--- 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-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) - 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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 ## [IRS Publishes New Per Diem Business Travel Rates for Fiscal Year 2027](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-publishes-new-per-diem-business-travel-rates-for-fiscal-year-2027) ![](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 Oct 23, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/business%20travel%20-660955254-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-publishes-new-per-diem-business-travel-rates-for-fiscal-year-2027) Many businesses use federal “per diem” rates to reimburse employees for out-of-pocket travel expenses. In Notice 2026-60, the IRS announced special per diem rates that are effective for the federal government’s fiscal year of October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027. Taxpayers can use these rates to substantiate certain lodging, meals, and incidental expenses for business travel within the continental United States during this period. Let’s look at why many employers use travel per diems, how the simplified high-low method works, and what those new rates are. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/irs-publishes-new-per-diem-business-travel-rates-for-fiscal-year-2027) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Buying A Business? It Pays to Dig Deeper into the Financials](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/buy-a-business-it-pays-to-dig-deeper-into-the-financials) ![](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 Oct 22, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Buying%20a%20business%20-2291930573-Social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/buy-a-business-it-pays-to-dig-deeper-into-the-financials) Whether you’re launching a new venture or expanding an existing one, it’s often easier to buy an established business than to build market share from scratch. Before signing a purchase agreement, however, you should review the seller’s financial records to understand what’s really driving the business’s profits and cash flow. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/buy-a-business-it-pays-to-dig-deeper-into-the-financials) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Expecting a Big Revenue Year? Consider Tax Moves Before Year End](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/expecting-a-big-revenue-year-consider-tax-moves-before-year-end) ![](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 Oct 13, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Tax%20Planning%20-2298223141-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/expecting-a-big-revenue-year-consider-tax-moves-before-year-end) For most small business owners, strong revenue growth is something to celebrate. But a profitable year can also significantly increase your income tax liability. If your business is on track for a banner year, now is the time to evaluate tax-reduction strategies. Here’s some guidance for sole proprietors and owners of pass-through entities (such as partnerships, S corporations, and most limited liability companies). [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/expecting-a-big-revenue-year-consider-tax-moves-before-year-end) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [Consider an Installment Sale to Optimize Taxes When Selling Your Business](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/consider-an-installment-sale-to-optimize-taxes-when-selling-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 Oct 06, 2026 [![](https://info.machen.cpa/hubfs/Time%20to%20Sell%20-1008574092-social.jpg)](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/consider-an-installment-sale-to-optimize-taxes-when-selling-your-business) Over the years, you’ve invested blood, sweat, and tears into building a successful small business. Now it’s time to sell and move on to the next chapter of your life. What are the tax implications of selling — and how can you reduce or defer your taxes? One possible solution is an installment sale. [Full Story](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/consider-an-installment-sale-to-optimize-taxes-when-selling-your-business) Posted in [Business Advisory](https://info.machen.cpa/blog/topic/business-advisory) ## [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) [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 (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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