Tax Strategies for Individuals
Tax Strategies for Individuals
There are many factors that impact your tax return. Our experienced accountants can help guide you when considering your individual tax strategies.
Tax Brackets
BBefore considering deductions, it is important to know which tax bracket you fall under. Tax brackets vary for those filing as single, head of household, married filing jointly, or married filing separately.
Within your tax bracket, you pay a flat rate PLUS a percentage of the money you earn above the lowest amount in that tax bracket. Once your taxable income reaches a higher tax bracket, you pay more in taxes. Each new tax bracket brings a higher percentage of taxes owed. It is important to maximize your deductions to stay in the lower tax bracket.
Standard Deductions
A standard deduction is a predetermined portion of your income (established by the government) that is not subject to taxes. For some filers it makes sense to use simple standard deductions as opposed to itemizing. However, some are not eligible to use standard deductions. A tax professional familiar with the current tax codes can identify how you can best handle deductions.
Itemized Deductions
If you are considering itemizing deductions on your tax return you will have to include a Schedule A with all qualifying deductions and must have corresponding records as proof.
Interest on Mortgage Loans
You can claim a deduction on mortgage interest as well as on qualified private mortgage insurance (PMI) premiums on your first or second home. The amount you can deduct from PMI premiums depends on your adjusted gross income. If your adjusted gross income is more than $100,000, you should consult a tax professional for advice.
Charitable Contributions
Giving cash to a qualified charitable organization is often fully deductible. Also, any property you give to charity is deductible up to the fair market value. Just make sure to obtain receipts from the organization to which you are donating.
Retirement Savings
Some savings for your retirement can be tax-deductible, others are not.
If you participate in a 401(k) plan provided by your employer, your contributions are pre-tax and cannot be claimed as a deduction. When you start taking money out of your 401(k), that money is taxed at your current income tax rate.
Other common retirement savings options include traditional and Roth IRAs.
Traditional IRAs are tax-deferred. You pay taxes on them once you start withdrawing funds. You can claim tax deductions on your contributions to a traditional IRA.
Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars, so you pay taxes upfront, and qualified withdrawals are tax-free. Your tax professional can give you information about the pros and cons of IRAs and the restrictions on your contributions and deductions based on your individual situation.
Tax Credits
If you are eligible for a tax credit, it is directly applied to your tax bill. A deduction, on the other hand, reduces what you report as taxable income.
Many tax credits are income-restricted. This means if your adjusted gross income is more than a predetermined amount, you may only qualify for a portion (or none) of the tax credit.
Child and Dependent Tax Credits
The government offsets child expenses for each qualifying child with the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the refundable portion, the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC). Your tax professional can advise you on these credits and potential refunds.
The government also offers a tax credit for qualifying expenses related to childcare or dependent care. The amount you receive depends on your qualifying expenses and adjusted gross income. The percentage gradually drops as the AGI gets higher, but all incomes are entitled to a tax credit for child or dependent care expenses. If you are married and filing separately, you cannot claim this credit.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
EITC allows individuals (or families) with low incomes to receive a tax credit in the form of a refund. The limitation and credit amount increase if you have qualifying children.
Education Credits
Contact your tax advisor to learn more about the following AOTC and LLC tax credits.
The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
The AOTC offers tax credits for qualifying students who are enrolled at least half-time in a qualified higher education institution and are pursuing a degree, certificate or another credential. Students in their first four years can be refunded a portion of qualified education expenses through the AOTC.
There are some restrictions and not every higher education expense will qualify.
Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC)
The Lifetime Learning Credit (LLC) allows those returning to higher education, even if you are taking a single course, to receive partial credit for related expenses.
Those with an AGI over a certain amount are not eligible for the LLC.
Unemployment
Unemployment compensation is taxable and reported on Form 1099-G issued by your state unemployment agency.
You may complete Form W-4V (voluntary withholding request) to have taxes withheld from your unemployment check.
Self-Employment
If you are self-employed, you must file a Form SE (Self-Employment Tax) and attach it to your 1040 return. Depending on the nature of your work, you may be able to deduct expenses. Consult your tax professional to determine what you can claim.
Please refer to the IRS website https://www.irs.gov/ for answers to specific questions about your federal taxes or the tax authority in your specific state for questions about your state taxes.
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Hear From Our Clients!
I’ve been dealing with Steve Lissner for quite some time. The service and staff are spectacular.In my time dealing with Lissner and Company its always been a pleasure to work with well trained competent and qualified individuals. Very professional staff. Nothing gets overlooked. Great job.
Gerard Scorziello
As a business owner, taxes always felt overwhelming and stressful, but Steve and his team has made the entire process so much easier. The whole team is incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely helpful. Steve, Jordan, Brian, and Sandy are all equally amazing — every interaction I’ve had with them has been clear, supportive, and stress-free. They truly handle it all, which takes a huge weight off my shoulders and lets me focus on running my business. They always take the time to answer my questions and make everything easy to understand. I’m so grateful to have them as a trusted partner for both my business and personal taxes, and I can’t recommend them enough.
Katherine Roba
Steve and Cathy M. were very helpful. They listened to what we needed. Then they offered us options and paths to follow to achieve our goals and help our business grow. They are easy to talk to and work with. The entire staff is friendly and always ready to help.
Catherine Engleke
My husband and I were referred to Steve Lissner & Company by a dear friend. From the moment we walked into the office we knew we were in the right place for all of our tax and financial needs.Steve is very professional and extremely knowledgeable in all that was discussed including Special Needs Trust, Annuity financial planning and yearly taxes.We are very thankful and grateful for the time that Steve spent with us and the services he continues to provide.We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with his guidance and how much we look forward to continuing to work with Steve and his amazing team in the future.We strongly recommend Steve for all of your financial needs, his expertise is OUTSTANDING!
ANGIE DONNELLY
Bobby McBride, MBA, CPA candidate, recently met with me to discuss my 2025 tax filing. He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough, and knows the complexities of the tax law in and out. He's easy to talk to, and always available to take the time to answer all my questions. Founder Steven Lissner, CPA, and his entire staff/team are wonderful and accommodating and the office is modern and immaculate. I highly recommend this office for any/all tax needs.
Martin Taran
I started my business when I was 19 years old and they definitely don't teach you anything about K-1s or 1065s in high school. Its incredible that this company provides consultations for their clients at no charge. I spoke with Jordan and he explained everything tax wise to me and answered all questions. The value this company provides is genuinely awesome and you don't see this level of service nowadays. I will use them for as long as I'm in business no question about it
Justin Clark
Steve has a great team. Everyone is always a pleasure to deal with and promptly response to my calls and emails. I feel fortunate to have found this group of extremely professional and knowledgeable people. Millie too, has been a godsend to me. Thank you everyone at Listener and Company
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I recently retired and Steve Lissner provided my wife and I a lot of great sound advice and suggestions in preparing us for our retirement.Steve was very professional and extremely knowledgeable in all that was discussed.Steve took his time, thoroughly and clearly answering all of our questions and concerns that we had. He did not rush us and he made sure that we clearly understood all that we discussed.We were extremely thankful for the time that Steve spent with us. We can’t say enough about how pleased we were with his guidance.Without hesitation we would strongly recommend Steve for all of your financial needs.I must add, he has a beautiful office with beautiful aquariums throughout.
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The office has to be the best place. The staff is friendly and welcomingSteve Lissner has been my accountant for many years now. He is the BestI have many friends who have the same positive feeling that i have.I highly recommend Steve Lussner
Amy Schechter
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Steve Lissner as my accountant for over a decade. His dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for his clients truly set him apart. Recently, he even took his personal time on a Saturday to meet my son and I to guide us through the process of starting a new business. Steve is always accessible, knowledgeable, and consistently goes above and beyond expectations. I have also worked with his staff as well, and they have been nothing but professional and supportive and a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Steven Lissner & Company as one of the best accounting firms - hands down!!
Eileen Ferraro
Steven Lissner met with me regarding potential work for a new business (LLC). He gave me useful information in this initial visit which was provided free. He spent time with me and answered my questions about startup issues, use of LLC, potential tax results and such. I appreciated him spending the time to assist me. His company has much to offer and I will strongly consider using Steven Lissner & Co for any future business.
D Mill
We switched to Steven Lissner& Company two years ago and we could not be happier with them. We were lucky enough to work with both Cathy’s on their team and their kindness and attention to detail is simply amazing. They found so many mistakes that our previous accountant had made and even filed our business taxes in a way so that we saved. We are so appreciative of their hard work and we could not recommend them enough! Don't wait, switch now! They are the best!
Kathleen OFlavin
I want to thank Steve and his team for all the incredible work over the last 20 years. Truly the most professional people I've worked with ever. Reasonably priced, efficient, and highest quality firm I have encountered. I can't say enough great things about Steve and his group.Sean Stephenson
Sean Stephenson
Steve, Cathy and the whole staff couldn’t be more knowledgeable and professional when it comes to preparing complicated business and personal returns. They are extremely detail oriented and are an absolute pleasure to work with. They have saved me so much money and aggravation over the years, I don’t know how I got along without them. If I could give them 6 stars I would!
Kjell Youngren
Steve and his team have been preparing my taxes for about 20 years. The work is flawless and fast. Steve is always there to answer any of my questions and responds promptly. The staff are friendly and always helpful. If I could give 10 stars, I would.
Lisa Mulligan
What a great group of people! We have been going to Steve for many years and he has never steered us wrong. He is so knowledgeable and always able to answer our questions and give us good advice.Just yesterday, I had several questions and Sandy was incredibly helpful. She took the time, was very patient and made sure I understood...so helpful and very professional. We will absolutely continue working with this group.
Jeanne Albanese
I am looking for a new tax accountant, and had a productive meeting with Steven Lissner. Steven took the time to review my previous tax return, and provided valuable information on what steps I should consider in preparation for next years tax return. I am looking forward to working Steven Lissner & Company moving forward.
Jeffrey Brunner
Steve gave my husband and I great advice! He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to explain thoroughly his suggestions and how they would impact us. We are both extremely thankful and will absolutely continue our working relationship with Steve!
carissa carroll
Steve has been my accountant for the last 13 years as well as my sisters. I came to Steve after not being satisfied with a former accountant that I used for several years. Steve has helped me tremendously with my investments as well as his guidance with the sale of my investment property. I highly recommend Steve Lissner & Company to anyone looking for an outstanding accountant. Thank you Steve and your staff for the many years of helping me and my family.
Angela Fresolone
Very satisfied with my experiences! Steve and the whole team at Steven Lissner & Company are professional, informative, and easily approachable. They truly understand their client's concerns and are very responsive to questions. They are more than just my tax accountants, they are part of my success team 🙂
Mary Kennedy
Accountants like Steve are incredibly rare. It’s almost unheard of these days to find someone who takes the time to sit down with you, speak to you like a real person, and genuinely loves what they do. I’m so glad I found Steve’s firm—everyone from Sandy at the front desk to his entire team is exceptional. You truly won’t find better. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Jesse A
I’ve been searching for an accountant who is not only professional but genuinely cares about understanding and helping with the unique needs of my business—and I’m happy to say I’ve found that in Scott Lissner and his team.Scott took the time to truly understand how our business operates. He thoroughly reviewed all the documents we sent over and even improved an Excel file that, until now, only my wife could make sense of! Most importantly, he guided us through our first S-Corp filing with clarity and confidence.Scott and his team are incredibly knowledgeable, responsive, and supportive. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
Ami “CompuNET Tech” DaSilva
Steve Lissner has been our accountant for over 25 years. He and his wonderful staff have helped us tremendously both with our personal and business taxes. We have recommended him to our family and friends and they all still love and use him. We really appreciate his expertise and he's always available to answer a question. We wouldn't use anyone else.
Lorraine Lombardi
We came to Steven Lissner and company after using a tax preparer for many years; that experience left us wanting. Steven and his team ushered in an entirely new and welcome experience in tax preparation and accounting. His professionalism, attention to detail, and vast knowledge in the field (based on years of experience) made us feel right at home. We are small business owners and Steven and his team have eased our burdens and have given us great confidence in all matters pertaining to tax liabilities and reporting, and navigation often tricky tax laws.We really wish we found Steven sooner. One of the best decisions we've made for our business!
M. Greeley
I couldn't be more satisfied with the exceptional service provided by Sandy, Cathy McNanna, Steve and the entire team at Steven Lissner & Company. From the very start, they have been incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. They possess a remarkable attention to detail and have consistently demonstrated an in-depth understanding of tax regulations and financial strategies. They have consistently given me the best advice for both my personal and business finances. Their proactive communication and timely updates have given me peace of mind, knowing my finances are in expert hands. I wholeheartedly recommend their services to anyone seeking a reliable and insightful accounting professionals!
Sasha Novoa (NJ Sea Dragons Swim Club)
Really glad I went with Steven Lissner & Company this year. They made the whole process super easy and took all the stress off my plate. Everything was handled quickly, they were available to answer any questions I had and overall super talented at what they do. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a team that’s reliable, sharp, and easy to work with.
von walker
We've been using Lisner for the past several years and are very pleased with the advice and service we have received.Scott Lisner is the one who handles us. He is extremely thorough and points out items that I might have overlooked in the past preparing my own return.Tax time is no longer aniety time for us!!!I would recommend them to anyone.Jack
Jack Mesagno
Steve has been my accountant as well as my parents for many years. He is the best of the best! A top notch expert, meticulous attention to detail, responsive and always helpful. I highly recomment him and his accounting firm.
donna m
Scott has taken care of me for the last 2 years, making filing taxes easy! Even with out-of-state taxes and major life changes. Everything is always incredibly organized and professional.
Lynda Ross
Knowledgeable and astute accountant. Staff —friendly and very helpful. My wife Lucille and I highly recommend the Lissner accountant firm. Bruce Pitman
Bruce Pitman
I have been filing with Steve (and Cathy M.) for the past 5 years. Their service is top-notched. Very professional and great to work with. You won't regret working with them. Highly recommend!
Derek Liu
My husband & I has used Steve Lissner for sometime now & we feel his company does a though job with filing our tax returns. We retired to Maryland & we were pleasantly surprised that he is licensed in Maryland too!Wendy & Don W.
Wendy Wharton
Steve had been our accountant for many years. He is extremely knowledgeable and he and his staff are a pleasure to work with. We highly recommend him and his team.
Jane Sherman
This year was my first time having Steve and his team prepare my 2024 tax returns. I couldn’t be happier! They were friendly and responsive and submitted them in record time.
Debbie Gubernat
My first time w/o TurboTax and it was a breeze with Lenny Fuhrman. Thorough, friendly and capable. I definitely felt like I was in good hands
Richard Sherman
Scott has been doing my taxes for the past few years! Very professional always there to answer my questions! Reasonable rates! Wouldn’t go anywhere else!
Margaret Smith
I can't recommend Steven Lissner & Company LLC enough! From start to finish, working with Steven and his team was an absolute pleasure. They were incredibly responsive and always made sure to answer any questions we had—no matter how small. Every time we reached out, we received clear, thoughtful explanations that put our minds at ease. The level of service and attention to detail is unmatched, and it's evident they truly care about their clients' needs. If you're looking for reliable, professional accounting services, Steven Lissner & Company is the way to go!
Shira Gonzalez
Steve and Cathy are wonderful to work with. They make tax season as pain-free as possible. They pay attention to details and ensure your filing is optimized while done with the utmost integrity. They take the time to explain all aspects of the return(s) and are always available to answer questions as they arise (before, during and after the return is complete). I cannot recommend Steven Lissner & Company more for a comprehensive and thorough tax return as well as financial planning advice.
Laura Romeu
I’ve found Steve and his team to be very knowledgeable, responsive and personable. I have used their firm for a number of years and have always been satisfied.
Andy
I went to see Steven Lissner today for the first time and I can confirm that he will be my new CPA moving forward. Steven is very knowledgeable, honest, and professional in every way. He gave me confidence regarding my tax preparation and I look forward to having him do all of my tax returns. His office is also very welcoming and everyone working there are very nice. I highly recommend him to anyone who may be in need of a CPA. Thank you again Steven for all your help!
HR HR
Steven Lissner & Company prepared several returns for me earlier this year. This was the first time I used a CPA to prepare my taxes, as I have always done them myself. Steve and his team were very personable and easy to work with. Their secure client portal provided me with comfort in sending confidential information. I plan to work with Steve and his team for a long time and highly recommend them to anyone seeking a high-quality service delivered with a personal touch.
Martin Cauz
Great experience - we're a new client and Steve took the time to fully walk us through our tax questions and needs. Looking forward to working with them for years to come!
Jamie Johnson
My family feels cared for beyond tax season. There was a lot of un-clocked time spent in helping my family with a private sensitive financial issue. We highly recommend this company :0)
Kathryn Pommnitz
THE BEST!! Steven Lissner & Company is an outstanding accounting firm. Every aspect of our interactions have been top notch. Communication, truthfulness, helpfulness. I was also super impressed with their convenient and efficient system of being able to easily upload tax documents. Wonderful experience! I highly recommend I could go on. I'm totally delighted and thoroughly impressed. If you’re in need of some great accountants, look no further!
Y K
Outstanding service. Second year using this firm, and the service just keeps getting better and better. Everyone is extremely helpful and responsive. Handle my personal and small business. I would give them 10 stars if possible. Not one negative thing to say.
Tom McNulty
Working with this CPA firm, specifically Leonard, is an absolute pleasure. They handle the tax preparation for six trusts I oversee from my residence in Florida. They are thorough, efficient, organized and very knowledgeable. For ten years, I've been impressed and delighted with their service.
Thomas Pagano
Wonderfully quick and pleasant experiences three years in a row! Cathy is so sweet and personable and really makes the tax process painless.
Alicia Long
We have been using Steve and his staff for over 20 years. Always outstanding, timely and efficient work. Any questions are answered quickly. We are rest assured that our taxes are done correctly. Highly recommend!
DESIREE COUGLE
Steven Lissner is hands down the best accountant. Caring, professional, best guidance. I wouldn't trust anyone else!!
Hillary Wiegand
OUTSTANDING service! Knowledgeable, trustworthy, understands clients’ needs, (both present & future), is alway available when I have a question. I found Steve through referral sources & am grateful I found him. His staff is always courteous & on target, too.
Maria Mazzone
My wife and I recently had a consultation with Steven, and it was fantastic. He took the time to truly understand our needs and provided exceptional service. We would highly recommend him to our friends and family without hesitation!
Julio Nieves
Steven Lissner & Co have done my small business and personal.accounting for more than a decade. They always offer personal service with thoughtful advice, careful and honest preparation I can stand behind, reasonable rates and more patience than I deserve when I submit my information close to the deadlines. I’m.glad.to have the chance to recommend.them.
stephen rathe
We've been going to Steve for years and it is always great to work with, very professional and always get it done in time for us.
Eric Hufschmid
Our accountant retired and recommended Stevens firm. They are great! Very happy!
Nick Ferrotti
Been doing my taxes with Steve for years and never had any issues.
Bill Arroyo
Steve and Lenny did an outstanding job of preparing our returns this year that involved tax issues in three states. We have been clients of Lissner and Company for about ten years. Steve is also available to provide tax guidance and advice during the year. Virginia Clark and Bill Irwin recommend Lissner and Company without reservation.
Bill Irwin
This firm is simply the best. They patiently answer all your questions and take care of everything in a timely manner. Why go anywhere else?
Marc Shapiro
Steve has worked for us since 2013 and we are very satisfied. It's not just in preparing the returns; it's being responsive to questions during the year. We will continue to use him in the future.
Mark Jay
Steve and his staff do a stellar job with our taxes every year and this year even took on our two LLCs. He explains everything clearly including what we need and what we’re missing. Steve has been the accountant for my three older siblings for many years and we’ve been going to him for about 10 years. We live an hour away, but are able to electronically send our documentation seamlessly. If you make the change to Steve Lissner, you’ll be glad you did.
jeannebean66 (SEL by Jeannie)
Steve and Cathy are wonderful to work with. They take the time to make tax season as pain-free as possible. They pay attention to details and ensure your filing is done with the utmost integrity.
Laura Romeu
I’ve been with Steve and his firm for 10 yrs now, they have always been extremely knowledgeable on any tax situations that I have had.
Paul Ferrone
Great People here! Steve really knows his stuff. Always very professional, thorough and diligent, yet comfortably hospitable and friendly! Great looking Office Aquariums too!
Joshua Topp
I have been with this company for 25 years. The Best CPA Services Ever!!! Thank You Steve and The Team! Truly appreciated everyone for your excellent services. God Bless You All.
Joe Sutthasinwong
Steve is a trustworthy professional who I've relied on for over a decade, through cross-country moves and many life changes. He's always prepared our returns promptly and thoroughly, and has responded to any question I've had--whether in tax season or not--in short order. Highly recommended.
Ravind Grewal
Steve has been working with our family as the CPA for years now. He’s extremely knowledgeable, trustworthy and flat out good at his job. As long as Steve is in business, I won’t go to anyone else. Highly recommend.
Pat Gonabe
Steve has proven to be extremely helpful and professional throughout the years. Members of our family with varying financial needs continue to be well served by his firm. Steve and his staff are attentive and responsive to our needs, and we remain highly satisfied and confident in their services. We highly recommend him without reservation!
Benny Castillo
Steven has been doing our taxes for over 20 years. He is excellent and we are always very satisfied with the services and the fees. I have recommended him to family and friends, who are also very satisfied. He is an excellent account, extremely knowledgeable and very kind. As his business has grown we have dealt with his staff who are also excellent and very friendly. You won't find a better accounting service anywhere. I highly recommend him.
Lisa F
Steven Lissner & Company is a wonderful firm. I have been using them since 2017 and I've never even met them in person! They respect that I'm a busy working mom and they do everything they can to make sure I get a return, that I get it fast and that I don't have to go out of my way to work with them. They provide extremely professional and helpful service and their staff is kind and responsive. They have a team that's large enough and specialized enough to answer all my questions and help me when I need it. My favorite part is that, after years of struggling with a bad accounting firm that had me owing the IRS for years, Lissner helped me get organized so that I get a return every year since I've been working with them. I can't say enough good things about this firm - They have had such a helpful impact on my life!
Elizabeth Geary-Archer
Steven and his staff have been the easiest group to work with over the past three years I have been working with them. From the first email I receive at the start of tax season, until the last, they have kept me informed as to what is needed, any issues, and when the returns have been filed. I highly recommend Steve's firm for all your accounting needs.
Andrew Fischbach
I think Steve is terrific: He's professional, extremely knowledgeable and well informed about all matters with which he deals, and quick to respond to any questions that I have had. My husband feels likewise. Throughout the years, I have also found Steve to be very personable, cheery, and an all around lovely person. I'm very happy to have found him and his firm.
Tamara Colloff-Bennett
Last year I gave you all a heartfelt, 5-star rating and I would have given another one this year but there isn’t a place for me to give a another review on Google. Maybe I can only give one review. Just know that I tried and that if I could I’d give you another five gold stars, I would. Thank you for being an excellent accounting firm!
Liz Archer
Valued Client
