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Returning Value Blog

New Law Eases the Limitation on Business Interest Expense Deductions for 2025 and Beyond

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Dec 08, 2025

Interest paid or accrued by a business is generally deductible for federal tax purposes. But limitations apply. Now, some changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) will result in larger deductions for affected taxpayers.
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Posted in Business Tax

6 Last-Minute Tax Tips for Businesses

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Dec 05, 2025

Year-round tax planning generally produces the best results, but there are some steps you can still take in December to lower your 2025 taxes. Here are six to consider:

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Posted in Business Tax

Hiring a Bookkeeper for Your Small Business

Posted by Chris Earnest on Dec 04, 2025

Choosing the right bookkeeper is one of the most important staffing decisions your business will make. A skilled bookkeeper maintains accurate financial records, manages cash flow, and ensures compliance with accounting and tax requirements. But finding the right person can be challenging, especially in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re replacing a long-time team member or hiring for the first time, here are some key factors to consider when interviewing candidates.

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Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

The Legal Name Requirement: A Critical Compliance Reminder for Year-End W-2 Processing

Posted by Katelyn Parks on Dec 03, 2025

As we approach year-end and begin preparing for W-2 distribution, it’s important for employers to revisit a key federal requirement that is often overlooked: all payroll and tax reporting must reflect an employee’s legal name exactly as it appears on their Social Security card.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

Is Your Accounting Software Working for Your Business — or Against It?

Posted by Murry Guy, CPA on Nov 26, 2025

When buying new accounting software or upgrading your existing solution, it’s critical to evaluate your options carefully. The right platform can streamline operations and improve financial reporting accuracy. However, the wrong one can result in reporting delays, compliance risks, security breaches, and strategic missteps. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Ready, Set, Count Your Inventory

Posted by Aaron K. Waller, CPA on Nov 24, 2025

When businesses issue audited financial statements, year-end physical inventory counts may be required for retailers, manufacturers, contractors, and others that carry significant inventory. Auditors don’t perform the counts themselves, but they observe them to evaluate the accuracy of management’s procedures, verify that recorded quantities exist, and assess whether inventory is properly valued.

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Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

2025 Year-End Reminders Regarding Common Fringe Benefits

Posted by Katelyn Parks on Nov 21, 2025

As 2025 draws to a close, employers should review whether they have properly included the value of common fringe benefits in their employees’ — and where applicable, 2% S-corporation shareholders’ — taxable wages. With remote and hybrid work arrangements continuing to be common, this remains a critical review area for year-end tax compliance.

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Posted in Payroll, HR & Benefits

2025 Business Year-End Tax Planning Guide

Posted by Lesley L. Price, CPA on Nov 20, 2025

Businesses face unprecedented complexity as legislative changes, shifting economic conditions, and technological advancements reshape the tax landscape for organizations of all sizes. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brings both new opportunities and risks, making proactive planning and compliance essential.

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Posted in Business Advisory, Business Tax

Business Owners: You Don't Need a Crystal Ball to See the Future, Just Your CPA

Posted by Melissa Motley, CPA on Nov 17, 2025

Financial statements report historical financial performance. But sometimes management or external stakeholders want to evaluate how a business will perform in the future. Forward-looking estimates are critical when evaluating strategic decisions, such as debt and equity financing, capital improvement projects, shareholder buyouts, mergers, and reorganization plans. While company insiders may see the business through rose-colored glasses, external accountants can prepare prospective financial reports that are grounded in realistic, market-based assumptions.

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Posted in Accounting & Outsourcing

What You Need to Know About Deducting Business Gifts

Posted by Nick Wheeler, CPA on Nov 14, 2025

Thoughtful business gifts are a great way to show appreciation to customers and employees. They can also deliver tax benefits when handled correctly. Unfortunately, the IRS limits most business gift deductions to $25 per person per year, a cap that hasn’t changed since 1962. Still, with careful planning and good recordkeeping, you may be able to maximize your deductions.

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Posted in Business Tax

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