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.

Insights. Applied. Integrated solutions that turn strategy into action.

Filter by:
Showing 0 insights
Insights Library

Filtered Insights

Curated guidance matching the selected topic.

No insights match those filters. Try removing one filter or broadening your search.
2026
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.

Read Technical Brief →
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.

Read Technical Brief →
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.

Read Planning Guide →
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.

Read Planning Guide →
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.

Read Planning Guide →
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.

Read Technical Brief →
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.

Read Technical Brief →
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.

Read Technical Brief →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Answer →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
April 14, 2026

QSBS Section 1202: How Founders Exclude $10M+ in Capital Gains Tax-Free

The most powerful tax break in the code — if you structure correctly from day one.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
April 2, 2026

Backdoor Roth and Mega Backdoor Roth: Getting $70,000+ 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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
2025
October 21, 2025

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.

Read Article →
October 19, 2025

Residential Energy Tax Credits: Section 25C, Section 25D, and the IRA Incentives Through 2032

Federal tax credits for solar, heat pumps, energy-efficient windows, and other home improvements — worth up to $3,200 per year.

Read Article →
October 7, 2025

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

How retirees and high-income taxpayers integrate charitable giving with retirement income planning to maximize after-tax outcomes.

Read Article →
September 17, 2025

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.

Read Article →
August 28, 2025

2025 Cryptocurrency Tax Compliance: Form 1099-DA, Broker Reporting, and the Wash Sale Legislative Outlook

How the new Form 1099-DA broker reporting requirements transform crypto tax compliance — and the pending legislation that could close the wash sale loophole.

Read Article →
August 26, 2025

Commercial Clean Energy Tax Credits: Section 48 ITC, Section 45 PTC, and the Direct Pay Election

How the IRA transformed commercial clean energy credits — and the direct pay and transferability provisions reshaping project finance.

Read Article →
August 19, 2025

Retirement Plan Hierarchy for Business Owners: 401(k), SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), Defined Benefit, and Cash Balance Plans

How business owners select among retirement plan options based on income level, employees, contribution goals, and the SECURE 2.0 super-catch-up window.

Read Article →
August 17, 2025

OBBBA Tax Changes: 2026 Planning Guide

Current IRS-backed guidance on SALT, QBI, bonus depreciation, Section 179, family credits, and 2026 planning decisions.

Read Article →
August 13, 2025

Vehicle Loan Interest Deduction: When Auto Financing Costs Are Tax-Deductible

How business vehicle loan interest is treated, the personal use disallowance, and the strategies for maximizing deductibility.

Read Article →
August 8, 2025

Tax-Loss Harvesting Strategy: The Wash Sale Rule, Direct Indexing, and Year-Round Optimization

How active tax-loss harvesting offsets capital gains, generates ordinary income deductions, and compounds after-tax investment returns over decades.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
August 4, 2025

Retirement Tax Strategy: Social Security Taxation, RMDs, IRMAA, and the 60-72 Roth Conversion Window

Social Security taxation, RMDs, IRMAA thresholds, and the 60-72 Roth conversion window.

Read Article →
August 2, 2025

Estate Tax Sunset 2026: The $14M-to-$7M Exemption Cliff and the SLAT, GRAT, and IDGT Strategies to Lock In Now

The 2026 exemption cliff and the SLAT, GRAT, and IDGT strategies to lock in the higher exemption.

Read Article →
August 1, 2025

Section 199A QBI Deduction: The 20% Tax Break Most Business Owners Underuse

The 20% pass-through deduction most business owners underuse — and the 2025 sunset.

Read Article →
July 29, 2025

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

Turn federal tax credits into direct cash refunds.

Read Article →
July 28, 2025

SALT Cap Workaround: The PTET Election Saving Pass-Through Owners $5K-$50K Per Year

The PTET election workaround restoring full state tax deductibility for pass-through owners.

Read Article →
June 15, 2025

Cryptocurrency Tax Guide: DeFi, NFTs, Staking, Mining, and the New 1099-DA Reporting

DeFi, NFTs, staking, mining, and the new Form 1099-DA broker reporting requirements.

Read Article →
May 31, 2025

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

The 90-day window before December 31 contains the highest-leverage tax planning opportunities of the year.

Read Article →
May 21, 2025

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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
2024
December 13, 2024

Business Travel Deduction CPA Guide: Tax Home, Records, and Reimbursements

Tax home, mixed-purpose trips, per-diem methods, mileage, lodging, reimbursements, and Section 274(d) records for business owners.

Read Article →
December 12, 2024

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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
December 9, 2024

Home Office Deduction: The S-Corp Accountable Plan Strategy That Beats Both Schedule C Methods

The S-corp accountable plan strategy that beats Schedule C methods.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
December 3, 2024

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

How to evaluate S-corp election timing, the $80K income threshold, the reasonable compensation requirement, and the conversion process.

Read Article →
December 2, 2024

Rental Property Tax Strategy: Depreciation, REPS Status, and the Three Layers of Benefit

How rental real estate generates the three layers of tax benefit when structured correctly.

Read Article →
December 1, 2024

Side Hustle to Real Business: Entity Choice, S-Corp Election Math, and the First-Year Decisions That Compound

Entity choice, S-corp election math, and the first-year decisions that compound for decades.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
November 29, 2024

Federal Tax Credits Beyond the Basics: AOTC, Saver's Credit, Premium Tax Credit, and the Refundable Credits You Might Miss

Federal tax credits directly reduce tax owed dollar-for-dollar — and refundable credits can generate refunds beyond zero tax.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
November 27, 2024

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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
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.

Read Article →
The Footnote

Where the real numbers live.

Tax strategy, capital markets insight, and planning moves — straight from Kurt's desk, monthly.

Monthly. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.