Kela Y. Pryor, CPA

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 1-800-871-4008 to learn more. We can help determine your vessel’s eligibility and provide guidance on substantiating any write-offs.

Do your employees pay out of pocket for business travel, meals or supplies? With a properly structured “accountable plan,” reimbursements are tax-free to employees and deductible for your business. (Remember, meals are generally only 50% deductible.) Without an accountable plan, reimbursements count as taxable wages and trigger income taxes for the employee and payroll taxes for both the employee and your business. Contact us at 1-800-871-4008 to help ensure your reimbursement practices comply with the tax rules and minimize unintended tax consequences.

Are you behind on federal tax payments or worried about defaulting on an IRS installment agreement? You might have more options than you realize. If your finances have changed, the IRS may let you adjust your payment plan to lower monthly payments or a new schedule. If your agreement is terminated, you can request reinstatement. You can also consider an offer in compromise, which may allow you to settle for less than you owe. If you’re facing serious financial trouble and can provide evidence of undue hardship, the IRS sometimes allows up to six months to pay. It helps to act early. Call us at 1-800-871-4008 with questions.

Your financial life is more interconnected than you may realize. Your tax, retirement and estate planning should work together to support your goals today and protect your legacy tomorrow. We can help you bring it all together with a coordinated strategy to reduce taxes, build retirement savings and achieve your estate planning objectives. Contact us at 1-800-871-4008.

Are rental real estate activities eligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction? The answer is a distinct “maybe.” This tax break allows eligible sole proprietors and owners of “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of QBI. Pass-through entities include partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. However, income from a rental real estate activity is QBI only if the activity rises to the level of a trade or business or meets an IRS safe harbor, which generally requires separate records, sufficient rental services and specific documentation. Various limits and other restrictions also apply. Call us at 1-800-871-4008 to learn more.

Now is the perfect time to tidy up your QuickBooks files. Unreconciled accounts, uncategorized transactions and outdated records can distort your cash flow and profitability. Even with QuickBooks’ automation tools and AI-enabled features, consistent review and oversight are essential. Don’t forget your chart of accounts! An outdated or cluttered chart can muddy your results, making it harder to understand your true performance. Clean books support better financial decisions and smoother tax filings. Call us at 1-800-871-4008 to help get your bookkeeping in top shape.

If you rent out your primary residence or vacation home for no more than 14 days, you don’t have to report the income. (But you can’t deduct related expenses, such as advertising and cleaning.) If you rent it out for more than 14 days, the income is taxable. And you may be able to deduct expenses such as utilities, repairs, insurance and depreciation. Exactly what you can deduct depends on personal vs. rental use. The rules are complex, but tax savings opportunities are available. Call us at 1-800-871-4008 to learn more.

Business owners: If you’re only reaching out at tax time, you may be missing some valuable insights. Why stop at tax filings? Let us help you make smarter business decisions year-round — from improving cash flow to navigating economic uncertainty to planning for growth. Please call us at 1-800-871-4008 to learn more about how we can support your strategic goals.

Does your business provide complimentary on-site food and beverages for employees? The rules for deducting certain business meals have changed. Beginning in 2026, employers generally can’t deduct 1) meals treated as de minimis fringe benefits, or 2) employer-provided meals that are excludable from an employee’s income and provided for the employer’s convenience on business premises. For the 2025 tax year, generally the former were 100% deductible and the latter were 50% deductible. Contact us at 1-800-871-4008 to discuss whether this change will affect your company and how to plan accordingly.

In strategic planning, it can be hard for business owners to step back and evaluate opportunities objectively. An external advisory board can offer fresh, independent perspectives and seasoned guidance, especially when handling high-stakes, complex transactions. A board’s involvement can elevate professionalism, strengthen credibility with stakeholders and support smarter long-term decisions. Contact us at 1-800-871-4008 to explore how creating an advisory board, or optimizing your current one, can help your business grow.