Tax and business insights, written by a CPA.
Practical guidance on tax planning, cross-border compliance and running a business in the US — without the jargon.
Latest articles
Business Valuation for Startups: What Investors Look For in Financial Statements and Forecasts
Startups carry two valuations that are not interchangeable. The round price is negotiated between founders and investors and reflects preferred stock. The 409A valuation is an independent appraisal of common stock fair market value, used to set option strike prices under Internal Revenue Code Section 409A. The second is always lower.
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Audit vs. Review vs. Compilation: Which Level of Assurance Does Your Lender or Investor Require?
An audit provides reasonable assurance through testing, confirmation, and control evaluation. A review provides limited assurance through inquiry and analytical procedures. A compilation provides no assurance and presents management's figures in financial statement form. The correct choice is dictated by whoever will rely on the statements, not by preference.
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What Business Expenses Are Tax Deductible in 2026? A CPA Guide to Bills, Receipts and Write-Offs
A business expense is deductible in 2026 if it is ordinary and necessary for the trade or business, properly substantiated, and not specifically disallowed by statute. Most operating costs qualify in full. Client meals remain 50% deductible. Meals furnished for the employer's convenience became fully nondeductible on January 1, 2026. Equipment can often be written off in year one.
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How Much Does a Fractional CFO Cost in 2026? A Transparent Pricing Guide for Small Business Owners
Published 2026 benchmarks put fractional CFO pricing at roughly $175 to $450 per hour, or $3,000 to $15,000 per month on retainer, with most small and mid-market engagements landing between $5,000 and $10,000 monthly for 15 to 25 hours. A full-time CFO costs considerably more once equity, benefits, and recruiting are loaded in.
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What Triggers an IRS Audit for Small Businesses in 2026 (and How to Avoid It)
Most small business examinations begin with automated matching rather than human suspicion. Income reported to the IRS that does not appear on the return is the most reliable trigger. Deductions far outside industry norms, repeated losses, cash-intensive operations, and unreasonably low S-corp salaries follow behind it.
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When Do You Actually Need a CPA? A Practical Guide for Business Owners and Individuals
Software handles straightforward returns well. A CPA becomes worth the fee when decisions carry tax consequences before the return exists: entity structure, hiring, multi-state operations, equity compensation, buying or selling a business, or any situation requiring representation before the IRS.
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