BLOGS
Helping people and small businesses see the big picture.
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: Overlooking day-to-day spending. Starting a new business is exciting, and it’s natural to [...]
Tax News for the week of February 6
Minnesota Clarifies Taxation of Foreign CorporationsThe Minnesota Department of Revenue has issued Revenue Notice No. 26-01 clarifying how Minnesota taxes foreign corporations whose income may be exempt from federal income tax but remains subject to Minnesota corporate franchise tax. Unlike federal law under IRC § 882, which generally taxes foreign corporations only on income that [...]
Preparing your F&A team for leadership changes
At the start of the new year, your finance and accounting (F&A) department is under a microscope. Budgets, forecasts and strategic plans are top of mind, and internal staff may be working with your CPA to finalize year-end financial statements. This heightened attention often raises an important question: What would happen if your CFO suddenly [...]
Tax News for the week of January 23
Advance Child Tax Credit Payment Option Available for Tax Year 2025For Minnesota filers, taxpayers eligible for the Child Tax Credit have the option to receive up to 50% of their credit in advance payments through Schedule M1CWFC. To elect advance payments, taxpayers must file an original 2025 tax return by April 15, 2026. If a [...]
How auditors evaluate accounting estimates
Financial statements aren’t built solely on fixed numbers and historical facts. Many reported amounts rely on accounting estimates — management’s best judgments about uncertain future outcomes. Estimates are inherently subjective and can significantly affect reported results. How do external auditors evaluate whether amounts reported on financial statements seem reasonable? Understanding management’s assumptions and data External [...]
Tax News for the week of January 16
IRS Issues Guidance on Permanent 100% Bonus Depreciation for 2025 Tax YearThe Treasury Department and the IRS have released interim guidance regarding the additional first-year depreciation deduction under IRC Section 168(k). This guidance reflects changes enacted by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which establishes permanent 100% bonus depreciation for qualified property acquired and [...]
What to look for on your balance sheet — and how to strengthen it
The balance sheet shows your company’s financial condition — its assets vs. liabilities — at a specific point in time. However, the balance sheet is more than a static report. It can also serve as a diagnostic tool for managers and other stakeholders to analyze historical performance and plan for future growth. Taking your balance [...]
Tax News for the week of January 9
IRS Announces First Days of 2026 Filing SeasonAs announced earlier this week, Tuesday January 13, will mark the first day that the IRS will accept business tax returns for 2025 and Monday January 26, will be the first day that the IRS will accept individual tax returns for 2025. Other 2025 forms, such as trust/estate [...]
Change orders require careful accounting
If your business does contract-based work, you know that change orders are a fact of life. This holds true regardless of whether you provide construction, engineering, information technology, manufacturing or other custom services. Although change orders are inherently disruptive and stressful, they’re also often prime opportunities to increase project revenue and go the extra mile [...]
Tax News for the week of December 19
Federal Reserve Approves Third Rate Cut in 2025On December 10th, the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) announced a 0.25 percentage point reduction in its benchmark federal funds rate, lowering the target range to 3.50 %–3.75 %. This marks the third consecutive rate cut in 2025 as policymakers balance ongoing inflation concerns with signs [...]