Tax, Audit & Advisory Insights

Browse practical CPA guidance on tax strategy, audit readiness, Section 475 trader tax, R&D payroll tax credits, SOX 404 controls, real estate planning, crypto reporting, and growth-stage company decisions.

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2026
August 22, 2026

Trump Accounts 2026: How Families and Employers Should Fund the New Child IRA

Coordinate Form 4547, the $1,000 pilot deposit, $5,000 annual limit, employer funding, eligible index funds, gift-tax treatment, and basis records.

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August 15, 2026

Section 168(n) Qualified Production Property: Claim the 100% Factory Building Deduction

Identify eligible factory basis, protect the construction window, make the Notice 2026-16 election, and control ten-year recapture risk.

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August 8, 2026

ASU 2024-03 DISE Readiness: Build the Expense Data and Controls Before 2027

Map natural expenses, define selling costs, document estimates, and test auditable ASC 220-40 disclosures before the 2027 annual adoption.

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August 1, 2026

2026 Itemized Deduction Planning: How High Earners Can Protect the Full Tax Benefit

Section 68's 2/37 reduction, the 0.5% charitable floor, SALT ordering, 37% bracket thresholds, and estimated-tax planning for high earners.

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July 25, 2026

2026 QSBS Planning: The Section 1202 Expansion for Startup Founders

The expanded QSBS rules add 3/4/5-year exclusion tiers, a $15M per-issuer limit, a $75M asset test, and new founder documentation pressure.

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July 18, 2026

2026 Estate and Gift Tax Exemption: The $15 Million Planning Window

The 2026 $15M exclusion, $19K annual exclusion, Form 709, portability, trust timing, and valuation discipline reshape high-net-worth estate planning.

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July 11, 2026

2026 Corporate Charitable Deduction Floor: How C Corporations Should Reprice Giving Budgets

The new Section 170 1% floor and 10% cap require C corporations to model giving budgets, Form 1120 timing, carryforwards, and sponsorship records before year-end.

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July 4, 2026

2026 Section 163(j) Planning: Business Interest Limits After the EBITDA Addback Returns

Form 8990 planning for leveraged companies: EBITDA addback, $32M gross receipts test, pass-through EBIE, real property election tradeoffs, and carryforwards.

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June 27, 2026

2026 Excess Business Loss Planning: Form 461 Strategy for Real Estate Investors

How Section 461(l) can defer REPS, bonus depreciation, cost segregation, and partnership losses into NOL carryforwards when Form 461 limits current deductions.

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June 23, 2026

2026 NIIT Planning: Reduce the 3.8% Surtax on Capital Gains, Rentals, and Trusts

Form 8960 planning for high earners with capital gains, passive rentals, trust income, Roth conversions, and investment income timing.

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June 6, 2026

2026 Single Audit Threshold: The $1 Million Readiness Plan for Nonprofits

The Uniform Guidance threshold is now $1 million, but SEFA accuracy, grant controls, FAC timing, and board reporting still drive audit risk.

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May 30, 2026

ASC 740 Tax Disclosures in 2026: The ASU 2023-09 Readiness Work Private Companies Should Start Now

Private companies preparing GAAP financial statements need jurisdiction-level cash tax data, rate-reconciliation support, and audit-ready tax provision controls before 2026 close.

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May 16, 2026

Form 1099-K Threshold 2026: $20,000/200 Rule for Small Businesses

Small businesses still need payment-app reconciliation, card reporting, state-rule review, backup withholding cleanup, and 1099-NEC coordination.

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May 16, 2026

R&D Payroll Tax Credit 2026: $500K Startup CPA Guide

QSB gross receipts, the $500,000 election, Form 6765, Form 8974, Form 941 timing, Section G records, and startup CPA planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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Answer Page

What CPA Do I Need for Day Trading Taxes?

A direct answer for active traders evaluating trader tax status, wash sales, Section 475, entity structure, and year-end planning support.

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Answer Page

Can a CPA Help With a Section 475 Election?

When a Section 475 mark-to-market election may matter, what timing rules apply, and why the decision belongs in an integrated trader tax plan.

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Answer Page

Do I Need a CPA for Crypto Taxes?

How a CPA can help with exchange exports, wallet activity, DeFi, staking, mining, 1099-DA readiness, and digital asset tax reporting.

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Answer Page

What Is the Difference Between an Audit, Review, and Compilation?

A practical guide to assurance levels, lender expectations, board reporting, cost considerations, and when each engagement fits.

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Answer Page

Does My HOA or CIRA Need an Audit?

Audit, review, tax, reserve, and board reporting considerations for common interest realty associations and community associations.

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Answer Page

Is Cost Segregation Worth It for Rental Property?

How to think about property size, hold period, bonus depreciation, passive loss rules, and whether a study can create real after-tax value.

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April 26, 2026

Section 174 R&D Capitalization: The 2022 Rule Change That Bankrupted Software Companies

How TCJA's deferred provision turned R&D from a deduction into a five-year amortization — and what relief is finally arriving.

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April 25, 2026

Opportunity Zone Investments: Capital Gains Deferral and the 10-Year Step-Up

Defer gains from any sale, eliminate tax on Opportunity Zone appreciation — when structured by the deadlines.

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April 23, 2026

ASC 842 Lease Accounting: Bringing Operating Leases On-Balance Sheet

The right-of-use asset, lease liability, and the practical expedients private companies most often miss.

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April 17, 2026

404a vs 404b: SOX 404(a) vs 404(b) ICFR Readiness Guide

Compare management ICFR assessment, auditor attestation, filer thresholds, control testing, remediation, and SOX evidence readiness.

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April 8, 2026

ASC 606 Revenue Recognition for SaaS Companies: The Five-Step Framework Most Get Wrong

Performance obligations, variable consideration, and the standalone selling price allocation no software company can ignore.

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April 6, 2026

Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchanges: Real Estate Tax Deferral After the 2017 Restrictions

The 45-day identification rule, the 180-day completion rule, and the QI requirement that catches investors off-guard.

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April 3, 2026

Mark-to-Market Election: Section 475 Deadline and Trader Tax Rules

How active traders evaluate ordinary gain or loss treatment, Form 3115, wash sales, and trader tax status.

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Published April 2, 2026 · Updated August 27, 2026

Backdoor Roth and Mega Backdoor Roth: Getting $72,000+ Into Roth Accounts as a High Earner

When direct Roth contributions are phased out, the back door is wide open — if your plan documents allow.

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April 1, 2026

The Augusta Rule (Section 280A(g)): Tax-Free Income from Renting Your Home to Your Business

Up to 14 days per year of fully tax-free rental income — when documented correctly.

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January 1, 2026

The Small Business Tax Strategy Playbook: Entity Choice, Retirement Plans, Income Shifting, and Year-End Optimization

Complete framework for small business owners to optimize federal and state taxes through structure, planning, and strategic timing.

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2025
Published October 21, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Tax Inflation Adjustments: How Annual Indexing Creates Bracket Management Opportunities

Each year IRS inflation adjustments shift tax brackets and contribution limits — and the planning opportunities those shifts unlock.

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Published October 19, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2025 Residential Energy Tax Credits: 2026 Filing and Deadline Guide

How to document final 2025 Section 25C and 25D claims and the accelerated 2026 Section 30C deadline.

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Published October 7, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Retirement and Charitable Tax Strategy: QCDs, Donor-Advised Funds, and Bunching

Coordinate the 2026 QCD limit, RMDs, donor-advised funds, appreciated-property gifts, charitable floor, and bunching.

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Published September 30, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

Charitable Bunching Strategy: How to Maximize Itemized Deductions With Donor-Advised Funds

Why concentrating multiple years of charitable giving into a single tax year captures itemized deduction value that would otherwise be lost.

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Published September 17, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

IRS Payment Plans and Collection Procedures: Installment Agreements, Offers in Compromise, and CNC Status

How to negotiate with the IRS when you can't pay — installment agreements, the OIC framework, and Currently Not Collectible status.

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Published August 28, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Crypto Tax Reporting: Form 1099-DA, Basis, and Reconciliation

How gross-proceeds reporting, covered-security basis, wallet transfers, and taxpayer records fit together for 2026 digital asset returns.

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Published August 26, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Commercial Clean Energy Tax Credits: Sections 45Y, 48E, Elective Pay, and Transferability

Current credit regimes, accelerated statutory deadlines, labor rules, elective pay, and transferability for commercial projects.

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August 19, 2025

2026 Retirement Plan Limits for Business Owners: SEP IRA, Solo 401(k), 401(k), and Cash Balance Plans

Compare 2026 limits, catch-ups, employee costs, deadlines, and plan-administration tradeoffs before choosing a design.

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Published August 13, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: Personal and Business Rules

The temporary personal deduction, U.S.-assembly and income rules, business use, mileage, and accountable plans.

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August 8, 2025

Direct Indexing and Tax-Loss Harvesting: An Institutional Framework

An institutional framework for mandate design, optimizer controls, harvesting capacity, tracking error, transition costs, and after-tax measurement.

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August 5, 2025

Software R&D Tax Credit CPA Guide: Section 41, 174A, QREs

Section 41 QREs, software development, startup payroll tax elections, Form 6765, Section 174A, Section 280C, and planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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Published August 4, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Retirement Tax Strategy for Seniors

The enhanced senior deduction, Social Security, RMDs, the $111,000 QCD limit, Roth conversions, and 2026 Medicare IRMAA.

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Published August 1, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Section 199A QBI Deduction: Thresholds, W-2 Wages, UBIA, and Planning

Current 2026 thresholds, SSTB phase-ins, W-2 wage and UBIA files, aggregation, and entity planning.

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July 29, 2025

Unlock Tax Credits With "Elective Pay" Clean-Energy Incentives

Turn federal tax credits into direct cash refunds.

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Published July 29, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

10 High-Leverage Tax Strategies Most Taxpayers Don't Know About

From the Augusta Rule to QSBS, mega backdoor Roths to PTET elections — the highest-impact strategies that compound across years.

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Published July 28, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 SALT Cap and PTET Elections for Pass-Through Owners

How the $40,400 federal SALT limit, income phase-down, and state PTET elections interact in 2026.

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Published July 27, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 One Big Beautiful Bill Tax Changes and Planning Guide

Current SALT, QBI, depreciation, research, senior, tip, overtime, vehicle-interest, estate, and charitable rules.

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Published June 15, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

Crypto Tax Treatment Guide: DeFi, NFTs, Staking, and Mining

Evergreen transaction guidance for sales, swaps, rewards, DeFi, NFTs, mining, gifts, basis, and return reporting.

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Published May 31, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

2026 Small Business Tax Planning: The October-to-December Action Checklist

A current checklist for QBI, payroll, depreciation, retirement plans, PTET, estimates, and documentation.

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Published May 21, 2025 · Updated August 27, 2026

Mid-Year Tax Planning: The Quarterly Review Framework Every High-Earner Should Run

How mid-year projections, withholding adjustments, retirement contributions, and entity-level elections compound across the second half of the year.

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May 18, 2025

HSA Contribution Limits 2026: Triple Tax Benefit and HDHP Rules

2026 HSA limits, HDHP eligibility, bronze and catastrophic plan updates, receipt banking, Medicare issues, and planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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January 20, 2025

Installment Sales (§453): How to Spread Capital Gains Across Multiple Tax Brackets

Section 453 mechanics for spreading capital gains across multiple tax brackets.

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January 16, 2025

Cost Segregation Studies: How Real Estate Investors Generate $80K+ Year-One Tax Deductions

Engineering-based depreciation acceleration that turns commercial property into massive year-one tax deductions.

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January 15, 2025

Real Estate Professional Status (REPS): How High-Income Investors Convert Rental Losses Into Deductions Against W-2 Wages

The 750-hour test, the material participation requirement, and the cost segregation coordination that creates massive current-year tax shelters.

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2024
December 13, 2024

2026 Business Travel Deduction Guide: Tax Home, Mileage, Records, and Reimbursements

Apply the 2026 split-year mileage rates, per diem, mixed-purpose trip, meal, accountable-plan, and Section 274(d) record rules.

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Published December 12, 2024 · Updated August 27, 2026

Cell Phone and Technology Expense Deductions: CPA Guide

Software, devices, internet, mixed-use costs, accountable plan reimbursements, records, and CPA planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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December 11, 2024

Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation 2026: Limits, 100% Bonus, and De Minimis

2026 Section 179 limits, 100% bonus depreciation, de minimis safe harbor, vehicle rules, QIP, and CPA planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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December 10, 2024

2026 Roth Conversion Planning: Tax Brackets, IRMAA, and a Multi-Year Conversion Ladder

Price conversions across current brackets, Medicare IRMAA, IRA basis, five-year rules, RMDs, and beneficiary goals.

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Published December 9, 2024 · Updated August 27, 2026

Home Office Tax Deduction: S Corp Accountable Plan Strategy and Business-Use Records

Current rules for Schedule C deductions, accountable-plan reimbursements, exclusive use, records, and improvements.

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December 8, 2024

Paying Your Spouse Through a Business: Payroll, Benefits, and Records

Real work, reasonable compensation, payroll treatment, employee benefits, accountable plans, and family-business records.

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December 7, 2024

Can I Pay My Child Through My Business? Payroll Rules

Family payroll guide for real work, reasonable wages, W-2 payroll, FICA/FUTA entity rules, Roth IRA funding, and audit-ready records.

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December 6, 2024

Business Meals After TCJA: The 50% Deduction, the 100% Exceptions, and the Entertainment Trap

The 50% rule, 100% exceptions, and the entertainment integration trap after TCJA.

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December 5, 2024

Vehicle Tax Deductions: The 6,000-Lb SUV Loophole and §280F Luxury Auto Caps Explained

The 6,000-lb SUV loophole and the §280F luxury auto caps that determine deductibility.

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December 4, 2024

Small Business Health Insurance: Self-Employed Deduction, HRAs, and the Section 105(h) Strategy

How self-employed taxpayers and S-corp owners deduct health insurance premiums and medical expenses through every available structure.

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December 3, 2024

When to Elect S-Corporation Status: The Income Threshold, Reasonable Compensation, and Conversion Mechanics

How to evaluate S-corp election timing, fact-specific breakeven, reasonable compensation, and the conversion process.

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December 2, 2024

2026 Rental Property Tax Strategy: Depreciation, REPS, Cost Segregation, and Exit Planning

Connect 27.5-year depreciation, 100% bonus eligibility, passive losses, REPS, entity choice, and the planned exit.

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December 1, 2024

2026 Side Hustle Tax Guide: Entity Choice, S-Corp Election Math, and First-Year Decisions

Separate LLC legal form from tax status and test Schedule C, S-corp, QBI, retirement, and estimated-tax decisions with current figures.

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November 30, 2024

Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s: Real Estate, Crypto, and Alternative Investments in Retirement Accounts

How sophisticated investors hold real estate, private equity, cryptocurrency, and alternative investments in retirement accounts — with prohibited transaction rules.

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November 28, 2024

Form 1040 Schedule 1 and 2: Above-the-Line Deductions and Additional Tax Items Most Returns Get Wrong

Schedule 1 captures additional income and above-the-line deductions; Schedule 2 captures additional taxes including AMT, SE tax, and NIIT.

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Published November 27, 2024 · Updated August 27, 2026

IRS Penalty Abatement and Interest: Failure-to-File, Failure-to-Pay, and Reasonable Cause

IRS notices, penalty calculations, reasonable cause, first-time abate, payment plans, and supporting records.

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November 25, 2024

529 vs Coverdell vs UTMA: The Education Savings Decision Framework (Plus the SECURE 2.0 Roth Loophole)

Education savings comparison plus the SECURE 2.0 provision rolling unused 529 funds to Roth.

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November 23, 2024

Moving States Tax Checklist: Domicile CPA Guide

Part-year returns, nonresident income, Form 8822 address changes, day-count records, domicile documentation, and planning nationwide / all 50 states where permitted.

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