Tariff Refunds Arrive: Key Updates

Following recent court rulings, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has begun implementing a refund process for certain tariffs previously collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) deemed invalid. At the center of this policy is a bold new initiative housed within the Department of Energy (DOE): the “Genesis Mission.” Eligibility for Phase […]

Evaluating layoffs? Consider these alternatives first

Laying off employees is one of the most difficult decisions a business owner can face. Before making this decision, it is worth evaluating alternative strategies that may help control costs and preserve your workforce. While it may sometimes be necessary, reducing headcount is often viewed as a way to quickly manage rising costs, as labor […]

Understanding the research credit: FAQs

Businesses that invest in research and development activities may be eligible for a federal tax credit on certain related expenses. Although the rules and calculation can be complex and not all activities qualify, the potential tax savings can be substantial. Below are answers to common questions to help you better understand this valuable tax break.

Supporting Your Employees Who Also Have Caregiving Responsibilities

As the cost of caregiving skyrockets, balancing work with caring for young children or elderly relatives has become increasingly challenging. Employers can support their workforce, and improve productivity by offering dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which allow employees to use pre-tax dollars to their advantage. If you’re considering a larger investment, providing on-site childcare […]

Do You Qualify for a Mileage Deduction?

As you prepare your 2025 tax return or look ahead to 2026, it’s worth understanding whether you can deduct vehicle expenses. Recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) have narrowed eligibility for business mileage deductions. Even so, you may still qualify. There are also situations where nonbusiness vehicle use can generate deductions. […]

Debt or Equity? How Should Money Coming From Shareholders Be Classified?

If your business is structured as a C corporation, the way you fund it, and withdraw money later, can significantly affect your tax liability. Shareholder payments to the company are typically classified as either capital contributions (equity) or shareholder loans (debt). While that distinction may seem technical, it carries meaningful tax implications. The federal income […]

Smarter Sales: Leveraging Internal Expertise to Drive Growth

Many organizations struggle with “departmental drift,” where sales, marketing, and customer service operate in separate spheres despite chasing the same goals. A cross-functional approach fixes this by turning your internal staff into a powerhouse of shared intelligence. Whether it’s a customer service rep providing a “boots on the ground” perspective or an IT specialist streamlining […]

Beyond December 31: Is a Fiscal Year-End Right for Your Business?

While the vast majority of taxpayers default to a December 31 closing date to align with the standard calendar, this “one-size-fits-all” approach may actually hinder your financial clarity. For companies with distinct seasonal peaks or complex inventory cycles, adopting a fiscal year-end can streamline accounting procedures and provide a more accurate snapshot of annual performance.

Separating Business and Real Estate: Key Benefits and Considerations

Many business owners overlook a key structural decision that can have significant legal, tax, and estate planning implications: whether to separate their operating business from the real estate it uses. Holding property in a separate entity is a common strategy that can provide valuable protection and flexibility—but it’s not without complexity. Asset protection and estate […]