Good Neighbor Hour: “Taxes, Tips & Small-Town Life” — A Neighborly Conversation with CPA Cole Artzer

When Koal Artzer walked into the studio, he brought two things with him: a stack of tax updates—and the glow of a brand-new dad. Koal and his wife Sarah welcomed a baby boy just six weeks ago.

“The days are long, but the years are short,” he laughed, admitting sleep is scarce but gratitude is plentiful.

If Cole sounds like your neighbor, that’s because he is. A Goodland High School (2016) grad, Cole studied in Topeka, worked in Kansas City, and then chose to come home. He runs Artzer Accounting & Advisory in Goodland, where he took over the long-standing practice from Joyce Moore and Tammy Hayes. Sarah dove right into community life too—many folks met her helping with the Topside Tip-Off. Cole serves on the Sherman County Community Development board and recently hired local alum Jack Daise, who’s studying for his CPA while working in the office.

“In the city I’d add 45 minutes just for traffic and parking,” Koal said. “Here, we’re five minutes from anywhere—and close to family. That matters.”

Below is Koal's plain-English overview of notable tax changes heading our way. (Koal stressed this is general information, not individual tax advice—everyone’s situation is different. Talk to your tax professional before making decisions.)

2025 Highlights

100% Bonus Depreciation Returns

For farmers and small businesses using Section 179, remember there are limits and phase-outs. The big news: bonus depreciation is reinstated to 100% in 2025, giving year-end buyers another way to expense qualifying assets immediately.

Payment Apps (1099-K) Threshold ReliefT

hose Venmo/Square/PayPal reporting headaches ease: no 1099-K if under $20,000 in payments or fewer than 200 transactions in a year. (Report your income accurately either way; this change reduces surprise forms.)

New Senior Deduction (Social Security Relief)

From 2025–2028, qualifying taxpayers 65+ get an additional $6,000 deduction per taxpayer. With phase-outs at higher incomes, many seniors will effectively owe no income tax on Social Security during this window—but this is temporary unless extended.

Tip Income Exclusion (Selected Industries)

In qualifying tip-based fields (e.g., restaurants, salons), workers can exclude up to $25,000 in qualified tips from taxable income. Phase-outs begin near $150k (single) / $300k (married filing jointly). (Only specific industries qualify; you can’t “reclassify” non-tip income.)

Overtime Premium Break

For jobs covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act, the premium half of overtime (the “time-and-a-half” part above straight time) is no longer subject to income tax. It still counts for Social Security/Medicare (FICA).

Vehicle Interest Deduction (New, U.S.-Assembled Only)

Buying new (not used), final-assembled-in-USA vehicles between 2025–2028? You can deduct up to $10,000 of interest paid on that auto loan without itemizing. Cole says the typical taxpayer might see ~$1,800 in savings, depending on rates and brackets.

Farmland Sale—Tax Payment Spread

Selling farmland and taking a one-year capital gain? A new rule allows you to pay the resulting tax over four years (different from an installment sale that spreads the gain itself). It won’t fit everyone, but it may ease cash flow.

2026 Changes to Watch

Charitable Giving—Two Big Shifts

• New 0.5% AGI floor for itemizers. Example: If your AGI is $100,000 and you donate $10,000, only $9,500 would be deductible after the floor.

• Non-itemizers can finally deduct some giving. Up to $1,000 (single) / $2,000 (married filing jointly) in qualified cash donations—even if you take the standard deduction.

  
  

Planning note: If you’re a regular donor, consider timing larger gifts before January 1, 2026, to avoid the new floor.

1099-NEC Threshold Increases

Paying independent contractors? The reporting threshold moves from $600 to $2,000 in 2026, and it will index with inflation. You should still collect W-9s and keep records, but this eases paperwork for small, occasional payments.

529 Education Plans Get More Flexible

Kansas 529s still offer state-tax benefits and tax-free growth, but the uses expand in 2026:

• Annual tax-free distributions increase (from $10,000 to $20,000).

• More qualified expenses: standardized tests, tutoring, educational therapies, certifications, continuing education, and professional licenses—a broader fit for real-world careers.

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Casualty Losses Narrowed

Personal casualty losses remain deductible only when tied to a federally declared disaster (and certain state-declared events). It’s a guardrail most folks won’t hit—but important after fires, storms, or other losses.

Koal's Bottom Line

• Farmers & small businesses: The return of 100% bonus depreciation in 2025 is a big lever.

• Seniors (65+): The temporary deduction could eliminate income tax on Social Security from 2025–2028.

• Service & hospitality workers: The tip exclusion may put real money back in pockets—check industry eligibility.

• Everyday families: 529 plans are more useful than ever; consider starting one for kids or grandkids.

• Givers & nonprofits: Watch the 2026 charitable rules; you may want to accelerate some donations into 2025.

“These summaries are simplified on purpose,” Koal emphasized. “Your numbers, your operation, and your family all change the answer. Run the math with a pro before you act.”

Have questions? Visit Artzer Accounting & Advisory in Goodland, or talk to your trusted tax professional. And if you see Koal and Sarah around town—maybe with a baby carrier at the Topside Tip-Off—tell them welcome (back) to the neighborhood.

***Information taken from Interview done with Koal Artzer on the Good Neighbor Hour on November 3,2025. To listen to the full interview go here: https://streamdb6web.securenetsystems.net/cirruscontent/index.cfm?stationcallsign=KLOE&autoStartApp=on-demand&autoStartPodcast=2941769