
Episode #146
Episode 146: Hobby Losses, Gambling Wins, and the IRS's Fine Print
In this episode: Hobby loss rules β refresher on when the IRS may reclassify a business as a hobby. Trump accounts β contributing up to $5,000 for a minor without triggering a gift tax filing. Gift tax basics β $19,000 annual exclusion, filing requirements above that, and the $15M lifetime exemption. Gambling loss changes β losses now deductible only up to 90% of winnings (previously 100%), and only if itemizing. Online sports betting β winnings are taxable income regardless of platform. Standard mileage rate increase β 76 cents/mile for JulyβDec 2025 vs. 72.5 cents for JanβJune. Foreign bank account disclosure β steep penalties for not reporting foreign accounts/access to funds. IRS penalty relief β automatic first-time penalty abatement for compliant taxpayers (no longer needs to be requested). IRS penalty statistics β $1.25 trillion assessed in 2025, 92% from unpaid payroll taxes, with most later abated. Maryland's new tax portal β launching September 1st, with a blackout period and no penalties during the transition.

