Tips, Overtime, and Meals: What's Actually Happening This Filing Season

Roger and Annie check in mid-tax-season with a candid look at what's actually landing on desks — from W-2s showing overtime pay coded a half-dozen different ways to clients convinced their entire salary qualifies for the new deduction. They also break down the meal and entertainment changes taking effect in 2026, including why your office coffee pot is now a tax problem.

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Mardi Gras Catch Up
• (01:53) - Tax Season Pulse Check
• (05:17) - New Tips and Overtime Law
• (07:07) - Tracking and Payroll Prep
• (10:58) - New Fees and Tip Confusion
• (12:46) - W2 Example Box 14 Codes
• (16:25) - Should We Ask About Overtime
• (20:36) - OT Premium Smell Test
• (24:39) - Weird W2 Overtime Codes
• (27:04) - Pay Stub Premium Math
• (29:25) - Pay Stub Math Costs
• (29:55) - Overtime Premium Basics
• (32:13) - W2 Box 14 Overtime
• (33:27) - When Details Are Missing
• (35:35) - Double Overtime Limits
• (36:18) - Salary vs Overtime Claims
• (38:36) - Due Diligence and Fees
• (41:01) - Meals Rules Change 2026
• (45:01) - Zero Deduction Office Meals
• (45:37) - Coffee and Snacks Debate
• (48:59) - Client Education and COA
• (51:48) - IRS Paper Checks Ending
• (55:49) - Wrap Up and Next Steps

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Roger Harris
Annie Schwab

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