Collins, Barr & Hembree, Ltd.

Collins, Barr & Hembree, Ltd. Collins, Barr & Hembree, Ltd. is licensed in MS and specializes in Accounting. We are professional, experienced, and affordable.

We offer a broad range of services for business owners, executives, and independent professionals.

Owning assets jointly with your adult child can invite unwelcome tax consequences that may outweigh potential benefits. ...
09/02/2026

Owning assets jointly with your adult child can invite unwelcome tax consequences that may outweigh potential benefits. For example, owning an asset together as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” can open up transfer tax exposure. If you add your child to the title of property you already own, it may be considered a taxable gift of half the property’s value. And when you die, half of the property’s value will be included in your taxable estate. A properly designed trust can be a more tax-efficient option. Call us at (601) 707-7536 for details.

Donating artwork, antiques, collectibles or other tangible personal property that has appreciated in value can produce v...
09/01/2026

Donating artwork, antiques, collectibles or other tangible personal property that has appreciated in value can produce very different tax results depending on the charity’s use of the item. If the use directly supports the organization’s mission — such as an antique donated to a museum for its collection — you may be able to deduct fair market value. But if the item will be used for another purpose, such as being sold at a fundraising auction, your deduction may be limited to what you originally paid for it. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 before making a donation to discuss your potential deduction and the applicable substantiation requirements.

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment ob...
08/31/2026

Are your bills piling up? Managing accounts payable can be challenging for small businesses — especially when payment obligations aren’t clearly tracked. QuickBooks Online tools can help by organizing upcoming bills, automating bill entry, and simplifying electronic or check payments. Stronger payables management may reduce missed deadlines and late fees and improve cash flow visibility. We can help your business use QuickBooks Online more efficiently and streamline your payables process. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 to learn more.

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of...
08/28/2026

Scholarship awards can provide significant financial relief to families of college-bound students. Most, but not all, of the awards are tax-free. To qualify for tax-free status, scholarships must meet three criteria: 1) The student must be a degree candidate at an eligible educational institution, 2) the award must be used to pay for tuition and fees, books, and certain supplies (not room and board or travel), and 3) the award can’t represent wages for teaching or research. Many graduate student awards have employment compensation components, so they may be taxable. Also, taxable scholarship money could potentially be subject to the “kiddie” tax. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 for more information.

Whether your business sponsors a 401(k) plan or is considering it, automatic enrollment deserves a fresh look. This feat...
08/26/2026

Whether your business sponsors a 401(k) plan or is considering it, automatic enrollment deserves a fresh look. This feature automatically enrolls eligible employees in the plan unless they opt out or choose a different contribution rate. Under the SECURE 2.0 Act, many 401(k) plans established on or after December 29, 2022, must include an auto-enroll feature for plan years beginning after December 31, 2024. (Some exceptions may apply.) Older plans generally aren’t required to add this feature, but doing so can benefit both employers and employees. Call us at (601) 707-7536 for more information.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a long-time homeowner, mortgage interest may save you taxes. If you itemize ded...
08/25/2026

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a long-time homeowner, mortgage interest may save you taxes. If you itemize deductions rather than claim the standard deduction, interest you pay on mortgage debt to buy, build or substantially improve a primary or second home generally is deductible. Points paid related to your primary residence may also be deductible. Beginning in 2026, mortgage insurance premiums potentially can be deducted as mortgage interest. The $750,000 debt limit for most mortgage debt incurred after Dec. 15, 2017, is now permanent. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 to discuss your tax situation.

If your estate might exceed the federal estate tax exemption ($15 million for 2026), you’re probably concerned about fut...
08/24/2026

If your estate might exceed the federal estate tax exemption ($15 million for 2026), you’re probably concerned about future estate tax liability. A spousal lifetime access trust (SLAT) may help. A SLAT can allow you to remove wealth from your estate tax-free while providing a safety net if your needs change in the future. Essentially, a SLAT is an irrevocable trust you establish for the benefit of your spouse plus your children or other relatives. Your spouse is granted limited access to the trust’s funds during his or her lifetime, giving you indirect access. Call us at (601) 707-7536 to discuss whether a SLAT makes sense for you.

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising...
08/21/2026

The IRS has increased the 2026 cents-per-mile rates for calculating tax-deductible vehicle operating costs due to rising fuel costs. Effective July 1, 2026, the standard mileage rate for the business use of a car, van, pickup truck or panel truck is 76 cents per mile, up from 72.5 cents per mile for the first half of the year. The revised rate for medical and eligible moving purposes is 23.5 cents per mile, up from 20.5 cents per mile. For charitable driving, the 14 cents per mile rate remains unchanged. These rates apply to gasoline- and diesel-powered vehicles as well as electric and hybrid ones. To protect your deduction, keep detailed mileage records. Call us at (601) 707-7536 with questions.

Accurate bookkeeping and timely accounting records provide the foundation for informed decisions throughout the year. Wh...
08/19/2026

Accurate bookkeeping and timely accounting records provide the foundation for informed decisions throughout the year. When your books are current and reliable, it’s easier to manage cash flow, identify operational issues and jump on growth opportunities. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 for help streamlining your financial reporting processes and reducing year-end surprises.

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or...
08/18/2026

Selling investments at a loss generally reduces taxes, but the wash sale rule can get in the way. If you buy the same or a “substantially identical” investment within 30 days before or after the sale, the loss may be disallowed. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid triggering the wash sale rule and still achieve your goals. Contact us at (601) 707-7536 to discuss balancing tax considerations with investment objectives.

Address

130 Fountains Boulevard
Madison, MS
39110

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16017077536

Website

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