Accounting and Accountability
A podcast focusing on current events vital for any business owner, legislation changes and tax updates in easy to understand conversation. We're not your average accountants.
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Episode 151: IRS Targets Limited Partners: The Self-Employment Tax Crackdown
10/02/2026
Episode 151: IRS Targets Limited Partners: The Self-Employment Tax Crackdown
Self-employment tax & limited partners — The IRS is challenging the self-employment tax exemption for LLC limited partners, especially those in management roles, with courts siding with the IRS October 15th tax deadlines — Extended deadlines for personal 1040 returns, C corporation returns, SEP IRA funding, and excess IRA contribution withdrawals FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) — Filing requirements for foreign financial accounts exceeding $10,000 and the steep penalties for non-compliance Educator expense deduction — Increased to $350 per teacher (up to $700 for married couples) and expanded to include preschool teachers Student loan interest deductibility — Parents paying children's student loans can't deduct the interest unless they're legally liable on the debt IRS FAQs as legal authority — IRS frequently asked questions don't constitute binding legal precedent; reliance on them is limited Excessive refund claim penalty — A 20% penalty that may apply to excessive refund claims Employee Retention Credit (ERC) updates — ~14,900 claims still pending in various stages of IRS review Excess Social Security withholding — Employees who worked multiple employers and exceeded the 2026 wage base ($184,500) can claim the excess on their 1040 Self-employed health insurance & Medicare premiums — Medicare premiums can be deducted as self-employed health insurance for S corp owners and LLC members if properly reported 1040 changes — New above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers (up to $2,000 for joint filers) and Schedule A itemized deduction updates Proposed stimulus checks — Discussion of a proposed $5,000 stimulus contingent on Republican mid-term election results, with concerns about budget deficit impact 2026 tax brackets — Seven brackets unchanged since 2018, with the top bracket starting at $768,700 (joint) / $640,000 (single) Proposed new income tax brackets — Roosevelt Institute income-growth statistics and a proposal for up to seven new upper-income brackets reaching a top rate of 70% Tribal tax credit scam warning — Alert about a new scam involving fake tribal tax credits being sold to taxpayers
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Episode 150: Maryland Businesses Receiving Erroneous Notices
09/18/2026
Episode 150: Maryland Businesses Receiving Erroneous Notices
In this episode: Rehoboth Office News — Our upcoming open house and new location. Federal Estate Tax — Who may still be affected and where planning can help. Offers in Compromise — When the IRS may accept less than the full tax debt. Taxpayer Advocate Service — Help when an IRS issue stalls. Tax Fraud and Filing Deadlines — Why the usual statute of limitations may not apply. Net Investment Income Tax — The surtax that can catch investors and rental property owners. Late S Corporation Elections — What happens when the filing deadline is missed. IRS Online Accounts — Digital tools for payments, notices, transcripts, and more. IRS Audit Activity — What declining audit numbers mean for taxpayers. Maryland Tax Notices — Why some businesses are receiving questionable notices.
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Episode 149: Rolling Into Roth: Your IRA Rollover Playbook
09/04/2026
Episode 149: Rolling Into Roth: Your IRA Rollover Playbook
In this episode: IRA Rollovers — Rolling over traditional 401(k)s and IRAs, converting traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs, required minimum distributions, and estate planning considerations. Natural Disaster Tax Relief — New federal legislation easing casualty loss write-offs for qualified disaster victims, including timing and eligibility details. Corporate Transparency Act Update — Final ruling on beneficial ownership reporting requirements and what it means for US companies. Cybersecurity & Scam Prevention — Ongoing threats from cyber thieves targeting taxpayer data, reminders to use secure portals, and general vigilance against phishing and fraud. Proposed Restrictions on Refundable Tax Credits — Proposed regulations that would deny certain refundable credits (EITC, child tax credit, etc.) to immigrants who are not qualified aliens, and the legal challenges ahead.
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Episode 148: $105 Billion in Improper Tax Credits: Who's Watching the IRS?
08/21/2026
Episode 148: $105 Billion in Improper Tax Credits: Who's Watching the IRS?
In this episode: IRS Oversight of Unenrolled Tax Preparers Overtime Pay Tax Deduction Update Congressional Tax Proposals to Watch Tax Court Case: Customer-Funded Improvements IRS.gov Business Tax Account Expansion Attorney's Fees and Settlement Tax Traps New Cryptocurrency Scam Warning Improper Refundable Credit Payments Delaware Department of Labor IT Fee
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Episode 147: The 10-Year Tax Play: Deferring Capital Gains the Right Way
08/07/2026
Episode 147: The 10-Year Tax Play: Deferring Capital Gains the Right Way
In this episode: Inflation-indexed IRS deductions, credits, and thresholds for 2026. Non-indexed thresholds that haven't changed in decades (e.g., home sale gain exclusion). New above-the-line charitable deduction for non-itemizers. Rules for deducting donated vehicles. Conservation easements and farmland preservation. Tax treatment of donated timeshares and vacation home rentals. Qualified opportunity zone capital gains deferment. Health insurance marketplace premium tax credit pitfalls. Upcoming tax filing deadlines. IRS interest vs. penalty abatement rules.
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Episode 146: Hobby Losses, Gambling Wins, and the IRS's Fine Print
07/24/2026
Episode 146: Hobby Losses, Gambling Wins, and the IRS's Fine Print
In this episode: Hobby loss rules – refresher on when the IRS may reclassify a business as a hobby. Trump accounts – contributing up to $5,000 for a minor without triggering a gift tax filing. Gift tax basics – $19,000 annual exclusion, filing requirements above that, and the $15M lifetime exemption. Gambling loss changes – losses now deductible only up to 90% of winnings (previously 100%), and only if itemizing. Online sports betting – winnings are taxable income regardless of platform. Standard mileage rate increase – 76 cents/mile for July–Dec 2025 vs. 72.5 cents for Jan–June. Foreign bank account disclosure – steep penalties for not reporting foreign accounts/access to funds. IRS penalty relief – automatic first-time penalty abatement for compliant taxpayers (no longer needs to be requested). IRS penalty statistics – $1.25 trillion assessed in 2025, 92% from unpaid payroll taxes, with most later abated. Maryland's new tax portal – launching September 1st, with a blackout period and no penalties during the transition.
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Episode 145: Marketplace Money Trouble: The Subsidy Surprise Coming Your Way
07/10/2026
Episode 145: Marketplace Money Trouble: The Subsidy Surprise Coming Your Way
In this episode: Premium tax credit changes affecting Marketplace health coverage enrollees. Long-term care insurance premium deductions and new retirement plan withdrawal rules. A proposed Newborn Tax Credit and updates to ABLE accounts. IRS partnership audit trends and lingering ERC (Employee Retention Credit) claim backlog. A rundown of current IRS-impersonation scam tactics targeting seniors.
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Episode 144: New Tax Credits, Crypto, and IRS Chaos
06/29/2026
Episode 144: New Tax Credits, Crypto, and IRS Chaos
In this episode: Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (2027) — Up to $1,700 non-refundable credit for K–12 scholarship donations; no income limits; requires state opt-in Cryptocurrency staking rewards — Tokens taxable as income upon receipt; deferral legislation proposed but not yet law 1099-DA reporting (2027) — Brokers must report digital asset sales; provide all 1099s to your preparer Charitable contribution rules — Cash must be documented; GoFundMe not deductible; large non-cash donations require appraisals $4.2M charitable deduction denied — Tax court disallowed due to inadequate documentation Hobby loss rules — Losses only deductible if activity is run with genuine profit motive Family limited partnership discounts — Court upheld IRS challenge; deemed tax-motivated with no business purpose Estate tax Form 706 & closing letters — Portability elections, new request fee, and 2–3 year processing delays 2027 Social Security wage base — Increases to $190,200; effectively a tax hike for higher earners Amended returns (Form 1040-X) — 3-year filing window; e-file for faster refunds IRS workforce decline — Staffing down 28%; enforcement agents down 33%; fewer audits and slower service
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Episode 143: QSBS, SALT, HSAs & More: Mid-Year Tax Moves for Taxpayers
06/12/2026
Episode 143: QSBS, SALT, HSAs & More: Mid-Year Tax Moves for Taxpayers
In this episode: IRS call strategies – A tip for getting through when the IRS won't accept calls • Tax identity theft – How fraudsters file returns using stolen Social Security numbers • Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) – A little-known tax exclusion that could eliminate gains for eligible investors • IRS First-Time Abatement – An automated penalty relief process coming soon for late filers • Investment fee deductibility – Why individuals can no longer deduct these fees, but businesses still can • IRS interest rate increases – Higher rates on underpayments and overpayments starting Q3 2026 • 2026 W-2 changes – New codes to identify deductible tips and overtime pay • SALT cap – The $40,000 state and local tax deduction limit reaffirmed through 2029 • 2027 HSA limits – Contribution limits going up, with a reminder of the long-term savings benefits
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Episode 142: IRS Notices, Hidden Tax Credits, and the Tax Traps Costing People Money
05/29/2026
Episode 142: IRS Notices, Hidden Tax Credits, and the Tax Traps Costing People Money
In this episode: A recent court case that could allow some taxpayers to recover certain IRS penalties and interest assessed during the COVID-era, and what steps may be available to protect refund claims. The growing problem of erroneous IRS and state tax notices, including what taxpayers should do before reacting to unexpected letters. Valuable but often-overlooked tax credits, including significant updates to the adoption tax credit and how proper communication with your tax preparer can prevent missed opportunities. A refresher on the Net Investment Income Tax (NIIT) and additional Medicare taxes, including why more taxpayers are being affected than ever before. Important considerations for farmers, landowners, and others exploring conservation easements or land preservation programs, including common compliance pitfalls. Tax-saving opportunities that may be disappearing soon, including credits related to electric vehicle charging equipment. Current mileage reimbursement rates, the importance of maintaining accurate mileage logs, and why mid-year IRS changes could matter. New direct deposit requirements for federal tax refunds, common IRS notice issues related to those requirements, and how to avoid unnecessary refund delays. Delaware-specific tax notice concerns that are affecting taxpayers across the state. A look at potential tax and legislative developments on the horizon, including discussions surrounding a possible federal gas tax holiday and what it could mean for consumers.
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Episode 141: From Kids' First Jobs to High Earners: Your Mid-Year Tax Playbook
05/15/2026
Episode 141: From Kids' First Jobs to High Earners: Your Mid-Year Tax Playbook
In this episode: 2026 Tax Legislation Outlook — No major tax changes expected this year; budget reconciliation and new proposals remain largely on hold. Retirement Savings Updates — Expanded 401(k) investment options (real estate, private equity), new IRA access for those without workplace plans, and spousal IRA contribution rules. Roth IRA Benefits — Tax-free growth advantages and AGI threshold increases for contributions. Summer Tax Tips for Families — Tax withholding rules for dependent children working summer jobs, and how to hire your child if you're self-employed to reduce payroll taxes. Child and Dependent Care Credit — Enhanced credit limits for 2026, including eligibility for summer camps. Kids' Roth IRAs — Opening retirement accounts for children with earned summer income. Employee Fringe Benefits — IRS guidance on taxable vs. non-taxable benefits, including employer-paid tuition assistance (up to $5,250 annually, indexed for inflation starting 2027). Marijuana Tax Developments — Medical marijuana reclassified to Schedule III, removing the 280E deduction limitation for medical operators. Nonprofit Filing Deadline — May 15th deadline for calendar-year exempt organizations; upcoming Form 990 revisions for increased transparency. Tax Rates for High Earners — Breakdown of effective tax rates vs. tax brackets for top 1% earners, including capital gains and net investment income tax.
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Episode 140: Fewer Audits, More Red Flags: What’s Really Changing at the IRS
05/01/2026
Episode 140: Fewer Audits, More Red Flags: What’s Really Changing at the IRS
In this episode: What IRS funding cuts actually mean in the real world, fewer audits, but slower responses and more frustration when you do need answers Why “audit rates are down” doesn’t mean you’re off the hook, and how AI-driven red flags are quietly replacing old-school enforcement The growing role of automation in tax processing, and how it’s leading to confusing notices, mismatched payments, and head-scratching letters Why you should never ignore a tax notice, even when it looks wrong, and how often they actually are New and finalized tax rules that could create real savings opportunities, especially for service-based businesses with tipped income A new 1% tax that could quietly affect personal cash transfers overseas starting in 2026 Eye-opening tax data on who is actually paying the bulk of federal taxes, and what that means for business owners thinking about growth Hidden traps inside common entity structures, especially S corporations, that can trigger unexpected taxes if handled incorrectly Advanced planning strategies like micro captive insurance, where the upside is real, but so is the IRS scrutiny if you get it wrong What the lack of major tax law changes (for now) means for planning ahead, and why stability might actually be your biggest advantage going into the next couple of years
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Episode 139: Avoid IRS Penalties!
04/17/2026
Episode 139: Avoid IRS Penalties!
In this episode: Why most taxpayers don’t itemize anymore, and when it still actually makes sense to do so The hidden fine print on mortgage interest deductions, including caps that quietly limit what high-balance homeowners can write off How home equity loans can either save you on taxes, or cost you the deduction entirely depending on how you use the money The real story behind points, refinancing, and why timing matters more than most people realize Why some common “write-offs” like mortgage insurance premiums rarely benefit higher earners A major shift in state and local tax deductions, and why some business owners may suddenly see bigger write-offs The growing cost pressure of employee health insurance, and the moment your business is legally required to offer it How benefits strategy isn’t just an expense, it’s a recruiting weapon if you play it right A surprising tax change around gambling income that quietly increases what people owe Why the IRS insists you pay taxes throughout the year, not just in April, and how that impacts cash flow The concept of “safe harbor” payments and how it can protect you even if your income swings wildly A lesser-known payroll strategy some business owners use to legally manage timing of tax payments Why tax planning isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the difference between scrambling in April and being in control year-round
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Episode 138: Tax Traps and Smart Moves: What Taxpayers Should Fix Before It Costs Them
04/03/2026
Episode 138: Tax Traps and Smart Moves: What Taxpayers Should Fix Before It Costs Them
In this episode: A practical look at proposed IRS reform and why better customer service, clearer appeals rights, and stronger taxpayer advocacy matter to everyday taxpayers and business owners. A timely reminder about April tax deadlines, including the difference between an extension to file and an extension to pay. What taxpayers should know about the IRS shift away from paper checks, and how that could affect refunds, estimates, and tax payments. A candid discussion about what happens when you owe the IRS, including payment plan options, costly mistakes, and why tax planning matters more than panic. Easy-to-follow insights on gift and estate planning strategies, including annual gifting rules and key filing requirements families often miss. A useful overview of charitable giving strategies through IRAs and how they may benefit certain taxpayers. Important filing issues that can come up after the death of a spouse, including deadlines and portability considerations. Common audit triggers, popular tax scams, and the kinds of “too good to be true” tax advice business owners should avoid.
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Episode 137: The Tax Breaks You’re Probably Missing, and the Tech That’s Changing Everything
03/20/2026
Episode 137: The Tax Breaks You’re Probably Missing, and the Tech That’s Changing Everything
In this episode: A little-known tax opportunity involving long-term care costs that can significantly reduce taxable income if handled correctly Why medical expense deductions aren’t as straightforward as people think, and how thresholds and documentation come into play The real story behind deducting vehicles for business use, including where people tend to overestimate what they can write off How newer depreciation rules and limits impact big purchases, especially vehicles and equipment Key deadlines and elections business owners often miss, and how those timing decisions can affect taxes A candid look at how artificial intelligence is rapidly changing accounting, bookkeeping, and financial reporting Practical ways firms are already using AI to save time, improve accuracy, and streamline client work What business owners should expect as technology becomes more embedded in financial operations, whether they like it or not A shift toward more modern, digital client experiences, including changes to billing and payment processes
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Episode 136: March Madness for Taxes: Deadlines, Deductions, and Costly Mistakes to Avoid
03/06/2026
Episode 136: March Madness for Taxes: Deadlines, Deductions, and Costly Mistakes to Avoid
In this episode: Why tax season gets significantly more intense in March, and why accountants push for earlier deadlines to ensure returns are accurate and thoroughly reviewed. How accounting firms stay engaged in their communities even during the busiest time of year, including charitable initiatives and local philanthropy. A lesser-known tax rule affecting investments in physical gold and silver, and why these assets are taxed differently than many other investments. Planning strategies involving IRAs, including how charitable distributions can reduce taxable income while supporting causes you care about. What beneficiaries need to know about Required Minimum Distributions after inheriting an IRA, and the potential tax consequences of missing them. A detail many business owners overlook about tip deductions for self-employed individuals and why proper reporting matters. A recent change to the business interest deduction rules and how it may impact larger businesses starting in 2025. Important filing deadlines for businesses and partnerships during tax season, and why extensions are often part of a smart filing strategy. What really happens if taxes aren’t paid on time, including how IRS interest works on both unpaid balances and delayed refunds.
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Episode 135: Before You File: The Tax Law Changes High Earners Can’t Afford to Miss
02/20/2026
Episode 135: Before You File: The Tax Law Changes High Earners Can’t Afford to Miss
In this episode: What the expanded SALT deduction really means, and how income limits and payment timing can impact your 2025–2029 strategy. New charitable contribution limits in 2026 and smart planning moves high earners should consider now. How itemized deductions and education credits are shifting, including common (and costly) mistakes to avoid Real IRS court cases entrepreneurs can learn from: innocent spouse relief, attorney fee limits, and conservation easement scrutiny. Why setting up an IRS online account matters and what IRS budget cuts and new whistleblower rules signal for enforcement going forward.
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Episode 134: Senior Tax Breaks, Farm Gains, and the IRS Shake‑Up
02/06/2026
Episode 134: Senior Tax Breaks, Farm Gains, and the IRS Shake‑Up
In this episode: Detailed insight into the new $6,000 Senior Deduction for taxpayers age 65+, including income phaseouts and confusion around Social Security taxability. A look at the proposed depreciation of primary residences, a radical idea never seriously floated in prior administrations. Update on student loan garnishments: 2025 refunds will not be seized for defaults, offering temporary relief to millions. Confirmation that military housing dividend checks ($1,776) are non-taxable. New installment option for taxes on the sale of qualified farmland to other farmers, under strict use restrictions and the new Section 1062. Tax implications of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) income for college athletes, including federal taxability and potential self-employment tax. Discussion on IRS readiness issues: 2M+ unprocessed returns, phone line service drops, and staffing shortfalls. Urgent heads-up: IRS is now using processing date—not postmark date—for paper filings, emphasizing the importance of e-filing or certified mail.
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Episode 133: IRS Shutdowns, E‑Filing Mandates, and Refund Changes
01/26/2026
Episode 133: IRS Shutdowns, E‑Filing Mandates, and Refund Changes
In this episode: IRS electronic filing systems are closed until January 26, delaying returns and refunds. Some state tax forms won’t be ready for filing until late February. IRS staffing shortages are causing longer response times across the board. Paper filing and paper checks are being phased out in favor of electronic methods. New deductions and credits under recent legislation may increase refund amounts. Employers must follow updated guidance when reporting 2025 overtime on W-2s. Identity theft during tax season is increasing; IRS Identity Protection PINs can help. New rules impact charitable donations of non-cash items and vehicle contributions. A proposed bill could increase the capital gains exclusion on home sales. E-filing and online payments are now required for many taxpayers and businesses. Extensions are common and often necessary when waiting on corrected or delayed tax documents. Form 1099 filing must be completed by January 31, with e-filing required if over 10 forms are issued.
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Episode 132: Catch-Ups, Cutoffs & Contribution Caps: 2026 Retirement & Tax Gamechangers
01/09/2026
Episode 132: Catch-Ups, Cutoffs & Contribution Caps: 2026 Retirement & Tax Gamechangers
In this episode: Why “goals” beat New Year’s resolutions (and how business owners can take that mindset into tax season). A rundown of 2026 tax law changes that matter most for business owners—especially those involving deductions, 1099s, and retirement contributions. Proactive security and document exchange tips during tax season (and why SafeSend might be your new best friend). Key updates for employers: 1099 filing thresholds are changing, and new fringe benefit rules might affect your planning. Why HSAs and Roth 401(k) catch-ups are worth a closer look this year. Diane Laird, Downtown Dover Partnership Diane Laird, Executive Director of the Downtown Dover Partnership (DDP), shares how Dover’s revitalization has evolved from piecemeal, market-driven change to a coordinated, community-led transformation. With decades in interior design and urban policy, she explains how a master plan has brought together public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders under one vision. Key projects like the Mobility Center and a mixed-use redevelopment of the old Acme site are already underway, backed by creative financing and strategic zoning changes. The DDP’s new nonprofit, Capital City Transformation Alliance, will reinvest parking revenue directly into future improvements, an unusual and impactful move. Diane also previews Winterfest 2026, a free downtown celebration with ice sculptures, food trucks, music, and more—all part of a broader effort to boost foot traffic, local pride, and small business success downtown.
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Episode 131: Don’t Leave Money on the Table: New Deductions, Donor Hacks & The Truth About Trump Accounts
12/29/2025
Episode 131: Don’t Leave Money on the Table: New Deductions, Donor Hacks & The Truth About Trump Accounts
In this episode: What Trump Accounts are, who qualifies, and why parents of young kids should pay attention in 2026. How the “no tax on tips/overtime” headlines are misleading and what employers need to prepare for now. Why hobby losses are red flags for the IRS, especially for side gigs that never turn a profit. A timely breakdown of gift tax rules, including how to move money to family members tax-free and when you do have to file something. Creative ways to give to charity, including donor-advised funds and how businesses can deduct donations as advertising.
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Episode 130: Tax Planning Before the Clock Runs Out: Strategies, Credits, and Compliance
12/12/2025
Episode 130: Tax Planning Before the Clock Runs Out: Strategies, Credits, and Compliance
In this episode, we explore some of the most important tax updates and strategies that business owners should have on their radar. Topics include: A game-changing update that makes a popular capital gains deferral tool available for the long term A new IRS process that could save compliant taxpayers time and frustration when dealing with penalties A significant tax credit for businesses that invest in employee childcare and support services How the IRS is finally adding clarity to error notices, and why it matters for your bottom line What’s coming soon to simplify cryptocurrency tax reporting for both individuals and businesses Key year-end tax strategies you may still have time to take advantage of A major change in Delaware’s approach to depreciation, and how it could impact planning New deductions tied to everyday financial choices, like vehicle loans and charitable giving Expanded options for using 529 Plans that go well beyond traditional college tuition
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Podcast 129: $500K Tax-Free Gains, SALT Cap Surprises & Strategy That Sticks
11/17/2025
Podcast 129: $500K Tax-Free Gains, SALT Cap Surprises & Strategy That Sticks
In this episode: Why outdated beliefs about avoiding taxes on home sales can be costly, and the real rules you need to follow today. A surprising stat on how much of the country’s income taxes are paid by just the top 1%. Key updates to Social Security thresholds, earnings limits, and the wage base for 2026. Smart year-end tax strategies that look beyond just 2025. A heads-up on the expanded SALT cap and how it might make itemizing deductions worth another look. A creative way to turn your home into a source of tax-free income for up to 14 days. The new age for RMDs, why inherited IRAs can trigger unexpected tax burdens, and how to rethink your Roth. founder, Shawn Tyndall, joins us and shares the lessons he learned scaling a web design and digital marketing firm from a college startup to a nationally recognized remote agency. He explains why specializing early matters, why client relationships trump one-time projects, and how his team thrives by keeping websites simple, fast, and evolving. From building trust beyond state lines to hiring for remote success, Shawn’s insight is a blueprint for sustainable, tech-savvy entrepreneurship.
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Episode 128: Entity structure: LLC or S Corp: Picking the Right Shield for Your Business
10/31/2025
Episode 128: Entity structure: LLC or S Corp: Picking the Right Shield for Your Business
In this episode: C vs. S corp: where taxes really hit LLCs vs. S corps: payroll and flexibility Double taxation decoded Profit splits: fair or fixed? When losses save you money Recourse vs. nonrecourse debt explained Why planning before filing matters Clean books = real tax options Hiring experts beats DIY mistakes Paying advisors as an investment Today on the podcast, we’re joined by Christopher VonLindenberg, Founder and CEO of . Chris is a lifelong entrepreneur with a passion for helping people unlock their potential, both financially and personally. In our conversation, he shares how growing up in a blue-collar family shaped his work ethic, how he learned to redefine success beyond “just working harder,” and why he believes true financial planning starts with life planning. Episode Overview: In this episode, listeners will hear: How Chris turned uncertainty about his future into a career built on service and entrepreneurship. Why “living life while you work” matters more than saving it all for retirement. The difference between working in your business and working on your life vision. How collaboration between CPAs, financial planners, and attorneys creates better outcomes for clients. Why tax and financial planning shouldn’t happen in silos—and how proactive teamwork can change your financial trajectory. The art and science of planning: blending data with human goals to build lasting confidence. By the end, you’ll walk away with a renewed perspective on money, purpose, and how building the right advisory team can help you live life, not just plan for it.
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Podcast 127: Deadlines, Deductions, and Delays: What’s Brewing in Tax Season 2026
10/17/2025
Podcast 127: Deadlines, Deductions, and Delays: What’s Brewing in Tax Season 2026
In this episode: What the IRS’s latest move on paper checks means for your refund timing. The “tip deduction” that could put more money back in the pockets of both employees and self-employed workers. New per diem rates that might change how your company reimburses travel. A helpful update for farmers dealing with drought-related losses. What crypto investors should watch for in their mailbox this coming tax season. Inside scoop on IRS staffing challenges, and how that could delay refunds and responses. The ripple effect of new legislation on tax software, filing timelines, and your 2026 tax prep. This week on Accounting and Accountability, Tammy and Hilari sit down with Amy Thompson, President and CEO of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a beach town’s business community thriving year-round. Amy shares how Ocean City’s economy is evolving beyond tourism, why festivals like Oceans Calling and Country Calling are a massive win for local businesses, and what legislative issues are making waves, from short-term rental regulations to the offshore wind debate. Listeners will hear how the Chamber advocates for small business owners at every level of government, why membership is more than just mixers and ribbon cuttings, and where the next wave of entrepreneurial opportunity may be hiding in Ocean City.
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Episode 126: Innovate & Elevate: A Deep-Dive into R&D Credits
10/03/2025
Episode 126: Innovate & Elevate: A Deep-Dive into R&D Credits
In this episode: Navigating government shutdowns and IRS updates for business owners The impact of state vs. federal marijuana laws on business deductions Understanding the QBI deduction and how it affects entrepreneurs Beneficial ownership reporting: what changed and why it matters Key tax deadlines and what to do after tax season Foreign bank account reporting requirements (FBAR) State-specific tax law changes (Maryland vs. Delaware) Deep dive into the Research & Development (R&D) tax credit: Who qualifies and the four-part test Real-world examples for startups, manufacturers, and tech companies Payroll tax offsets for early-stage businesses Documentation tips and audit triggers Common misconceptions and maximizing your credits
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Episode 125: No More Checks: What the IRS Just Changed
09/19/2025
Episode 125: No More Checks: What the IRS Just Changed
In this episode: • Why the IRS is phasing out paper checks and what that means for paying or receiving tax refunds going forward • How misleading labels on draft IRS forms could confuse clients (hint: “No Tax on Tips” doesn’t actually mean that) • A major 401(k) rule change for high earners that could impact catch-up contributions starting in 2027 • Year-end tax planning tips for business owners, including strategies you must act on before December 31 • Smart ways to manage estimates, avoid penalties, and use paycheck withholdings to your advantage If you want fewer surprises come April and smarter decisions in Q4, don’t miss this one.
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Episode 124: There ARE taxes on tips
09/05/2025
Episode 124: There ARE taxes on tips
In this episode: Clarification of the Tip Deduction: What it actually is, how it’s not “No Tax on Tips,” and which industries (yes, even rickshaw drivers and tattoo artists) are poised to benefit. Leaked Treasury Industry List: Hear the early scoop on 68 job types rumored to qualify for the tip deduction—and why it’s causing a stir. W-2 Changes Are Coming: Insight into new boxes (like 14B and 12A), new codes (TP, TT), and what employers will have to start tracking—possibly before the IRS even has their act together. Overtime Deduction Explained: A down-to-earth breakdown of who qualifies, how it’s calculated (hint: it’s just the “half” in time-and-a-half), and what the income limits are. Why Notices from the IRS or State Might Be Wrong: A frank discussion on the rise of erroneous tax notices, automation glitches, and how tax pros are battling red tape and broken phone trees on your behalf.
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Episode 123: Big Bill Energy: Tax Tips, Roth Moves, and What the IRS Isn’t Telling You
08/22/2025
Episode 123: Big Bill Energy: Tax Tips, Roth Moves, and What the IRS Isn’t Telling You
Update on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): The firm is actively educating clients on this fast-tracked legislation, which passed with drafting errors that may require technical corrections. Nonprofit Retirement Plan Credit: A new bipartisan bill proposes extending up to $5,000 in startup retirement plan tax credits to nonprofit organizations, similar to what's already available to for-profits. Roth IRA Conversions & RMDs: Listeners get clarity on converting pre-tax retirement funds into Roth IRAs, including the rule that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must be taken before a Roth conversion is allowed. Taxability of Legal Settlements: The episode breaks down when lawsuit settlements are taxable, including distinctions between physical vs. emotional damages and the implications of gross settlements (taxed before attorney fees). Penalty Relief Through Reasonable Cause: Entrepreneurs learn how to pursue IRS penalty abatement by showing reasonable cause, acting in good faith, and behaving like a prudent taxpayer. Potential End of IRS Paper Refund Checks: The podcast closes with an update on the White House’s push to eliminate paper refund checks—a change that likely won’t happen by the proposed September 30th deadline. Room for All: How CAMP Rehoboth Builds Community That Lasts In this episode, Kim Leisey, Executive Director of , joins Keith Kahn to share how the organization is evolving while staying true to its mission of inclusion, advocacy, and connection in Southern Delaware. From volunteer programs to partnerships with local businesses, Kim lays out a blueprint for meaningful nonprofit impact. Key Takeaways: Rooted in Purpose: CAMP Rehoboth began as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to welcome all who align with its mission. Smart Partnerships: Kim focuses on “intersections”—connecting with businesses and organizations through shared goals. Scaling With Heart: Even as events grow, CAMP Rehoboth prioritizes emotional safety, connection, and community-building. Mission-First Leadership: The team avoids “mission creep,” sticks to core values, and leans on transparent governance. Volunteers with Purpose: People are matched to meaningful roles that use their skills and deepen their connection. Businesses Wanted (Beyond the Check): Kim encourages business owners to engage—through board service, volunteering, and partnership—not just donations.
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Episode 122: Segregation of Duties: Your First Line of Defense Against Fraud
08/08/2025
Episode 122: Segregation of Duties: Your First Line of Defense Against Fraud
IRS Delays & Staffing Cuts The IRS is facing a 25% workforce reduction, which may delay the start of the 2026 filing season and limit live support. Hear how this could impact your business and what to expect. Disaster Relief Gets Easier New rules make it simpler to deduct uninsured personal losses from state-declared disasters. If you or a loved one faced property damage before July 4, 2025, there may be relief available—but there are key conditions. Temporary Tax Breaks You Might Miss The podcast breaks down two new deductions—the $6,000 senior deduction and the $10,000 auto loan interest deduction—for those who qualify. Both are generous, both are temporary, and both come with income limits that could catch you off guard. No, Your Home Sale Still Isn’t Tax-Free Despite political promises, the longstanding home sale gain exclusion rules haven’t changed. But we explain why this still matters for your long-term planning. Segregation of Duties—Why It’s Not Just a Buzzword If your bookkeeper also cuts checks and reconciles the bank account, you’re at risk. We share real-life scenarios that show how even the most trusted employees can slip—and what to do to protect your business. Small Businesses Are Prime Targets for Fraud Fraud in small businesses often flies under the radar, but it hurts more. Learn how to spot red flags like “lifestyle creep” and resistance to oversight before they snowball into major losses. Practical Steps to Protect Your Organization From using accounting software the right way to setting up passwords, vendor controls, surprise checks, and insurance coverage—these are simple, actionable ways to create a fraud-resistant culture. The Power of Knowing Your Numbers If you can’t explain your financials, you’re handing over control. We’ll show you how to get a grip on your books—without having to become an accountant.
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