--- title: Machen McChesney Blog | Business Advisory description: Business Advisory | --- [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) - [Google](https://plus.google.com/101356546927388458481) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/machenmcchesney) - About Us - [Welcome](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/welcome/) - [Affiliations and Associations](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/affiliations-and-associations/) - [Community Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/community-events/) - [Family of Companies](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/family-of-companies/) - [History](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/firm-profile-history/) - [Mission and Values](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/mission-and-values/) - [Team Directory](http://machenmcchesney.com/about-us/team-directory/) - Services - [Accounting & Outsourcing](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/accounting-outsourcing/) - [Audit and Assurance Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/audit-assurance/) - [Business Advisory Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-advisory/) - [Business Valuation Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/business-valuation-services/) - [Family Office Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/family-care/) - [Financial Planning & Wealth Mangement Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/financial-planning-and-wealth-mangement-services/) - [Individual Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/individuals/) - [Taxation](http://machenmcchesney.com/services/taxation/) - Who We Serve - [Construction & Real Estate](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/construction-real-estate/) - [Credit Unions](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/credit-unions/) - [Government & Not-For-Profits](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/governmental-not-for-profit/) - [Healthcare & Professional Services](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/healthcare-and-professional-services/) - [Hospitality, Restaurant & Retail](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/hospitality-restaurant-retail/) - [Manufacturing, Distribution & Automotive](http://machenmcchesney.com/industries/manufacturing-distribution-automotive/) - [Success Stories](http://machenmcchesney.com/success-stories) - Resources - [Blog](https://info.machenmcchesney.com/blog) - [E-Newsletter Archive](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter-archive/) - [Financial Calculators](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-calculators/) - [Financial Terms Glossary](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/financial-terms-glossary/) - [Helpful Articles](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/newsletter/) - [Tax Calendar](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-calendar/) - [Tax Links](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/tax-links/) - [Track Your Refund](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/track-your-refund/) - [Sign Up for Our E-Newsletter](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/e-newsletter/) - [Subscribe to Our Blog](http://machenmcchesney.com/resources/subscribe-to-the-machen-mcchesney-blog/) - News & Events - [Press Releases](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/press-releases/) - [Upcoming Events](http://machenmcchesney.com/news-events/upcoming-events/) - Careers - [Our Culture](http://machenmcchesney.com/careers/culture/) - [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 ## [4 Tips to Help Seasonal Businesses Enhance Cash-Flow Management](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-tips-to-help-seasonal-businesses-enhance-cash-flow-management) ![](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 Sep 23, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Cash%20Flow%20-475982523-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-tips-to-help-seasonal-businesses-enhance-cash-flow-management) Most businesses experience cash-flow fluctuations, but the swings can be especially intense for seasonal businesses. Revenue may rise sharply during busy periods and fall in slower seasons, yet many expenses continue year-round — and some must be paid months before sales peak. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/4-tips-to-help-seasonal-businesses-enhance-cash-flow-management) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Take Control of Working Capital](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/take-control-of-working-capital) ![](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 Sep 03, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/working%20capital%20-487685792-social%20media.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/take-control-of-working-capital) A profitable business can still run short of cash. Receivables may take time to collect, inventory can tie up funds, and bills may come due before customers pay. Effective working capital management can help your business maintain liquidity and remain prepared for growth opportunities or unexpected challenges. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/take-control-of-working-capital) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [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) ## [Making Smarter Capital Investment Decisions](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/making-smarter-capital-investment-decisions) ![](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 Aug 05, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Investment-1353025723-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/making-smarter-capital-investment-decisions) Whether you’re buying equipment, automating processes, launching a new product line, or expanding your facilities, capital investment decisions shouldn’t be based on intuition alone. Your management team may identify several promising growth opportunities. Which ones can your business realistically support today with available cash flow, financing and staffing — and which ones can wait? [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/making-smarter-capital-investment-decisions) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Could the New Markets Tax Credit Benefit Your Business?](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/could-the-new-markets-tax-credit-benefit-your-business) ![](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 Aug 04, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Credit%20-2270736564-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/could-the-new-markets-tax-credit-benefit-your-business) Businesses in economically distressed communities often have difficulty obtaining capital for expansion, equipment, facilities, and other investments. The New Markets Tax Credit (NMTC) encourages private investment in these underserved areas by offering federal income tax credits to qualifying investors. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/could-the-new-markets-tax-credit-benefit-your-business) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [IRS Raises Standard Business Mileage Rate to 76¢ Per Mile Beginning July 1, 2026](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) ![](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 Jul 23, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Reimbursement%202013991238-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) The IRS has announced an increase to the [optional standard mileage rate for business use of a personal vehicle](https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates), raising the rate to **76 cents per mile** for business travel beginning **July 1, 2026**. Business mileage incurred during the first six months of 2026 should continue to be calculated using the prior **72.5-cent-per-mile** rate. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-raises-standard-business-mileage-rate-to-76-per-mile-beginning-july-1-2026) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory), [Payroll, HR & Benefits](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/payroll-hr-benefits) ## [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) ## [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) ## [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) [Next](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory/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/) - [![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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