Accounting and Accountability

In this episode: IRS call strategies – A tip for getting through when the IRS won't accept calls • Tax identity theft – How fraudsters file returns using stolen Social Security numbers • Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) – A little-known tax exclusion that could eliminate gains for eligible investors • IRS First-Time Abatement – An automated penalty relief process coming soon for late filers • Investment fee deductibility – Why individuals can no longer deduct these fees, but businesses still can • IRS interest rate increases – Higher rates on underpayments and overpayments starting Q3 2026 • 2026 W-2 changes – New codes to identify deductible tips and overtime pay • SALT cap – The $40,000 state and local tax deduction limit reaffirmed through 2029 • 2027 HSA limits – Contribution limits going up, with a reminder of the long-term savings benefits

In this episode: Why outdated beliefs about avoiding taxes on home sales can be costly, and the real rules you need to follow today. A surprising stat on how much of the country's income taxes are paid by just the top 1%. Key updates to Social Security thresholds, earnings limits, and the wage base for 2026. Smart year-end tax strategies that look beyond just 2025. A heads-up on the expanded SALT cap and how it might make itemizing deductions worth another look. A creative way to turn your home into a source of tax-free income for up to 14 days. The new age for RMDs, why inherited IRAs can trigger unexpected tax burdens, and how to rethink your Roth. Inclind founder, Shawn Tyndall, joins us and shares the lessons he learned scaling a web design and digital marketing firm from a college startup to a nationally recognized remote agency. He explains why specializing early matters, why client relationships trump one-time projects, and how his team thrives by keeping websites simple, fast, and evolving. From building trust beyond state lines to hiring for remote success, Shawn's insight is a blueprint for sustainable, tech-savvy entrepreneurship.

In this episode: What the IRS's latest move on paper checks means for your refund timing. The "tip deduction" that could put more money back in the pockets of both employees and self-employed workers. New per diem rates that might change how your company reimburses travel. A helpful update for farmers dealing with drought-related losses. What crypto investors should watch for in their mailbox this coming tax season. Inside scoop on IRS staffing challenges, and how that could delay refunds and responses. The ripple effect of new legislation on tax software, filing timelines, and your 2026 tax prep. This week on Accounting and Accountability, Tammy and Hilari sit down with Amy Thompson, President and CEO of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to keep a beach town's business community thriving year-round. Amy shares how Ocean City's economy is evolving beyond tourism, why festivals like Oceans Calling and Country Calling are a massive win for local businesses, and what legislative issues are making waves, from short-term rental regulations to the offshore wind debate. Listeners will hear how the Chamber advocates for small business owners at every level of government, why membership is more than just mixers and ribbon cuttings, and where the next wave of entrepreneurial opportunity may be hiding in Ocean City.

In this episode: • Why the IRS is phasing out paper checks and what that means for paying or receiving tax refunds going forward • How misleading labels on draft IRS forms could confuse clients (hint: "No Tax on Tips" doesn't actually mean that) • A major 401(k) rule change for high earners that could impact catch-up contributions starting in 2027 • Year-end tax planning tips for business owners, including strategies you must act on before December 31 • Smart ways to manage estimates, avoid penalties, and use paycheck withholdings to your advantage If you want fewer surprises come April and smarter decisions in Q4, don't miss this one.

Update on the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB): The firm is actively educating clients on this fast-tracked legislation, which passed with drafting errors that may require technical corrections. Nonprofit Retirement Plan Credit: A new bipartisan bill proposes extending up to $5,000 in startup retirement plan tax credits to nonprofit organizations, similar to what's already available to for-profits. Roth IRA Conversions & RMDs: Listeners get clarity on converting pre-tax retirement funds into Roth IRAs, including the rule that Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) must be taken before a Roth conversion is allowed. Taxability of Legal Settlements: The episode breaks down when lawsuit settlements are taxable, including distinctions between physical vs. emotional damages and the implications of gross settlements (taxed before attorney fees). Penalty Relief Through Reasonable Cause: Entrepreneurs learn how to pursue IRS penalty abatement by showing reasonable cause, acting in good faith, and behaving like a prudent taxpayer. Potential End of IRS Paper Refund Checks: The podcast closes with an update on the White House's push to eliminate paper refund checks—a change that likely won't happen by the proposed September 30th deadline. Room for All: How CAMP Rehoboth Builds Community That Lasts In this episode, Kim Leisey, Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth, joins Keith Kahn to share how the organization is evolving while staying true to its mission of inclusion, advocacy, and connection in Southern Delaware. From volunteer programs to partnerships with local businesses, Kim lays out a blueprint for meaningful nonprofit impact. Key Takeaways: Rooted in Purpose: CAMP Rehoboth began as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and continues to welcome all who align with its mission. Smart Partnerships: Kim focuses on "intersections"—connecting with businesses and organizations through shared goals. Scaling With Heart: Even as events grow, CAMP Rehoboth prioritizes emotional safety, connection, and community-building. Mission-First Leadership: The team avoids "mission creep," sticks to core values, and leans on transparent governance. Volunteers with Purpose: People are matched to meaningful roles that use their skills and deepen their connection. Businesses Wanted (Beyond the Check): Kim encourages business owners to engage—through board service, volunteering, and partnership—not just donations.

In this episode: Faw Casson will close early on August 8 for their annual all-office beach day—a fun family tradition showing the firm's strong culture and appreciation for its people. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) includes impactful updates for businesses and individuals—this episode dives into the lesser-known but highly relevant changes. C Corporation charitable donations are now subject to a 1% floor—but strategic business advertising can provide a workaround. Bonus depreciation is back at 100%, but with quirky timing: Section 179 may still be a smarter choice for some assets, depending on your purchase date. Business interest expense limitations now revert to using EBITDA instead of EBIT, a favorable shift for many larger companies. The adoption credit becomes refundable (up to $5,000), but only starting with the 2025 tax year. Opportunity zone reinvestment rules are extended and sweetened: You can now defer capital gains for five years and eliminate tax on appreciation if held for 10. The employer-provided child care credit jumps to 40%, with the cap increasing to $500,000—a major incentive for businesses with space to spare. Farmers selling farmland to other farmers can now spread capital gains tax over four years. 529 plans can now be used for more types of education expenses—distribution limit rises from $10,000 to $20,000 starting mid-2025. Several energy credits and deductions are expiring after 2025, including: Clean vehicle credit (for EVs acquired after 9/30/25) Residential solar and geothermal energy credits Home energy improvement deductions (like windows, doors, and water heaters) Wagering loss deductions will be limited to 90% of gambling income starting in 2026—another subtle but impactful change. The firm is offering free educational sessions in August to help business owners prepare for these tax law changes—one in Lewes (Aug 6) and one in Dover (Aug 12), with virtual access available. We're setting sail with two powerhouse guests from the Delaware Division of Small Business—Anastasia Jackson, Kent County Regional Business Manager, and JJ Moore, the Division's newly minted Business Finance Director. Whether you're scribbling your next big idea on a napkin or running a growing company, this episode delivers the kind of insight that turns entrepreneurial dreams into action plans. What Entrepreneurs Will Learn: Where to Begin Your Journey: Discover why the Division's motto, "It Starts With Us," is more than a slogan—it's a literal roadmap for Delaware's entrepreneurs, from idea-stage to expansion. The Edge Grant 2.0: Learn how this newly enhanced funding program now offers more money, more finalists, and—crucially—free expert support to help you scale wisely, not just quickly. Access to Capital, Reimagined: JJ breaks down Delaware's three underutilized lending programs that provide flexible, low-interest loans—even for startups with little collateral or limited credit history. Unmatched Resources (at Zero Cost): From SizeUp Delaware (a free business analytics tool) to statewide partners like the SBDC, SCORE, and Main Street programs, you'll hear how the Division connects entrepreneurs to powerful support systems. Funding + Knowledge = Success: This episode emphasizes that capital alone doesn't grow a business—strategic guidance, data, and mentorship matter just as much. Collaboration Across Agencies: The Division's connections with tourism, public health, economic development, and supplier diversity efforts give entrepreneurs a true one-stop-shop for support. The Misconceptions: Find out why people often confuse this office with the SBA—and why understanding the difference could open unexpected doors. Whether you're trying to get your idea off the ground or figure out how to fund your next big move, this episode is packed with practical, real-world advice. Find out more from the Delaware Division of Small Business.