Research by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and others has consistently found that some industries suffer higher fraud losses than others. For example, according to the ACFE’s Occupational Fraud 2026: A Report to the Nations, the median fraud loss per incident for the mining, real estate, energy and wholesale trade sectors is $220,000 or […]
Persistent inflation, elevated interest rates and volatile energy costs continue to squeeze profit margins for many small and midsize businesses. While implementing price increases may seem like the simplest response, that’s not always necessary — and, in today’s competitive markets, price increases can even cause some of your customers to search for lower-cost providers. Sustainable […]
A properly structured grantor retained annuity trust (GRAT) can be a powerful tool for those with estates large enough that gift and estate taxes are a concern. It allows you to transfer wealth to your loved ones at little or no tax cost while continuing to enjoy an income stream for a period of years. […]
Tax scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money. The IRS warns taxpayers to remain cautious because scammers continually change tactics to steal personal and financial information. IRS impersonation scams First […]
Late customer payments don’t just create temporary cash shortages. Over time, inconsistent collections can disrupt budgeting, increase borrowing needs and make it harder to plan for growth. In response to cash flow challenges, many businesses focus heavily on increasing revenue while overlooking how efficiently they convert receivables into cash. But even a strong top line […]
Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t necessarily mean you close shop. Many distressed businesses decide to reorganize instead. This option provides a path for continued operations. Here’s how a business valuation professional can provide insight during this process — and help your business thrive going forward. Recent trends Continued economic uncertainty has caused many businesses to struggle […]
Cash hasn’t disappeared — but it’s no longer the preferred payment method for many customers. As electronic and digital options continue to expand, more businesses are evaluating how much they rely on physical currency. Rather than eliminating cash entirely, many are exploring a “cash-light” approach. Here’s a look at current payment trends and the practical […]
Annuities have recently gained attention as an employee benefit because of changes in federal retirement law. But their use in workplace plans remains limited. The 68th Annual 401(k) Survey by the Plan Sponsor Council of America, published in late 2025, found that only 8.9% of respondents had an in-plan annuity for the 2024 plan year. […]
Financial statements provide the data to support prices in mergers and acquisitions (M&As). But are those reported results reliable and sustainable? After all, the value of a business is based on expected future earnings, not historical results. A quality of earnings (QoE) report prepared by a qualified business valuation professional provides critical insight into earnings, supports informed […]
Would you like your estate plan to support your favorite charity and leave a legacy for your family? Two trust types can be used together to help achieve those goals (one familiar and another you may not have heard of): a charitable remainder trust (CRT) and a wealth replacement trust (WRT). Let’s take a closer […]
Materiality is a core concept that shapes the entire financial reporting process. In simple terms, materiality helps determine which financial information is significant enough to influence decisions — and which details likely won’t affect the overall picture. Understanding how experienced certified public accountants (CPAs) evaluate materiality can help you prepare reliable financial reports and avoid […]
A new but temporary special depreciation allowance for qualified production property (QPP) was created by last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). It’s available for certain manufacturing-related real property placed in service after July 4, 2025, and before January 1, 2031. Under previous law, taxpayers had to depreciate such property over a 39-year period. The OBBBA […]