Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - University of Montana-Missoula

04/13/2026

Here’s the accurate, plain-English summary of what actually passed in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (2025 law) regarding Social Security:

Did the bill eliminate taxes on Social Security?

No — it did NOT.

The law does not repeal federal taxation of Social Security benefits
The existing rule still applies:
Up to 85% of benefits can be taxable based on income
What the bill actually did:
1) Instead of eliminating the tax, the law created a new senior deduction; up to $6,000 (single) / $12,000 (married)
2) Applies to taxpayers age 65+
3) Income limits apply (phases out at higher income levels)
4) Effective for the tax years 2025–2028

Why people say “no tax on Social Security”?

Because in practice the extra deduction can reduce taxable income enough that some seniors owe $0 tax.
This is especially true if:
1) Social Security is their main income
2) They are in lower or middle income ranges

04/13/2026

The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department released final regulations Friday on the new tax deduction for tipped employees under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, finalizing the list of occupations entitled to claim the deduction in the waning days of tax season.

The Treasury released an initial list last September, followed by proposed regulations later that month, along with further guidance on the tips and overtime deductions. Although the tax break has been billed as "no tax on tips," it's actually a tax deduction with specific rules and limitations that apply only to a designated set of occupations and industries.

The limitations on the deduction have sometimes been a disappointment to taxpayers this past tax season.

"When I look at the new tax form that came out the Schedule 1-A, right there on the form, it says, 'No tax on tips.' No, it's a tip deduction," said Tom O'Saben, director of tax content and government relations at the National Association of Tax Professionals. "And then we have to get into the factoids and break that down. We have to do education for people, and sometimes they're very much disappointed."

03/11/2026

Tax Tip 2026-20: Taxpayers could see a change in their 2025 tax bill or refund Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 03/11/2026 11:01 AM EDT IRS Tax Tips March 11,2026 Useful Links: IRS.gov Help For Hurricane Victims News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidan...

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

NEW: You can now get tax refund status updates by email when you opt in through an individual online account. Check out: www.irs.gov/account

03/03/2026

If your tax refund was reduced to pay an outstanding debt, you’ll get a notice with information about why you’re receiving less money than you expected. Learn more from the at: https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc203

02/22/2026

Yep

02/07/2026

Senior and graduate accounting students from the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship are offering free help preparing tax returns for MSU students and individuals who made less than $60,000 last year.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Ravalli County Credit Union is hosting a Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) site right now with appointments
available. VITA is a free tax preparation/filing service for
low to moderate income families and individuals. If you
would like to volunteer to assist with the program, please
contact the credit union at 406-363-4631 for more
information. Ravalli County Credit Union, we get it.

01/24/2024

Tax Tip 2024-03: IRS Free File is now available for the 2024 filing season Internal Revenue Service (IRS) sent this bulletin at 01/22/2024 10:50 AM EST IRS Tax Tips January 22, 2024 Useful Links: IRS.gov Help For Hurricane Victims News Essentials What's Hot News Releases IRS - The Basics IRS Guidanc...

05/30/2023

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