--- title: Machen McChesney Blog (3) description: (3) --- [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 ## [Staying Power: Employee Retention Through Stay Interviews](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on Jun 10, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Human%20Capital%20Management%201357648425-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) High-performing workplaces such as Google, IBM, Nissan, and Starbucks are among a growing list of organizations that have benefited from having their employees participate in stay interviews. Traditionally, most companies conduct only two interviews: the hiring interview and the exit interview. By the time a company is ready to complete an exit interview, it's too late to address any of the employees' concerns that might have prevented them from looking outside the firm for a job. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/staying-power-employee-retention-through-stay-interviews) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Self-Employed? Don't Overlook Valuable Tax Deductions](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-valuable-tax-deductions) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Jessica%20Pagan%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Jessica L. Pagan, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/jessica-l-pagan-cpa) on Jun 09, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Self%20Employed%20-1133699692-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-valuable-tax-deductions)  If you’re self-employed, you probably have questions about deducting business expenses on your federal income tax return. Here’s a quick overview of the filing requirements for sole proprietors and independent contractors, and five examples of expense deductions that are commonly overlooked or misunderstood. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/self-employed-dont-overlook-valuable-tax-deductions) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [How to Make Financial Reports Easier for Stakeholders to Understand](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-to-make-financial-reports-easier-for-stakeholders-to-understand) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Nick%20Wheeler%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Nick Wheeler, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/nick-wheeler-cpa) on May 26, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Financial%20Report%20-2161953786-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-to-make-financial-reports-easier-for-stakeholders-to-understand) Financial statements are essential tools for evaluating performance, planning for growth, and managing risk. Yet many business owners, board members, donors, and investors don’t have formal accounting training. Presenting financial information in a clear, approachable way can help stakeholders better understand results and make informed decisions. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/how-to-make-financial-reports-easier-for-stakeholders-to-understand) 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) ## [Options for Forfeited Employee FSA Balances](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Amber%20Cochran%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Amber Cochran Saxon](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/amber-malik) on May 19, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/FSA%20-1566138286-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances)  Many businesses offer health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts (FSAs) as part of their employee benefits package. These plans provide valuable tax savings to employees and payroll tax savings to employers. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/options-for-forfeited-employee-fsa-balances) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Tax Identity Theft: Businesses Are at Risk, Too.](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-identity-theft-businesses-are-at-risk-too) ![](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 May 18, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Identity%20Theft%20-%20467606911-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-identity-theft-businesses-are-at-risk-too) Tax identity theft isn’t limited to individual taxpayers — businesses are also targeted through their Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), payroll systems, and tax filings. The financial impact of these crimes can be significant. Businesses may face delayed or stolen tax refunds, unauthorized payroll filings, and the time and expense of resolving IRS issues. There may even be credit damage or, if employee or customer data is compromised, reputational harm. Here’s what you need to know to protect your business. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/tax-identity-theft-businesses-are-at-risk-too) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Material Participation: Why it Matters for LLP and LLC Owners](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/material-participation-why-it-matters-for-llp-and-llc-owners) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Jessica%20Pagan%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Jessica L. Pagan, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/jessica-l-pagan-cpa) on May 11, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Deductions%20-2258779682-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/material-participation-why-it-matters-for-llp-and-llc-owners) The passive activity loss (PAL) rules may limit your ability to deduct losses from a business structured as a limited liability partnership (LLP) or limited liability company (LLC). Depending on how your ownership interest is treated under these rules, you may have more or less flexibility to claim losses in the current year. Here’s a closer look. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/material-participation-why-it-matters-for-llp-and-llc-owners) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [What If...? How Stress Testing Can Help Your Business Prepare for Economic Uncertainty](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-if...-how-stress-testing-can-help-your-business-prepare-for-economic-uncertainty) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Nick%20Wheeler%202025%20update.jpg) Posted by [Nick Wheeler, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/nick-wheeler-cpa) on Apr 23, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Rope%20pulling%20apart%20-1501391033-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-if...-how-stress-testing-can-help-your-business-prepare-for-economic-uncertainty)  Even financially sound businesses can be vulnerable to market volatility and unexpected disruptions. Many companies discover too late that their financial position, internal controls, or contingency plans aren’t built to withstand sudden shocks, potentially leading to cash shortfalls, debt covenant violations, and reduced profitability. A “stress test” models how your cash flow, liquidity, and overall financial structure would perform under adverse scenarios. Here’s how stress testing can help you proactively evaluate your business’s resilience and strengthen its ability to adapt to changing market conditions. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/what-if...-how-stress-testing-can-help-your-business-prepare-for-economic-uncertainty) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [ACA Penalties May Still Apply — and They’re Increasing for 2026](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/aca-penalties-may-still-apply-and-theyre-increasing-for-2026) ![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Jessica%20Pagan%202025%20update%20.jpg) Posted by [Jessica L. Pagan, CPA](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/author/jessica-l-pagan-cpa) on Apr 15, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Affordable%20Care%20Act%20-527546746-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/aca-penalties-may-still-apply-and-theyre-increasing-for-2026) Many small businesses don’t have enough employees to worry about the play-or-pay provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). However, as your business grows, these rules can apply sooner than expected. This issue also may not be on your radar because there’s a common misconception that the repeal of ACA penalties under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act applied to both individuals and businesses. While the *individual* mandate penalty was eliminated beginning in 2019, the *employer* shared responsibility rules are still in effect. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/aca-penalties-may-still-apply-and-theyre-increasing-for-2026) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [FAQ's About the Research Credit](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-the-research-credit) ![](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 Apr 07, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/R%26D%20Tax%20Credit-2243737702-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-the-research-credit) Companies that engage in research and development activities may qualify for a federal tax credit for some of those expenses. The credit is complicated to calculate, and not all research activities are eligible — but the tax savings can be significant. Here are answers to questions you might have about this potentially lucrative tax break. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/faqs-about-the-research-credit) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) [Previous](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/page/2) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/page/4) 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/) - [![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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