Key Takeaways Tax preparation is backward-looking; by filing time, most decisions are already set. Tax planning happens throughout the year, when there is still time to influence outcomes. Increasing complexity in tax rules makes proactive planning more valuable than ever. Treating taxes as a once-a-year task often leads to missed opportunities and higher liability. Major […]
Why Filing Your Taxes Is Only Part of the Story Read More »
Key Takeaways Headlines like “no tax on overtime” and “no tax on tips” are oversimplified, and most benefits are partial, capped, and subject to income phase-outs. Overtime tax relief applies only to the premium portion (the “half-time”), not the full overtime pay, and may phase out at higher income levels. Tip income deductions are limited
What Actually Changed for 2025 Taxes (And What Headlines Are Getting Wrong) Read More »
Key Takeaways The IRS does not contact taxpayers by phone, text, or email; initial communication is always by mail. Scam calls often use urgency and fear to push individuals into sharing personal or financial information. Official-sounding company names do not mean a call is legitimate; many scams use fabricated or misused identities. Never provide sensitive information or
Protect Yourself from Common Tax Scams This Season Read More »
Key Takeaways The IRS lease inclusion rule slightly reduces deductions for certain leased business vehicles. The adjustment exists to keep the tax treatment of leasing and purchasing vehicles relatively consistent. The lease inclusion amount depends on the vehicle’s value, the year of the lease, and IRS inclusion tables. As with purchased vehicles, deductions depend on the percentage of business use.
Understanding the 2026 Vehicle Lease Inclusion Rule Read More »
Key Takeaways Conducting an annual pricing review helps small and mid-sized businesses maintain healthy profit margins as costs change. Pricing decisions should consider operating costs, economic conditions, tariffs, and supply chain pressures. Reviewing competitor pricing and market positioning helps businesses stay competitive while protecting profitability. Analyzing profitability by product or service line can reveal opportunities
Every Business Should Conduct an Annual Pricing Review Read More »
Key Takeaways Beginning in 2026, many employer-provided meals such as breakroom snacks and on-site lunches are no longer tax deductible under updated IRS rules. Business meals with clients and meals during overnight travel remain 50% deductible when properly documented. Certain events, such as company-wide celebrations or meals treated as taxable compensation, may still qualify for
Key Takeaways A large tax refund or low tax bill does not automatically indicate financial success. Tax returns are backward-looking and limited in what they reveal about cash flow, profitability, and long-term stability. Business success is better measured by factors like sustainable cash flow, retained earnings, and strategic planning. Over-focusing on minimizing taxes can obscure
Your Tax Return Isn’t a Measure of Success Read More »
Key Takeaways The federal R&D tax credit is legitimate but far narrower than many promoters suggest. Qualifying activities must meet the IRS’s strict four-part test, including technical uncertainty and experimentation. Routine improvements, off-the-shelf technology adoption, and standard process changes generally do not qualify. The IRS is closely scrutinizing R&D claims, particularly those pushed by aggressive
Is Your Business Really Eligible for R&D Credits Read More »
Key Takeaways Trump Accounts are a new federal, tax-advantaged savings option for children, available starting with the 2026 tax season. Eligible children (born 2025–2028) may receive a one-time $1,000 federal contribution when an account is opened. Annual contributions are generally capped at $5,000 per child and may come from parents, relatives, and in some cases
Evaluating Trump Accounts in Your Financial Plan Read More »
Key Takeaways Recent changes to how mail is processed make last-minute filing riskier than many business owners realize. The postmark issue highlights a larger problem: tax season leaves little room for delays or missing information. Small and mid-sized businesses face added complexity around payroll, cash flow, and ownership decisions. Sharing information with your CPA early
Why the Postmark Change Is a Wake-Up Call for Business Tax Planning Read More »
Key Takeaways Growth transactions introduce long-term tax and cash-flow consequences that aren’t always obvious upfront. How a deal is structured affects deductions, reporting, and future flexibility. Timing matters—especially for equipment, build-outs, and new hires. Expansion often increases scrutiny around documentation, payroll, and depreciation. Early planning with your CPA can prevent years of avoidable complexity. Growth
What Business Owners Should Think Through Before They Grow in 2026 Read More »
Key Takeaways Many high-impact business deductions remain available in 2026, but documentation standards continue to tighten. Mileage, equipment, payroll, retirement, and professional fees are still powerful—if tracked correctly. Timing matters more than ever when it comes to depreciation and expensing. The IRS is placing greater emphasis on consistency, substantiation, and recordkeeping. The most effective tax
2026 Business Tax Deductions: What Still Works, What’s Evolving, and How to Plan Ahead Read More »