BGMF CPAs

No, girls' trips are not tax deductible.

Sarah and Christiann had an amazing time exploring beautiful Moab, Utah, but unfortunately the IRS doesn't consider sightseeing, hiking, and making memories to be business expenses!

Business trips, however, can be deductible if they meet the IRS requirements and you keep good records.

A few tips to maximize your business travel deductions:

1. Have a clear business purpose for the trip before you leave.
2. Keep a detailed itinerary showing meetings, conferences, site visits, or other business activities.
3. Save receipts for airfare, lodging, transportation, parking, and other travel expenses.
4. Document who you met with and the business topics discussed when claiming meal expenses.
5. Keep notes during the trip—don't rely on memory months later.
6. Make sure the primary purpose of the trip is business. If you tack on a few personal days, that's usually okay, but the business activities should drive the trip.
7. Bonus tip: Keep emails, conference registrations, meeting invitations, and even photos that help support the business purpose.

Good documentation is the difference between a deductible business trip and a very expensive vacation.

Questions about whether your upcoming travel qualifies? Give us a call before you book!

We were fortunate to have an outstanding intern join us through Catholic Central High School's internship program this year!

Brody Adams worked alongside Matt Mullen and the BGMF team. He gained hands-on experience, connected with members of our community, and helped us in many ways throughout his time here. We loved having him as part of our team and are excited to see what the future holds for him.

Congratulations on graduating with Honors, earning both the Gold Shoe Award and the Monsignor Martin Varley Leadership Award! We wish you the very best as you head to Marian University to study Civil Engineering and continue your football career.

Thank you for spending part of your senior year with us. We're proud to have been a small part of your journey!

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Today, we especially recognize members of one of our partners’ families:
• Arlie Feltner, PFC, Army Infantry
• Carter Feltner, Corporal, Patton’s Tank Battalion

We are grateful for their service, sacrifice, and the legacy they leave behind. Their courage — and the courage of so many others — will never be forgotten.

Wishing everyone a meaningful Memorial Day as we remember and honor our nation’s heroes.

We’re fortunate to work with clients who turn skill and passion into something truly special. Check out this beautiful craftsmanship from one of our clients.

Join me in wishing Troy Lowe a very happy birthday.

Troy Lowe has been at BGMF since 2014. Prior to joining BGMF, he spent 14 years with a large regional accounting firm. He works with a variety of clients including individuals, small and medium sized businesses, and non-profits. He specializes in accounting, general business consulting, and tax for individuals, businesses and farmers. Troy graduated from Wright State University in 1995 and has been a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Ohio since 1997. Troy enjoys working with business owners to find tax saving solutions and researching the details and nuances of tax law.

Troy retired from the Army reserves after serving for 24 years. He is a veteran of both the First Gulf War and the Iraq War.

Troy is a member of the AICPA and Ohio Society of CPAs.

TAX TIP TUESDAY

Just a reminder…
Dog food is STILL not tax deductible. But aren't Joe's little pups adorable?
(Yes, people ask. 😂)

BUT there are new changes under the OBBB rules for meals & entertainment starting in 2026:

Business meals with clients?
Still generally 50% deductible if there’s a legit business purpose.

Entertainment expenses?
Still mostly NOT deductible. (Sorry, golf outings and concert tickets.)

Office snacks, coffee, breakroom goodies & employer-provided meals?
Many of these are becoming 0% deductible under the new rules.

Employee parties & company events?
Still generally 100% deductible.

And remember — documentation is EVERYTHING.
Keep the receipt and make notes of:
✔️ Who attended
✔️ What was discussed
✔️ How it related to your business

Because “talked about work” written on a crumpled receipt probably won’t impress the IRS.

Moral of the story:
Take your clients to lunch ✔️
Throw your staff a holiday party ✔️
Try to deduct your Labradoodle’s kibble ❌

Join us in wishing Carter Feltner a very Happy Birthday!! Enjoy your day Carter!!

Carter has been with BGMF since 2002. Carter started at Deloitte right out of Wright State University in 1975. Carter serves both individual and business clients in a variety of industries providing tax preparation and planning, financial statement reporting and consulting. Carter has sat on numerous boards over his tenure in Springfield including the YMCA, Boy Scouts, American Heart Association and OIC of Clark County.

Carter has been married to his beloved Nancy for over 30 years now and enjoys time with her, time with family, traveling and reading. Carter grew up in Clark County and graduated from Greenon High School.

Carter is a member of the AICPA and Ohio Society of CPAs.

We had a lot of graduations to celebrate this weekend! 🎓

Congratulations to Mallory (Matt’s daughter), Jake (Troy’s son), David (Christiann’s step-son), and our very own Impreza on their university graduations. What an incredible accomplishment — we are so proud of all of you and excited to see what’s next!

For parents and families, we know saving for college is a big undertaking. One of the best tools to plan ahead can be a 529 college savings plan, which offers tax-advantaged savings for future education expenses. Starting early — even with small contributions — can make a big difference over time.

If you have questions about 529 plans, college savings strategies, or the tax benefits available, feel free to reach out to our team. We’re always happy to help!

Now that tax season is over, we wanted to check in with you all to make sure you're keeping up with your monthly books. Click the link below for some quick/easy QBO best practices.

www.bgmfcpas.com

From our family to yours… Wishing you a Merry Christmas!!