--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Lesley L. Price, CPA (2) description: (2) --- [Family of Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/)  |  [CPA & Business Advisory](http://machenmcchesney.com)  |  [Payroll, HR & Benefits](http://focuspaysolutions.com/)  |  [Wealth Management](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) Auburn-Opelika (334) 887-7022 | Montgomery (334) 244-8900 [![mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-re-cobrand-fd-blues.png)](http://machenmcchesney.com) Search this site on Google Search Google Search this site on Google Search Google - [Client Portal](https://machenmcchesney.sharefile.com/Authentication/Login) - [1040 Electronic Organizer](https://www.my1040data.com/account/login/HT7902990) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/675439?trk=tyah&trkInfo=idx%3A1-1-1%2CtarId%3A1424436970395%2Ctas%3Amachen+mcchesney) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/machenmcchesney) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/101356546927388458481) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/machenmcchesney) - About Us - [Welcome](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/welcome/) - [Affiliations and Associations](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/affiliations-and-associations/) - [Community Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/community-events/) - [Family of Companies](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/) - [History](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/firm-profile-history/) - [Mission and Values](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [Team Directory](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/team-directory/) - Services - [Accounting & Outsourcing](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/accounting-outsourcing/) - [Audit and Assurance Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/audit-assurance/) - [Business Advisory Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-advisory/) - [Business Valuation Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-valuation-services/) - [Family Office Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/family-care/) - [Financial Planning & Wealth Mangement Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) - [Individual Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/individuals/) - [Taxation](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/taxation/) - Who We Serve - [Construction & Real Estate](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/construction-real-estate/) - [Credit Unions](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/credit-unions/) - [Government & Not-For-Profits](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/governmental-not-for-profit/) - [Healthcare & Professional Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/healthcare-and-professional-services/) - [Hospitality, Restaurant & Retail](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/hospitality-restaurant-retail/) - [Manufacturing, Distribution & Automotive](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/manufacturing-distribution-automotive/) - [Success Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Blog](https://info.machenmcchesney.com/blog) - [E-Newsletter Archive](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter-archive/) - [Financial Calculators](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-calculators/) - [Financial Terms Glossary](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-terms-glossary/) - [Helpful Articles](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/newsletter/) - [Tax Calendar](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-calendar/) - [Tax Links](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-links/) - [Track Your Refund](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/track-your-refund/) - [Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter/) - [Subscribe to Our Blog](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/subscribe-to-the-machen-mcchesney-blog/) - News & Events - [Press Releases](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/press-releases/) - [Upcoming Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/upcoming-events/) - Careers - [Our Culture](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/culture/) - [Benefits](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/benefits/) - [Our Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/our-stories/) - [Current Openings](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/current-openings-send-resume/) - [Accounting Internship Opportunities](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/students/) - Contact Us - [Auburn-Opelika Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-auburn-office/) - [Montgomery Office](http://machenmcchesney.com/contact-us/contact-us-montgomery-office/) # Returning Value Blog ## Lesley L. Price, CPA ### Recent Posts ## [How Activity-Based Costing Can Improve Business Performance](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-activity-based-costing-can-improve-business-performance) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Jan 08, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Goals%20-506349640-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-activity-based-costing-can-improve-business-performance) 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. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-activity-based-costing-can-improve-business-performance) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [2025 Year-End Tax Planning Guide for Individuals](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-year-end-tax-planning-guide-for-individuals) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Dec 10, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Planning%202025%20-1461694146-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-year-end-tax-planning-guide-for-individuals) With the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, and inflation showing signs of moderating, tax planning remains as important as ever for taxpayers seeking to manage cash flows and reduce their tax liabilities over time. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-year-end-tax-planning-guide-for-individuals) Posted in [Individual Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) ## [6 Last-Minute Tax Tips for Businesses](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/6-last-minute-tax-tips-for-businesses) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Dec 05, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Tips%20-2177369662-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/6-last-minute-tax-tips-for-businesses) 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: [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/6-last-minute-tax-tips-for-businesses) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [2025 Business Year-End Tax Planning Guide](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-business-year-end-tax-planning-guide) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Nov 20, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Small%20Business%20Taxes-1360551210-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-business-year-end-tax-planning-guide) 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. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/2025-business-year-end-tax-planning-guide) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory), [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [Year-End Budgeting: Where to Look for Cost-Saving Opportunities](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-budgeting-where-to-look-for-cost-saving-opportunities) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Oct 13, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/2026%20Budget%20-2233005394-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-budgeting-where-to-look-for-cost-saving-opportunities) As 2025 winds down, business owners and managers are ramping up their planning efforts for the new year. Part of the annual budgeting process is identifying ways to lower expenses and strengthen cash flow. When cutting costs, think beyond the obvious, such as wages, benefits, and employee headcount. These cutbacks can make it harder to attract and retain skilled workers in today’s challenging labor market, potentially compromising work quality and productivity. Here are three creative ideas to help boost your company’s bottom line — without sacrificing its top line. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/year-end-budgeting-where-to-look-for-cost-saving-opportunities) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Evaluating Business Decisions Using Breakeven Analysis](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/evaluating-business-decisions-using-breakeven-analysis) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Sep 10, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/break-even%20point%20-1187484528-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/evaluating-business-decisions-using-breakeven-analysis) You shouldn’t rely on gut instinct when making major business decisions, such as launching a new product line, investing in new equipment, or changing your pricing structure. Projecting the financial implications of your decision (or among competing alternatives) can help you determine the right course of action — and potentially persuade investors or lenders to finance your plans. One intuitive tool to consider for these applications is breakeven analysis. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/evaluating-business-decisions-using-breakeven-analysis) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [How Do Businesses Report Cloud Computing Implementation Costs?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-do-businesses-report-cloud-computing-implementation-costs) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Aug 29, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Cloud%20Computing%20-2203259620-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-do-businesses-report-cloud-computing-implementation-costs) 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. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-do-businesses-report-cloud-computing-implementation-costs) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [The QBI Deduction and What's New in the One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-qbi-deduction-and-whats-new-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Aug 07, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/QBI%20deduction%20-1268417774-1.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-qbi-deduction-and-whats-new-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act) 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. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-qbi-deduction-and-whats-new-in-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-act) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory), [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [The New Law Includes Favorable Changes for Depreciating Eligible Assets](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-law-includes-favorable-changes-for-depreciating-eligible-assets) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Jul 23, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Assets%20-865888220-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-law-includes-favorable-changes-for-depreciating-eligible-assets) The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes a number of beneficial changes that will help small business taxpayers.Perhaps thebiggest and best changes are liberalized rules for depreciating business assets. Here’s what you need to know. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-law-includes-favorable-changes-for-depreciating-eligible-assets) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory), [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [5 Tax Breaks on the Table: What Business Owners Should Know About the Latest Proposals](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-tax-breaks-on-the-table-what-business-owners-should-know-about-the-latest-proposals) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Lesley%20Price%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Lesley L. Price, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa) on Jun 18, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Break%20-1640899346-1.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-tax-breaks-on-the-table-what-business-owners-should-know-about-the-latest-proposals) A bill in Congress — dubbed The One, Big, Beautiful Bill — could significantly reshape several federal business tax breaks. While the proposed legislation is still under debate, it’s already sparking attention across business communities. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/5-tax-breaks-on-the-table-what-business-owners-should-know-about-the-latest-proposals) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) [Previous](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa/page/1) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lesley-l-price-cpa/page/3) Search this site on Google Search Google ### Recent Posts ### Subscribe to Blog ### Posts by Category - [Business Tax (356)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) - [Business Advisory (242)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) - [Payroll, HR & Benefits (124)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) - [Audit & Assurance (113)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/audit-assurance) - [Accounting & Outsourcing (81)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) - [Individual Tax (75)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) - [Tax Planning (33)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-planning) - [Tax Updates (25)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-updates) - [Retirement & Wealth Management Planning (18)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-wealth-management-planning) - [Taxation (15)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/taxation) - [Alerts (13)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) - [Business Valuation (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-valuation) - [News & Events (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) - [Tax News (11)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/tax-news) - [Individual Tax Planning (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax-planning) - [Not For Profit (10)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/not-for-profit) - [Retirement Planning (9)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/retirement-planning) - [Estate Planning (8)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/estate-planning) - [Manufacturing Industry Insights (7)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/manufacturing-industry-insights) - [Individuals (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individuals) - [Insider (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/insider) - [Professional Standard News (1)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/professional-standard-news) see all [![Returning\_Value](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2504250850-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/Returning_Value.jpg)](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [![AICPA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/aicpa.jpg)](https://www.aicpa-cima.com/) - [![NACVA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/logos/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - ![2026 INSIDE Public Accounting Top 400](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-ipa-top-400.jpg) - ![2026 Best of Auburn-Opelika](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-auburn-opelika.jpg) - [![2025 Best of OA](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-best-of-oa.jpg)](https://oanow.com/exclusive/readerschoice/ballot-2025/) - ![2026 Best of OA Winner](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2026-best-of-oa-winner.jpg) - [![2025 Accounting Today Regional Leaders](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2025-accounting-today-regional-leaders.jpg)](https://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) - [![ClearlyRated Best of Accounting Employee](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/2024-best-of-accounting-employee.jpg)](https://www.clearlyrated.com/accounting) 1820 East University Drive, Auburn, AL 36830 | Tel: (334) 887-7022 | Fax: (334) 887-7221 1761 Taliaferro Trail, Montgomery, AL 36117 | Tel: (334) 244-8900 | Fax: (334) 364-0927 † This is not a CPA firm. \* Assurance, attest, and audit services provided by Frazier & Deeter, LLC. “Frazier & Deeter” is the brand name under which Frazier & Deeter, LLC\* and Frazier & Deeter Advisory, LLC† and its subsidiary entities provide professional services. 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