firm news, qualified charitable distributions (QCD), tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69f547dcf8de245b4f971103 Sat, 02 May 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-05-02T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: Tax-exempt organizations face new rules, 1031 exchanges, Big Four firm news, qualified charitable distributions (QCD), tax trivia and more. getty Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/05/01/kpmg-cuts-jobs-as-advisory-demand-slows-and-federal-audit-work-winds-down/ The Big Four firm is trimming consulting roles, reducing audit partners, and exiting federal audit contracts as demand shifts and a major Army engagement disappears. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69f4ea68401cf4b4256deb16 Fri, 01 May 2026 14:53:13 -0400 2026-05-01T17:01:07-04:00 The Big Four firm is trimming consulting roles, reducing audit partners, and exiting federal audit contracts as demand shifts and a major Army engagement disappears. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Leadership /leadership Careers /careers C-Suite /cxo Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/30/taxpayers-fighting-the-irs-over-pandemic-era-tax-credit-get-a-new-option/ Some businesses can now request more time to pursue appeals before heading to court over denial of their ERC claims. But there’s a limited time to act. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69f2ce7570da3cfb2a09e9ea Thu, 30 Apr 2026 09:30:03 -0400 2026-04-30T09:30:03-04:00 Some businesses can now request more time to pursue appeals before heading to court over denial of their ERC claims. But there’s a limited time to act. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Small Business /small-business Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/28/treasury-moves-to-require-more-reporting-and-paperwork-from-tax-exempts/ IRS plans to revise Form 990 to better “detect misconduct.” The move comes days after the Trump DOJ brought controversial criminal charges against the SPLC. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69efdb0fc17ef61acdffd563 Tue, 28 Apr 2026 14:37:32 -0400 2026-04-28T14:37:32-04:00 IRS plans to revise Form 990 to better “detect misconduct.” The move comes days after the Trump DOJ brought controversial criminal charges against the SPLC. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Personal Finance /personal-finance Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/tax-breaks/2026/04/25/tax-breaks-the-surprise-refunds-and-lingering-tax-bills-edition/ Plus: Tax-harvesting, Mega backdoor Roth accounts, the IRS budget takes a hit, employer-funded tax breaks, common law marriage, tax trivia and more. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69ebde36ba8c68035d5444fc Sat, 25 Apr 2026 10:00:00 -0400 2026-04-25T10:00:00-04:00 Plus: Tax-harvesting, Mega backdoor Roth accounts, the IRS budget takes a hit, employer-funded tax breaks, common law marriage, tax trivia and more. getty Newsletters /newsletters-old Newsletters /newsletters-old Editors' Pick editors-pick Newsletter newsletter Tax Breaks tax-breaks premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/24/surprise-you-may-be-owed-an-irs-refund-for-payments-made-during-the-pandemic/ A federal court ruling could reopen the window to recover or abate penalties and interest accrued during the COVID-19 disaster. Act fast—the deadline for claims is July 10, 2026. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69eba355a76ff589058e10fd Fri, 24 Apr 2026 14:05:47 -0400 2026-04-24T14:05:47-04:00 A federal court ruling could reopen the window to recover or abate penalties and interest accrued during the COVID-19 disaster. Act fast—the deadline for claims is July 10, 2026. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Business /business Policy /policy Small Business /small-business Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/23/owe-the-irs-here-are-some-options-for-paying-your-taxes-now-or-over-time/ From paying online with a credit card to installment methods, the IRS offers many ways to pay your tax bill, even if you can’t pay your bill all at once. Here’s what you need to know. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69ea78a5591d30735a015a97 Thu, 23 Apr 2026 16:55:10 -0400 2026-04-23T16:55:10-04:00 From paying online with a credit card to installment methods, the IRS offers many ways to pay your tax bill, even if you can’t pay your bill all at once. Here’s what you need to know. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/22/irs-enforcement-takes-another-big-hit-as-budget-request-shrinks/ The agency’s 2027 proposal cuts thousands of compliance staff, raising questions about audits, revenue, and the growing reliance on data-driven enforcement. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e822aefafeb44acb64cf6f Wed, 22 Apr 2026 12:37:14 -0400 2026-04-22T12:37:14-04:00 The agency’s 2027 proposal cuts thousands of compliance staff, raising questions about audits, revenue, and the growing reliance on data-driven enforcement. Getty Images Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Business /business Policy /policy Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/2026/04/21/section-127-plans-a-tax-smart-way-to-pay-for-education-or-student-loans/ Employer-provided educational assistance plans under section 127 of the tax code can offer up to $5,250 in tax-free benefits for employees. Here’s what you need to know. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes Staff https://www.forbes.com/sites/kellyphillipserb/ content_69e7a9d395639aebbaa8aa2a Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:54:08 -0400 2026-04-21T14:54:08-04:00 Employer-provided educational assistance plans under section 127 of the tax code can offer up to $5,250 in tax-free benefits for employees. Here’s what you need to know. getty Taxes /taxes Money /money Taxes /taxes Personal Finance /personal-finance Small Business /small-business Business /business Policy /policy Leadership /leadership Education /education Editors' Pick editors-pick money taxes premium