--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Murry Guy, CPA --- [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-cobrand-fd-blues](https://info.machen.cpa/hs-fs/hubfs/mm-cobrand-fd-blues.png?width=279&height=100&name=mm-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) - 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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 ## Murry Guy, CPA ### Recent Posts ## [How Can Barcodes Improve Asset Management?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-barcodes-improve-asset-management) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Aug 12, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Barcodes%20-2178009901-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-barcodes-improve-asset-management) From laptops and tablets to power tools and safety equipment, misplaced or mismanaged assets can quietly drain profits and disrupt operations. By tracking equipment and other assets with barcodes, your business can connect its physical property to its financial records. Here’s a closer look at how this technology can help you control costs, strengthen internal controls, and maintain more reliable financial records. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-can-barcodes-improve-asset-management) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [The New-And-Improved Credit for Employer-Provided Child Care](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-and-improved-credit-for-employer-provided-child-care) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Jul 21, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Child%20Care%202271611877-social%20media.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-and-improved-credit-for-employer-provided-child-care) Offering a broad menu of employee benefits can help your business attract and retain skilled workers. One benefit that’s popular among employees with families is employer-provided child care. Although this option hasn’t been financially feasible for many small businesses, recent tax law changes may give you a reason to reconsider opening (or upgrading) a child care facility, contracting with a child care provider, or participating in a jointly operated arrangement. Here’s an overview of the credit and how it’s been enhanced starting in 2026. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/the-new-and-improved-credit-for-employer-provided-child-care) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Back to School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend for 2026](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-for-2026) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Jul 13, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Back%20to%20school%201018282252-Newsletter.jpeg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-for-2026) **Alabama's Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend: July 17–19, 2025** The State of Alabama will participate in its 21st annual **Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday Weekend**, beginning **Friday, July 17, 2025, at 12:01 a.m.** and ending at **midnight on Sunday, July 19, 2026**. During this three-day event, shoppers can purchase a variety of school-related items **free of the state’s 4% sales tax,** keeping in mind that local sales tax may still apply, depending on whether your city or county is participating in the tax holiday. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/back-to-school-sales-tax-holiday-weekend-for-2026) Posted in [News & Events](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/news-events) ## [Managing Overhead Costs Today](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/managing-overhead-costs-today) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Jun 16, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Overhead%20costs%20-1297780036%20Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/managing-overhead-costs-today) Persistent inflation, elevated interest rates, and volatile energy costs continue to squeeze profit margins for many small and midsize businesses. While implementing price increases may seem like the simplest response, that’s not always necessary — and, in today’s competitive markets, price increases can even cause some of your customers to search for lower-cost providers. Sustainable pricing decisions start with disciplined cost controls. One broad area to target for operational inefficiencies is overhead expenses. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/managing-overhead-costs-today) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [What's a "Small Business," and Why Does It Matter?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/whats-a-small-business-and-why-does-it-matter) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on May 20, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Breaks%201308459475-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/whats-a-small-business-and-why-does-it-matter) Although your business may seem big to you, you may wonder how the government classifies it for tax purposes. If your organization qualifies as a “small business,” you may enjoy several important tax advantages. But the rules for specific tax provisions vary. So, depending on your size, you might be eligible for some so-called small business breaks but not others. Here’s a closer look. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/whats-a-small-business-and-why-does-it-matter) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Common Bank Reconciliation Pitfalls to Watch For](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/common-bank-reconciliation-pitfalls-to-watch-for) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Apr 03, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Account%20Reconciliation%20-964216938-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/common-bank-reconciliation-pitfalls-to-watch-for) Bank reconciliation is one of the simplest — and most effective — internal controls for private businesses. Done consistently and correctly, it helps ensure your financial records are reliable and free from errors or unauthorized transactions. With today’s increased use of automated bank feeds and tools backed by artificial intelligence (AI), bank reconciliation may feel easier than ever. But that convenience can also lead to overlooked mistakes. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/common-bank-reconciliation-pitfalls-to-watch-for) Posted in [Accounting & Outsourcing](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/accounting-outsourcing) ## [Beware: Accounting Missteps Can Trip Up New Businesses](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-accounting-missteps-can-trip-up-new-businesses) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Feb 19, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/New%20Business%20-656619750-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-accounting-missteps-can-trip-up-new-businesses) Launching a start-up comes with no shortage of big decisions and fast-moving priorities. In the rush to grow, financial fundamentals can sometimes take a back seat — often with costly consequences. Some common accounting missteps that new business owners should avoid include: [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-accounting-missteps-can-trip-up-new-businesses) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Is Your Business Ready for the Tax Deadline That's on Groundhog Day This Year?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/is-your-business-ready-for-the-tax-deadline-thats-on-groundhog-day-this-year) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Jan 21, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Deadline%201305231758-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/is-your-business-ready-for-the-tax-deadline-thats-on-groundhog-day-this-year) Normally, businesses must furnish certain information returns to workers and submit them to the federal government by January 31. But this year, that date falls on a Saturday. So the deadline is the next business day, which happens to be Groundhog Day: February 2, 2026. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/is-your-business-ready-for-the-tax-deadline-thats-on-groundhog-day-this-year) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [IRS Makes Retirement Plan Changes for 2026](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-makes-retirement-plan-changes-for-2026) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Dec 19, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/IRS%20-2208065330-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-makes-retirement-plan-changes-for-2026) The Internal Revenue Service has issued a release explaining changes in retirement plan limits for 2026. Below is a summary of this release. The provisions can be complex, so current and prospective plan participants should work with a financial professional. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-makes-retirement-plan-changes-for-2026) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Significant Changes to Information Reporting Go Into Effect for the 2026 Tax Year](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/significant-changes-to-information-reporting-go-into-effect-for-the-2026-tax-year) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Murry%20Guy%202025%20Updat.jpg) Posted by [Murry Guy, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa) on Dec 16, 2025 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Changes%20Coming%20in%202026%20-2245484927-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/significant-changes-to-information-reporting-go-into-effect-for-the-2026-tax-year) If your business has employees or uses independent contractors, you have associated annual information reporting obligations. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) makes changes impacting these rules, but not for the 2025 tax year. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/significant-changes-to-information-reporting-go-into-effect-for-the-2026-tax-year) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/murry-guy-cpa/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 † 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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