Returning Value Blog

2026 Outlook for the Real Estate & Construction Industry

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jan 23, 2026

The real estate and construction industry has weathered years of disruption, from supply chain chaos and natural disasters to labor shortages and interest rate volatility. As companies look ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be another year of change and challenge.

Posted in Business Advisory

Tax Filing Update for Pass-Through Entities

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Jan 22, 2026

Do you operate a business as a partnership, a limited liability company (LLC) treated as a partnership for tax purposes, or an S corporation? In tax lingo, these are called “pass-through” entities because their taxable income items, tax deductions, and tax credits are passed through to their owners and taken into account on the owners’ federal income tax returns. These entities generally don’t owe any federal income tax themselves. Here are some important things to know about tax filing for pass-through entities.

Posted in Business Tax

Is Your Business Ready for the Tax Deadline That's on Groundhog Day This Year?

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Jan 21, 2026

Normally, businesses must furnish certain information returns to workers and submit them to the federal government by January 31. But this year, that date falls on a Saturday. So the deadline is the next business day, which happens to be Groundhog Day: February 2, 2026.

Posted in Business Advisory

What To Look For on Your Balance Sheet — and How to Strengthen It.

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Jan 14, 2026

The balance sheet shows your company’s financial condition — its assets vs. liabilities — at a specific point in time. However, the balance sheet is more than a static report. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool for managers and other stakeholders to analyze historical performance and plan for future growth. Taking your balance sheet to the next level requires context, judgment and forward-looking analysis.

Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

How Activity-Based Costing Can Improve Business Performance

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Jan 08, 2026

Your income statement indicates whether your business is profitable — but it doesn’t always explain why . For many small businesses, traditional cost accounting can mask where time and money are really being spent. Activity-based costing offers a practical way to understand the true cost of the work you perform, helping you make better decisions about pricing, profitability, and operational efficiency.

Posted in Business Advisory

Not All Business "Expenses" Are Tax Deductible

Posted by Jessica L. Pagan, CPA on Jan 07, 2026

With 2025 in the rear view mirror and the tax filing deadline on the road ahead, it’s a good time for businesses to start gathering information about their deductible expenses for 2025. But what’s deductible (and what’s not) might not be as clear-cut as you think.

Posted in Business Tax

Secure 2.0 Act Impacts High Earners Catch-up Retirement Contributions

Posted by Amber Cochran Saxon on Dec 22, 2025

FocusPay Solutions wants to share an important update regarding changes to catch-up contributions effective for the 2026 plan year. We want to make sure you understand what is changing, who is affected, and how you can plan accordingly.

Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

IRS Makes Retirement Plan Changes for 2026

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Dec 19, 2025

The Internal Revenue Service has issued a release explaining changes in retirement plan limits for 2026. Below is a summary of this release. The provisions can be complex, so current and prospective plan participants should work with a financial professional.

Posted in Business Advisory

Significant Changes to Information Reporting Go Into Effect for the 2026 Tax Year

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Dec 16, 2025

If your business has employees or uses independent contractors, you have associated annual information reporting obligations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes changes impacting these rules, but not for the 2025 tax year.

Posted in Business Advisory

Year-End Reminder: Don't Overlook Your PTO Accruals

Posted by Melissa Motley, CPA on Dec 12, 2025

As 2025 winds down, it’s important to review your company’s accounting for unused paid time off (PTO). Many employers allow employees to carry forward unused vacation, sick leave, or personal time. This policy may create liabilities under U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) — and, if your staff tends to bank time off, your PTO accrual may be larger than expected. Here’s what to consider as you finalize your financials.

Posted in Audit & Assurance