Returning Value Blog

Today, many organizations rely on cloud-based tools to store and manage data. However, the costs to set up cloud computing services can be significant, and many business owners are unsure whether the implementation costs must be immediately expensed or capitalized. Changes made in recent years provide some much-needed clarity to the rules.

For many businesses, accounts receivable (AR) is one of the largest assets on the balance sheet. It represents the cash you’ve earned but haven’t yet collected. Efficient AR management is critical for maintaining healthy cash flow, reducing bad debt, and fueling growth. But a key question often goes unasked: How do your company’s receivables compare to others in your industry? This is where benchmarking comes in.

One of the most critical decisions entrepreneurs make when starting or restructuring a business is choosing the right entity type. This choice directly impacts how the business is taxed, the level of administrative complexity, and regulatory compliance obligations. While legal liability considerations also matter, we will focus on tax implications. For liability advice, consult a legal professional.

As year-end approaches, many businesses will soon be preparing for their annual audits. One key consideration is ensuring there are no potential conflicts of interest that could compromise the integrity of your company’s financial statements. A conflict of interest can cloud an auditor’s judgment and undermine their objectivity. Vigilance in spotting these conflicts is essential to maintain the transparency and reliability of your financial reports.

Are your company’s financial statements keeping up with how people consume information today? We live in a world that scrolls, swipes, and scans. With information coming at us nonstop, most people don’t have the time — or patience — for dense financial reports.

The qualified business income (QBI) deduction, which became effective in 2018, is a significant tax benefit for many business owners. It allows eligible taxpayers to deduct up to 20% of QBI, not to exceed 20% of taxable income. It can also be claimed for up to 20% of income from qualified real estate investment trust dividends.

Recent IRS downsizing efforts have posed challenges for taxpayers attempting to resolve issues with the agency. Over recent months, thousands of IRS employees have left the IRS through the administration’s deferred resignation programs, comprehensive layoffs of probationary employees, and retirements.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) contains a major overhaul of an outdated IRS requirement. Beginning with payments made in 2026, the new law raises the threshold for information reporting on certain business payments from $600 to $2,000. Beginning in 2027, the threshold amount will be adjusted for inflation.

In March, the U.S. Department of the Treasury was directed to begin phasing out the acceptance and disbursement of paper checks. This phase-out is set to occur by September 30, 2025, and the purpose is to enhance security, reduce fraud, and improve government efficiency.

New federal legislation is shaking up how tip income and overtime pay are taxed—at least temporarily. From 2025 through 2028, qualified employees could see major savings on their federal tax bill thanks to the No Tax on Tips Act and a new federal overtime deduction. Here’s what employers and employees need to know, and how it might (or might not) impact your paycheck.