📅 2026 Update: Changes in U.S. Tax Laws and Services

Since the original article was published, several states have introduced new Pass-Through Entity Taxes (PTET), affecting how businesses report income. These changes impact both state tax obligations and the overall landscape of tax preparation services. The earlier article continues further down the page, covering essential information on car tax.

🏛️ New Pass-Through Entity Taxes

A number of states have passed legislation to create PTETs. These new taxes are similar to Illinois' entity-level tax. States like Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Montana, Nebraska, West Virginia, and Maine have all enacted these laws.

The Maine PTET will take effect for tax years starting January 1, 2026.

💼 Impact on Business Tax Filing

With the introduction of PTETs, businesses may need to adjust their tax filing strategies. This change can lead to different filing requirements and potential benefits for partnerships. Taxpayers should be aware of these changes to ensure compliance.

📄 Key Forms to Know

Taxpayers should be familiar with important forms such as Form 3911 for tracing refunds and Form 8716 for requesting extensions on business income tax filings. Understanding these forms can streamline the filing process and help in meeting deadlines.

⏳ Processing Times and Deadlines

Processing times for tax forms can vary. For instance, Form 3911 and Form 1065 processing times depend on the IRS center. Taxpayers should keep an eye on deadlines to avoid penalties and ensure timely submissions.

📌 Summary of Key Updates

  • 🏛️ Multiple states have introduced new PTETs.
  • 💼 Businesses must adjust their tax filing strategies.
  • 📄 Familiarity with key forms is crucial.
  • ⏳ Processing times can vary by form and IRS center.
  • 📅 Timely submission of forms is important to avoid penalties.

💡 Tips for Managing Your Taxes

Review the details of your own situation with your attorney.

📝 Keep Track of New Legislation

Stay informed about any new tax laws affecting your state. Each state's introduction of PTETs could change how you approach your business taxes.

📅 Note Important Deadlines

Mark key deadlines on your calendar. Missing deadlines for forms like Form 8716 can lead to penalties and complications with your tax filings.

📄 Organize Your Documents

Keep all necessary tax documents organized. This includes invoices, receipts, and previous tax returns, which can help when filing Form 1065 or other relevant forms.

📞 Use Available Resources

Take advantage of free resources like IRS Free File or the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. These services can help you navigate the tax filing process.

💬 Consult with Professionals

Even though this guide provides valuable insights, a professional can offer tailored advice based on your specific situation. Seeking help can make a significant difference in your tax outcomes.

🏆 Tax Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section highlights various tax services available to help with tax preparation and filing. These services have been evaluated based on Trustpilot ratings from October 2026. Keep in mind that star ratings are just one aspect of customer feedback; unhappy customers often leave more reviews, which can skew perceptions.

🥇 1. Libre Tax Service

Libre Tax Service has been rated 4.1. It is known for its online tax preparation and IRS audit defense services. Some users find the website navigation challenging, which can impact the overall experience.

🥈 2. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service

Jackson Hewitt Tax Service holds a score of 4.2. This service is recognized for its tax preparation services and nationwide locations. However, some complaints have been noted regarding customer service responsiveness.

🥉 3. TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer averages a score of 4.0. It is known for its online tax preparation software, often praised for affordable pricing. Occasionally, users report issues with software glitches that may affect usability.

4️⃣ KBO Tax & Accounting Services

KBO Tax & Accounting Services has a rating of 4.5. It is recognized for its nationwide tax preparation and bookkeeping services. However, it has limited in-person office locations, which may not be convenient for everyone.

5️⃣ Advanta Tax

Advanta Tax holds a score of 4.3. Known for its services in IRS resolution and state tax debt assistance, it provides nationwide coverage. Some clients report delays in service, which can be frustrating.

6️⃣ SMAART Tax

SMAART Tax is rated 4.4. It offers virtual tax services across all 50 states, making it accessible for many. Its primary focus is online services, with limited options for in-person consultations.

🆓 Free Government Options

Free resources like IRS Free File and VITA provide essential tax help. These services are designed to assist those who may need help preparing their own tax returns without additional costs.

🔎 Factors to Compare When Choosing a Tax Service

  • ⭐ Overall user rating and reviews.
  • 💼 Range of services offered, including audit defense.
  • 🏢 Availability of in-person locations versus online services.
  • 📞 Customer service responsiveness and support.
  • ⏳ Processing times for tax filings and refunds.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What is a Pass-Through Entity Tax?

A Pass-Through Entity Tax allows businesses like partnerships and S-corporations to pay taxes at the entity level. This can affect individual tax obligations based on state laws.

💸 How do I file Form 1065?

Form 1065 is generally due on the 15th day of the 3rd month after the end of the partnership's tax year. Ensure you submit it to the designated IRS center for your state.

📅 What should I do if I miss a tax deadline?

If a tax deadline is missed, it is important to file as soon as possible to minimize penalties. Contact the IRS or your state tax agency for guidance on next steps.

🛠️ Can I get help with my taxes for free?

Yes, programs like IRS Free File and VITA offer free tax assistance. These services are designed to help eligible taxpayers prepare and file their tax returns without charge.

🏛️ How can I learn about state tax resources?

Visit your state's official tax website for detailed information on income tax rates, deductions, and credits. Many states offer resources to help taxpayers understand their obligations.

🔄 What if I need to change my tax return?

To amend your tax return, you can file Form 1040-X. This form allows you to correct errors or make changes to your filed tax return.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases Related to Taxes

Several recent court rulings have addressed issues related to tax laws and regulations, including the implementation of new state taxes. These cases illustrate the evolving nature of tax law in the U.S.

For more recent rulings, feel free to browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





DVLA Car Tax At A Glance

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) is responsible for issuing car tax in the UK, also known as Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Car tax is a legal requirement for any vehicle being used on the road in the UK and failure to pay it can result in fines, penalties and even your car being clamped or towed away. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the DVLA car tax system, including rates, exemptions, and how to pay your car tax.

Vehicle Excise Duty Rates


The amount of car tax you need to pay depends on a variety of factors, including your car’s age, CO2 emissions and fuel type. The DVLA updates its rates annually, so it’s important to check the latest rates before you tax your vehicle.For vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017, the standard rate of car tax is £150 per year, with an additional charge of £15 per year for vehicles emitting more than 1 gram of CO2 per kilometre travelled. Vehicles that emit zero emissions will not have to pay car tax. For vehicles registered before 1 April 2017, the car tax rates are based on 13 emission bands, with charges ranging from £0 to £570 per year. The amount you pay will depend on your car’s CO2 emissions, fuel type and age. You can check your car tax rate online using the DVLA’s vehicle tax rate tool.

Exemptions and Discounts


Some vehicles are exempt from car tax, including electric vehicles and cars with zero CO2 emissions. If your car produces less than 100g/km of CO2, you’ll also receive a discount on your car tax. If you’re driving a car registered before 1 March 2001, you’ll pay a flat rate of £165 per year regardless of its emissions.Other reasons for exemption include cars registered before January 1st, 1975, vehicles used for agricultural purposes on private land, and any vehicle used solely for mobility purposes with no passenger seats. You will also not have to pay car tax if you own a car that is kept off-road, although you will need to declare it as SORN (Statutory off Road Notification).

How to Pay Your Car Tax


Paying your car tax is quick and easy. You can do it online, by phone or at your local post office. Before you start the process, you’ll need to ensure you have the following:

• Your vehicle registration certificate (V5C)

• A reference number from a recent reminder (V11) or your tax disc (V5C/2)

📝 See Also

• An MOT certificate, if applicable

• Insurance details

To pay online, visit the DVLA’s vehicle tax service website, enter your V5C reference number and follow the instructions. You can also pay by phone, by calling the DVLA’s automated service on 0300 123 4321.

If you’re paying at the post office, take your V5C reference number and tax disc reminder letter with you.If you’re buying a new or used car, you’ll need to ensure the previous owner has paid the car tax before you can legally drive it. You can also check the status of a vehicle’s car tax online, using the DVLA’s vehicle enquiry service.

Consequences of Not Paying Car Tax


Not paying your car tax can result in some serious consequences. The DVLA has the power to issue fines, clamp your car or even tow it away. If your vehicle is clamped, you’ll need to pay a release fee, which can be up to £200, plus any unpaid car tax. If your car is towed away, it will be stored at a vehicle pound, and you could be charged towing and release fees, which can amount to hundreds of pounds.You can avoid these penalties by ensuring you pay your car tax on time.

DVLA Car Tax At A Glance

The DVLA will send you a reminder when it’s time to renew your car tax, so keep an eye out for it and don’t ignore it.In some cases, you may be able to appeal against a car tax penalty, for example, if your car was stolen, you were out of the country when your car tax expired, or you were unable to pay due to financial hardship. If you’ve been issued with a fine or penalty, you should contact the DVLA as soon as possible to explain your situation.ConclusionCar tax is a legal requirement for anyone who drives a car on the road in the UK.

The DVLA car tax system is straightforward, and by keeping up to date with the latest rates and ensuring you pay your car tax on time, you can avoid any costly penalties. If you’re unsure about your car tax status, or you need to renew your tax, visit the DVLA website or contact their customer service team for further advice. By taking the time to understand your obligations, you can help make the road a safer and more sustainable place for everyone.

In the United Kingdom, The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, or DVLA, is the organization of the UK Government that bears the responsibility of maintaining the data base of vehicles and drivers in the country. The Irish counterpart is the Driver and Vehicle Agency.

In the United States, the function of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is borne by state Department of Motor Vehicles. In addition to maintaining the data base, the other responsibility of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is to collect the DVLA car tax. This DVLA tax is sometimes also known as the Vehicle Excise Duty, the road tax, or the road fund license.

After the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency introduced the Electronic Vehicle Licensing program, the DVLA car tax can be paid over the phone or online. However, many individuals in the United Kingdom continue to elect to pay their DVLA tax through the Post Office. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency is based in Swansea, in southern Wales, and has offices throughout the United Kingdom.

In addition to collecting money associated with the DVLA car tax, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency may also collect money from individuals who want to purchase private number license plates for their cars.