--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Lisa Albritton --- [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 [![Machen McChesney](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hub/471263/file-2521950511.png?width=279&name=file-2521950511.png "Machen McChesney")](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) - 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[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 ## Lisa Albritton ### Recent Posts ## [Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend July 2020](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2020) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Jul 15, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Back%20to%20school-1255743312-1.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2020) The State of Alabama will be participating in the 15th annual Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend beginning Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. This special shopping period will start at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, July 17, and end at midnight on Sunday, July 19.  [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2020) Posted in [Alerts](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) ## [Good Records Are the Key to Tax Deductions and Trouble-free IRS Audits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/good-records-are-the-key-to-tax-deductions-and-trouble-free-irs-audits) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Jun 15, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Audit%20records-1168185036-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/good-records-are-the-key-to-tax-deductions-and-trouble-free-irs-audits) If you operate a small business, or you’re starting a new one, you probably know you need to keep records of your income and expenses. In particular, you should carefully record your expenses in order to claim the full amount of the tax deductions to which you’re entitled. And you want to make sure you can defend the amounts reported on your tax returns if you’re ever audited by the IRS or state tax agencies. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/good-records-are-the-key-to-tax-deductions-and-trouble-free-irs-audits) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [IRS Releases 2021 Amounts for Health Savings Accounts](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-releases-2021-amounts-for-health-savings-accounts) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on May 26, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/health-wealth-1142945282-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-releases-2021-amounts-for-health-savings-accounts) The IRS recently released the 2021 inflation-adjusted amounts for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).  [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-releases-2021-amounts-for-health-savings-accounts) Posted in [Individual Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) ## [Avoid These Financial Hoaxes](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/avoid-these-financial-hoaxes) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Apr 23, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/scam-1217035370-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/avoid-these-financial-hoaxes) Crises can bring out the best in many people — but perversely, they can also bring out the worst. Many scammers are trying to take advantage of the complex bailout provisions for individuals and businesses. Be on the lookout for a surge of calls and emails from scammers trying to cheat you with promises of financial relief, just when you may be feeling desperate. Tax-related fraud and identity theft scammers are out and about looking to make a quick — and crooked — buck. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/avoid-these-financial-hoaxes) Posted in [Alerts](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) ## [Stop Tax Id Theft!](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/stop-tax-id-theft) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Feb 14, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20ID%20Theft%20small.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/stop-tax-id-theft) Tax season is here and so are the fraudsters. Tax ID fraudsters are using stolen Social Security numbers to file phony tax returns and steal tax refunds. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/stop-tax-id-theft) Posted in [Individual Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/individual-tax) ## [Wayfair Revisited - It's Time to Review Your Sales Tax Obligations](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/wayfair-revisited-its-time-to-review-your-sales-tax-obligations) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Jan 03, 2020 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Sales%20Tax-494946890-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/wayfair-revisited-its-time-to-review-your-sales-tax-obligations) In its 2018 decision in *South Dakota v. Wayfair, *the U.S. Supreme Court upheld South Dakota’s “economic nexus” statute, expanding the power of states to collect sales tax from remote sellers. Today, nearly every state with a sales tax has enacted a similar law, so if your company does business across state lines, it’s a good idea to reexamine your sales tax obligations. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/wayfair-revisited-its-time-to-review-your-sales-tax-obligations) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [Accrual-Based Businesses: 5 Ways to Reduce Your 2019 Taxes](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/accrual-based-businesses) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Nov 18, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/IFF_Accrual_IMAGE_560x292.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/accrual-based-businesses) There may still be opportunities to reduce your company’s 2019 tax bill. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/accrual-based-businesses) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [The Chances of an IRS Audit Are Low, but Business Owners Should Be Prepared](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-chances-of-an-irs-audit-are-low-but-business-owners-should-be-prepared) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Oct 02, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-1006682530-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-chances-of-an-irs-audit-are-low-but-business-owners-should-be-prepared) Many business owners ask:* How can I avoid an IRS audit? *The good news is that the odds against being audited are in your favor. In the fiscal year 2018, the IRS audited approximately 0.6% of individuals. Businesses, large corporations, and high-income individuals are more likely to be audited but, overall, audit rates are historically low. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-chances-of-an-irs-audit-are-low-but-business-owners-should-be-prepared) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [Businesses Can Utilize the Same Information IRS Auditors Use to Examine Tax Returns](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/businesses-can-utilize-the-same-information-irs-auditors-use-to-examine-tax-returns) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Jul 22, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-889089768-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/businesses-can-utilize-the-same-information-irs-auditors-use-to-examine-tax-returns) The IRS uses Audit Techniques Guides (ATGs) to help IRS examiners get ready for audits. Your business can use the same guides to gain insight into what the IRS is looking for in terms of compliance with tax laws and regulations. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/businesses-can-utilize-the-same-information-irs-auditors-use-to-examine-tax-returns) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend 2019](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2019) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/1781__Lisa_Albritton_WEB.jpg) Posted by [Lisa Albritton](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton) on Jul 11, 2019 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/iStock-998124024-1.png)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2019) Alabama's 14th annual sales tax holiday for back-to-school items will be Friday, July 19, 2019, through Sunday, July 21, 2019. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-2019) Posted in [Alerts](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/alerts) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/lisa-albritton/page/2) 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 (238)](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/) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2486483166-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/aicpa.jpg)](http://www.aicpa.org/Pages/default.aspx) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2494475845-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/bdo.jpg)](http://www.bdo.com/alliance/) - [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/file-2494475855-jpg/Machen-Blog-Image/nacva.jpg)](http://www.nacva.com/) - [![](https://machenmcchesney.com/img/readers-choice2019.jpg)](https://oanow.upickem.net/engine/Winners.aspx?contestid=104699) - [![actbf-1](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/actbf-1.jpg?width=121&name=actbf-1.jpg)](http://www.accountingtoday.com/) - [![pa400](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/pa400.jpg?width=121&name=pa400.jpg)](http://insidepublicaccounting.com/) 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 - [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) [Powered by Skoda Minotti Strategic Marketing](http://marketing.skodaminotti.com)