Assets & Acquisitions Financial Services

Our story

It started with my mom

My mother spent many years in banking at Chase. When she retired, she helped me set up this business so I could do for everyday people what she always did for our family: explain taxes, money, and credit in plain language, and help people reach their goals.

I run this firm like a family. I celebrate my clients' birthdays, their new babies, and every step they take toward their goals.

I'm a wife, a mother, and a member of my church's praise and worship team. My mission is to help families break cycles of poverty, move toward financial independence, and build something that lasts for the next generation. — Courtney

Services

How I can help

Bring your paperwork and your questions. I'll handle the forms and the deadlines, and make sure you understand every step.

Tax preparation

Federal, New York State, and NYC returns for individuals, families, gig workers, and the self-employed. E-filed for the fastest refund, with every credit you qualify for.

Tax planning

Plan before December 31, not after. Withholding check-ups and simple strategies to keep more of what you earn next year.

Budgeting & financial planning

Personal budgets and trackers built around your real life, to help you pay down debt, save, and work toward your goals.

Community money workshops

Free financial literacy classes in churches and community spaces, covering budgeting, credit, taxes, and building wealth. Want one at your church? Get in touch.

2026 tax guide for working families

What's new for the 2027 tax season

These are the numbers for your 2026 tax return, the one you file between January and April 2027. Several new breaks start now, and many working families qualify for credits they never claimed before.

Updated October 2026

Earned Income Tax Credit

Federal · refundable

The EITC is money back for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It is refundable, which means you can get it as part of your refund even if you owe no tax. Many people who qualify never claim it.

Children	Maximum credit	Single or head of household, income under	Married filing jointly, income under
None	$664	$19,540	$26,820
1 child	$4,427	$51,593	$58,863
2 children	$7,316	$58,629	$65,899
3 or more	$8,231	$62,974	$70,224

You need earned income from a job or self-employment, a valid Social Security number, and investment income of $12,200 or less. Workers with no children must be at least 25 and under 65. The credit is largest in the middle of the income range and shrinks as you near the limit.

New York earned income credits

State & city · refundable

If you get the federal EITC and live in New York, you get more on your state return. The New York State credit is generally 30% of your federal EITC. Living in the five boroughs adds a New York City credit of 10% to 30% of your federal EITC, with the highest percentage going to the lowest incomes.

Example: a Bronx parent who gets a $4,427 federal EITC could receive about $1,328 more from New York State, plus the city credit on top.

Child tax credits

Federal & New York

Federal Child Tax Credit: up to $2,200 per child under 17, with up to $1,700 per child refundable. The child and at least one parent need a valid Social Security number.

Empire State Child Credit: New York's credit grew for 2026. It is now $1,000 for each child under age 4 and $500 for each child age 4 to 16. You must live in New York all year. It begins to shrink once income passes $75,000 for single and head of household filers, or $110,000 for married couples filing jointly.

No tax on tips & overtime

New for 2025–2028

Tips: If you work in a job where tips are customary, like restaurants, salons, delivery, or rideshare, you can deduct up to $25,000 of reported tips.

Overtime: You can deduct the extra "half" of time-and-a-half pay, up to $12,500, or $25,000 for married couples filing jointly.

Both begin to phase out above $150,000 of income ($300,000 for joint filers). You do not need to itemize. These lower federal income tax only; Social Security and Medicare are still taken from your pay. Keep your pay stubs, because your overtime premium has to be documented.

More new deductions

Federal

Seniors 65 and older: an extra $6,000 deduction per person ($12,000 for a married couple who both qualify), on top of the regular standard deduction. It phases out above $75,000 of income ($150,000 for joint filers).

Car loan interest: if you bought a new car assembled in the United States, you may deduct up to $10,000 a year of the loan interest. Bring your loan statement.

Standard deduction

Federal · 2026

Most working families take the standard deduction instead of itemizing. This is the amount of income that is not taxed at all.

Single: $16,100
Head of household: $24,150
Married, joint: $32,200

Figures are for tax year 2026 from IRS and New York State announcements. Every situation is different, and eligibility depends on your full return. Book a consultation to find out exactly which credits you qualify for.

Pay from your refund

Nothing to pay today

If you are expecting a refund, you can choose to have my fee taken out of it. You file now and pay nothing upfront.

Choose pay-by-refundTell me at your appointment. You also pick how you want the rest of your refund delivered.
I file your returnYour federal and state returns are e-filed with refund routing set up.
Get your refundWhen the IRS or state releases it, the fee is deducted and the rest goes to you by direct deposit or check.

Processing fees apply to refund transfer products. Ask about the current fee before you file.

Before your appointment

What to bring

Having these ready saves time and makes sure you get every credit you qualify for. Returning clients can upload documents securely through the client login.

Photo ID for you and your spouse
Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the return
W-2s from every job
1099s (gig work, contract work, unemployment, interest)
Childcare provider name, address, and tax ID
1098-T for college tuition
1095-A if you had Marketplace health insurance
Business income and expense records
Last year's tax return
Bank routing and account number for direct deposit
Any letters from the IRS or NYS
Rent or property tax receipts

Honest, friendly tax help for families everywhere.