Author: M.J. Vandenbroucke
Beyond Tax Season: What’s Next
May is more than a fresh start, it’s a chance to clean up what’s been overlooked and set better systems in motion. Whether it’s tightening up your finances, rethinking how your team performs, or making more intentional long-term decisions, small adjustments now can lead to meaningful results later.
When unequal cash creates unequal risk: disproportionate distributions in S-corps
Disproportionate distributions in S corporations can trigger unintended tax consequences and even loss of S status. Learn where the risks arise and how strategic planning can preserve compliance while achieving unequal economic outcomes.
Why estate taxes aren’t the only inheritance-related costs to consider
Estate planning discussions often focus on the federal estate tax exemption, but most families face different challenges when transferring wealth. Probate fees, state-level taxes, capital gains exposure, and administrative complexity can all erode inheritances – even for estates well below the federal threshold. A comprehensive estate plan addresses these hidden costs, not just headline tax numbers.
Your HSA isn’t a debit card: building a tax efficient healthcare reserve
Most people use their HSA like a medical debit card, but the account is capable of much more. With a rare triple tax advantage and flexible reimbursement rules, the HSA can serve as a powerful long-term healthcare reserve. Read on to learn how to make the most of it.
The truth, well told: How to prepare financials for lenders or investors after tax season
If you’re planning to seek financing, attract investors or expand your operations, after tax season is the ideal time to prepare financial statements that present a clear picture of your business’s performance. Here are some tips from our team on how to compile reports to offer you and your financial partners a solid basis for business assessment as you plan your next growth cycle:
Expanding the talent pool: Why employers should shift focus from degree requirements to skills-based training
For decades, a college degree has been a signal of qualification for hiring managers, immediately connoting a baseline of knowledge, discipline, and capability on the part of the applicant. But as labor markets tighten, technology evolves, and workforce expectations shift, that indicator is increasingly fading in relevance. Forward-thinking employers are beginning to see value in embracing a different approach to hiring, prioritizing skills over degrees.
Spring Into Smarter Decisions
As spring unfolds, it brings a natural opportunity to reassess, refine, and move forward with intention, financially and strategically. This issue highlights key financial considerations, from managing rising costs to making informed structural decisions, so you can stay prepared, and on track for the months ahead. Here’s to making informed decisions and staying ahead this spring.
Healthcare costs for the self-employed in 2026: strategies for rising premiums
With the expiration of expanded ACA subsidies in 2026, self-employed professionals are facing significant premium increases with no employer to share the burden. While healthcare costs are rising, strategic planning can help reduce your total cost. The key is treating healthcare like any other business expense – strategically, proactively, and with tax efficiency in mind.
Marching Through Tax Season
This month’s issue covers key topics for individuals and business owners alike, including innocent spouse relief, common living trust misconceptions, S-corporation basics, and the IRS’s new deduction for qualified overtime compensation. Each article is designed to provide practical insights to support informed financial and tax decisions.
Remote work, proximal risk
Remote staff have created a shift for employers that has created a complex web of tax and regulatory obligations. Learn how employees who work in different states than your company’s primary location create nexus and what you as an employer are responsible for doing to stay compliant.
Spring into good payroll habits
Spring is a natural checkpoint for payroll tax compliance. Overlooking key considerations can create mistakes that compound through the year and potentially result in penalties, interest, or administrative headaches that can divert your energy from running your business.
Can you be freed from a spouse’s tax debt? Understanding innocent spouse relief
Innocent spouse relief can protect you from being held responsible for a tax bill caused by your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s mistakes. This article explains how the IRS evaluates these claims, the types of relief available, and what to expect if you apply. If you’ve received a notice or suspect something was wrong with past returns, it may be time to talk to a CPA.
Understanding the IRS’s new deduction for qualified overtime compensation
The IRS has introduced a new federal income tax deduction for qualified overtime compensation, effective for tax years 2025 through 2028. Eligible workers can deduct up to $12,500 (or $25,000 on joint returns) of the overtime premium they earn above their regular rate of pay. This deduction reduces is available to FLSA-covered employees who meet specific eligibility requirements, including valid Social Security numbers and certain filing status conditions.
Living trust myths vs. reality: what a revocable trust really does
Revocable living trusts are widely used and widely misunderstood. This article explains what revocable trusts actually do, what they don’t do, and why proper design, funding, and coordination matter. Understanding these nuances can help prevent surprises and improve estate planning outcomes.
S-corporations 101: FAQs for business owners
S-corporations are one of the most frequently discussed (but often misunderstood) tax structures for small business owners. While they can offer real savings on self-employment taxes, the benefits aren’t automatic – they depend on your income level, involvement in the business, and whether you’re ready to manage the added compliance responsibilities. Here’s what you need to know about how S-corps work, who they’re right for, and what’s required to maintain one.
Moving Forward With Confidence
From helping parents understand new savings tools for children to exploring tax-smart gifting and retirement strategies, we’re covering topics that can make a meaningful difference over time. Whether you’re laying a financial foundation for the next generation or fine-tuning your own plans, these insights are designed to help you move forward with purpose and confidence.
A smart gifting strategy: why the annual gift tax exclusion matters more than you think
When we talk about gifting as part of a tax strategy, many people assume it’s something only the ultra-wealthy need to worry about. But gifting is actually one of the simplest and most powerful financial planning tools available – and a thoughtful gifting strategy can make a meaningful difference for your family, both now and in the long run.
Building a financial foundation for your child: strategic moves for parents
For many parents, providing financial security for their children is a top priority. But building that security involves more than funding college or opening a savings account. The real goal isn’t just to transfer wealth – it’s to prepare the next generation to manage, grow, and protect it.
The mega backdoor Roth: a straightforward strategy for high earners locked out of Roth IRAs
For high-income professionals locked out of traditional Roth contributions, mega Roth conversions offer a powerful alternative. By contributing after-tax dollars to fill unused space under the $72,000 annual 401(k) limit and immediately converting them to Roth, eligible savers can funnel tens of thousands annually into tax-free growth.
Understanding Trump Accounts: what parents need to know about the new child-focused IRA
Trump Accounts are a new type of tax-advantaged retirement account for children, created under 2025 legislation and clarified by recent IRS guidance. While contributions can’t begin until mid-2026, families can begin preparing now. This article explains what is currently known, what remains uncertain, and how Trump Accounts compare to other common savings tools like Roth IRAs and 529 plans.
Top 7 DIY filing mistakes accountants see every year (and how to avoid them)
Every year, accountants see the same do-it-yourself mistakes that lead to missed deductions, IRS notices, penalties, or even audits. While DIY filing works well in straightforward situations, understanding where things commonly go wrong can help you avoid costly surprises.
When to file, when to extend: A practical guide to extensions for busy business owners
For many business owners, tax deadlines arrive at the worst possible time, right in the middle of managing employees, serving customers, and keeping cash flowing. When the deadline rolls around, it’s common to wonder, “Should I file now, or should I extend?”
Entering the New Year
It’s a new year, and we have new information for you to kick off 2026! With practical strategies for managing sudden financial gain and updates about penalty relief for 2025 tips and overtime reporting to the rise of concierge medicine and outsourcing to buy back your time, we’ve gathered some great news for you to begin this year’s journey.
New year, new rules: What to know about IRS changes taking effect this month
The IRS and Congress have enacted tax law changes and regulatory updates that take effect this month and will impact individual taxpayers, employers, retirement plan sponsors, and businesses of all sizes. From tax filing to retirement planning, here are a few key things you should know about what’s new this year.