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Returning Value Blog

Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA

Recent Posts

Could Captive Insurance Reduce Health Care Costs and Save Your Business Taxes?

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Aug 21, 2017

If your business offers health insurance benefits to employees, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a climb in premium costs in recent years — perhaps a dramatic one. To meet the challenge of rising costs, some employers are opting for a creative alternative to traditional health insurance known as “captive insurance.” A captive insurance company generally is wholly owned and controlled by the employer. So it’s essentially like forming your own insurance company. And it provides tax advantages, too.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Don't Retire Without A Succession Plan

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jul 31, 2017

Business owners aren't as ready to retire as they should be.

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Posted in Business Advisory

3 Midyear Tax Planning Strategies for Business

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jul 24, 2017

Tax reform has been a major topic of discussion in Washington, but it’s still unclear exactly what such legislation will include and whether it will be signed into law this year. However, the last major tax legislation that was signed into law — back in December of 2015 — still has a significant impact on tax planning for businesses. Let’s look at three midyear tax strategies inspired by the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act:

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Posted in Business Tax

Back To School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jul 19, 2017

There are several different types of tax-free weekend events in the U.S. Some apply to Energy Star products or hurricane preparedness, or back-to-school shopping needs. This year the State of Alabama will be participating in the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend beginning Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23.

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Posted in Alerts

Machen McChesney In the Top 100 Wealth Management Blogs and Websites on the Web

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jul 06, 2017

Machen McChesney has been chosen by Feedspot to be among the Top 100 Wealth Management blogs and websites.

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Posted in Alerts

How Controlling Core Business Costs Can Boost Your Profit Margin

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jun 20, 2017

It’s a near certainty that businesses of any size or scope would seek to reduce costs, if given the chance. And why not? Lowering costs is arguably the most direct way to increase profitability.

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Posted in Business Advisory

5 Tips to Consider Before You Buy A Franchise

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Jun 09, 2017

If you are a entrepreneur seeking to buy a franchise these 5 tips may help you ensure you're making the right choice. 

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Posted in Business Advisory

Tips to Optimize the Value of Your Privately Held Company

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on May 24, 2017

Say you currently have a direct ownership interest in a privately held company. Or, perhaps your company granted you stock options, stock appreciation rights, or some other type of stock-based compensation. Whatever the circumstances may be, you may consider yourself fortunate; but do you really know what your business interest is worth?

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Posted in Business Valuation

How Does Your Restaurant Stack Up Against the Industry?

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on May 08, 2017

Recently, BDO Alliance USA released their 2014 Restaurant Benchmarking Update. Compiling the operating results of publicly traded restaurant companies, this report looks at costs of sales across all segments for food and beverage.

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Posted in Business Advisory

Smart Tax Planning for Small Business Owners

Posted by Michael D. Machen, CPA, CVA on Apr 25, 2017

What should small business owners be focused on to ensure a smooth tax season?

While you started 2017 with the best of intentions to keep your financial records organized, you may find yourself scrambling to find receipts and other documentation to prepare your tax returns. All too often it is accounts receivable that presents that greatest challenge.

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Posted in Tax Planning

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