--- 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-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) - 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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 ## [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) ## [IRS Issues New Employee Retention Credit (ERC) Guidance](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) ![](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 12, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/ERC%20Credit%20-2199603811-%20social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) The Internal Revenue Service has announced a new, streamlined way for taxpayers to extend the period of time for the IRS and the IRS Independent Office of Appeals to review a taxpayer’s response to a disallowance of an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim to avoid refund litigation. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-issues-new-employee-retention-credit-erc-guidance) Posted in [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [Beware of Potential Tax Issues When Selling Self-Created Intangibles](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-of-potential-tax-issues-when-selling-self-created-intangibles) ![](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 11, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Intangible%20Assets%20-2211486476-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-of-potential-tax-issues-when-selling-self-created-intangibles) Many modern businesses rely on intangible assets, such as goodwill, trademarks, and customer lists. But the IRS doesn’t treat all intangibles the same way. Questions about how these assets are taxed often arise when a business is sold, ownership changes hands, or intellectual property is licensed or transferred. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/beware-of-potential-tax-issues-when-selling-self-created-intangibles) Posted in [Business Tax](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-tax) ## [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) [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 (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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