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Does your business use independent contractors? The reporting requirements for these workers differ from those for W-2 employees. For payments made in 2026, businesses generally must issue Form 1099-NEC, “Nonemployee Compensation,” to contractors paid $2,000 or more (up from $600 for 2025). The higher threshold may reduce your administrative burden because you could have fewer forms to file with the IRS. However, it doesn’t change your recordkeeping, worker classification or backup withholding responsibilities. Contact us at (925) 405-6124 to help ensure you’re prepared for the updated reporting requirements.

When you’re busy running a business, it’s easy to overlook or dismiss the warning signs of financial distress. Rising employee turnover can signal internal strain. Cash flow issues may indicate slow collections or weak working capital practices. And sudden external shifts — such as interest rate volatility, cost increases or supply chain disruptions — can take a toll on otherwise healthy businesses. Supplementing your company’s year-end financial statements with interim reports or targeted agreed-upon procedures can help you spot problems early and take prompt corrective action. Contact us at (925) 405-6124 to learn more.

A summer job is a great way for teens to earn extra cash, but it also comes with tax responsibilities. Anyone with self-employed income over $400, such as earnings from mowing lawns or babysitting, must file an income tax return and may owe self-employment tax. If a teen works for an employer that withholds payroll taxes, the filing threshold is higher: $16,100 for 2026. In this case, the teen usually won’t owe income tax and may receive a refund if taxes were withheld. Call us at (925) 405-6124 with questions.

Technology decisions are a common pain point for small business owners. You might be unsure when to invest in new technology and how much to spend. After all, there’s nothing worse than a “solution” that doesn’t solve anything. Poor choices can lead to wasted money, time and staff effort. The good news? You can avoid this situation with a thoughtful, strategic approach to technology selection and implementation. Call us at (925) 405-6124 to discuss your needs, set a realistic budget and take the right steps to get a sound return on investment.

Holding real estate within your operating company may lead to unfavorable tax outcomes and increased risk. For example, office or warehouse space owned by a C corporation is generally subject to double taxation when it’s sold. Or, if a customer is injured on company property, other business assets could be at risk. Separating real estate into its own entity, such as a limited liability company or partnership, can help reduce your exposure and provide greater flexibility for long-term planning. Call us at (925) 405-6124 to review your business structure and determine the best fit for your situation.

Your 2025 individual income tax return can provide a treasure trove of tax-planning ideas for 2026. We can dig into your 1040 and uncover potential strategies you can implement this year to reduce your 2026 taxes. We also can assist with filing extended 2025 returns. Call us at (925) 405-6124 to set up an appointment.

Boat owners may qualify for federal income tax breaks — but only if the boat meets specific requirements. For example, a vessel with sleeping, cooking and toilet facilities could qualify as a home for the mortgage interest itemized deduction. Itemizers may also be able to deduct eligible state and local sales tax paid on a boat, subject to applicable limits. Vessels used in bona fide businesses, such as charter fishing or sightseeing, can generate deductible business expenses. Before assuming your boat delivers tax savings, contact us at (925) 405-6124 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

If you own foreign assets and fail to properly address them in your estate plan, unexpected tax outcomes can result. For example, if you’re a U.S. citizen, your worldwide assets are potentially subject to federal gift and estate taxes, regardless of where you live or where the assets are located. So, if you own assets in other countries and the assets are subject to estate, inheritance or other death taxes in those countries, there’s a risk of double taxation. Call us at (925) 405-6124 to learn more about how to properly account for foreign assets in your estate plan.

Even when your finance and accounting (F&A) team seems to be firing on all cylinders, they may feel burdened with heavy workloads and tight deadlines. Bringing in an external accountant can ease the pressure on your internal team and keep your business running smoothly behind the scenes. If your accounting and bookkeeping workload is piling up, we’re here to help. Call us at (925) 405-6124 to learn how we can support your business.

While the thresholds for the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT) have remained unchanged since the NIIT went into effect in 2013, taxpayer incomes have generally grown significantly. So more taxpayers are getting hit with this additional tax. The NIIT applies to the lesser of your net investment income or the amount by which your modified adjusted gross income exceeds the applicable threshold. And it kicks in long before the top short- and long-term capital gains rates apply. We can help you manage potential NIIT exposure. Contact us at (925) 405-6124.