Section 179 or Bonus Depreciation: What’s Best After OBBBA?
Recent tax law changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created powerful opportunities to write off business assets faster than ever. You now face an important decision: should you use Section 179 expensing or 100 percent bonus depreciation? The law restored 100 percent bonus depreciation for qualifying assets placed in service after January 19, […]
Do You Need a W-2 for Spouse-Employee 105-HRA Benefits?
If you employ your spouse in your business and use a Section 105-HRA to deduct family medical expenses, you may be wondering whether issuing a W-2 is necessary. The good news from a tax law standpoint, a W-2 is not required. IRS guidance and court decisions confirm that medical reimbursements under a properly structured Section […]
A Little-Known Way to Pay Family and Save on Taxes
Many business owners overlook a powerful strategy that allows them to pay family members, reduce taxes, and avoid payroll taxes altogether. You likely know the traditional approach: hire your child and put them on payroll. That strategy works well for younger children in a sole proprietorship. But once your child turns 18—or if you operate […]
$12,000 Door Replacement: Repair or 39-Year Asset?
When a five-figure commercial building expense hits your desk, the first question is simple: Can you deduct it, or must you depreciate it over 39 years? Consider a recent example. An office building owner replaced a failed sliding glass door and frame at a total cost of $12,000, including removal and installation. The new unit […]
Paying Too Much in Taxes? Let’s Fix That Before Year-End
FIf you feel like you’re paying too much in taxes, there’s still time to fix that before the year ends. Here are proven year-end tax planning strategies that can help you reduce your tax burden and keep more of your hard-earned money. Why Act Before Year-End? Tax planning isn’t just a once-a-year chore at filing […]
Test Your Tax IQ: Tax-Deductible Cruise Ship Travel
Here’s an example that may be relevant to your tax planning strategy—particularly when it comes to travel for business purposes that may also offer a more comfortable or enjoyable experience. Consider this case: A financial planner needed to meet a high-net-worth prospect in St. Thomas during the winter. Rather than have the meeting in snow-covered […]
What Most People Get Wrong About Taxes — And What to Do Instead
Most people misunderstand taxes in ways that can cost them significantly. Here are common misconceptions and what you should do instead to optimize your tax outcomes. What Most People Get Wrong About Taxes Tax Planning Is Only for the Wealthy or Big Businesses Many small business owners and freelancers believe tax planning doesn’t apply to […]
Vehicle Used for Business Can Produce a Big Surprise Deduction
If you’ve used your personal vehicle for business—whether you’re a sole proprietor or you received mileage reimbursement from your S or C corporation—there may be a valuable tax deduction waiting for you. When you use the IRS standard mileage rate (or when your corporation uses it to reimburse you), the mileage rate is not just […]
Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes People Make Without a Financial & Tax Check-Up
Financial health isn’t just about how much you earn—it’s about how well you manage, protect, and grow what you have. Yet, many individuals and business owners unknowingly make expensive mistakes simply because they skip regular financial and tax check-ups. With 20 plus years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how small oversights can lead to major […]
Avoid These 7 Costly Mistakes People Make Without a Financial & Tax Check-Up
W-2 vs. Business Owners: Why Everyone Needs a Custom Financial Health Strategy In today’s unpredictable economy, understanding your financial health is not just smart—it’s essential. Whether you’re a W-2 employee with a stable paycheck or a small business owner navigating variable income, a one-size-fits-all approach to money management won’t cut it. As a CPA with […]
Year-End 1099-NECs Are Often Wrong—And How to Correct Them
Did you receive a Form 1099-NEC that overstates your income? You’re not alone—and it could mean you’re paying more taxes than you owe. This problem often arises at year-end when a business issues a 1099-NEC based on what it paid rather than what you received. For example, if you were paid in January for the […]
Are You Retirement-Ready? What a 360° Review Can Reveal About Your Future
Are You Retirement-Ready? What a 360° Review Can Reveal About Your Future Retirement should be a time of freedom and fulfillment—not financial stress. Yet, many Americans reach their golden years unprepared, facing unexpected shortfalls in savings, rising healthcare costs, or poorly optimized tax strategies. A 360° tax & financial health checkup provides a holistic assessment of your […]