Maurice W. Atkinson II, CPA, PLLC

Tax returns and financial statements are important. But you know we can do so much more, right? Think of us as your year-round, human source of practical guidance. We can help you better understand the ups and downs of your cash flow, spot opportunities to cut costs or improve profitability, and plan for growth with greater confidence. Call us at 919-934-6000 to learn more and get the strategic support you need to achieve your business goals.

If you have a traditional pension and are approaching retirement, get ready to make some decisions! Pension plans usually give retirees a choice between receiving payouts as a lump sum or an annuity. A lump-sum distribution allows you to invest the money as you see fit. Annuity payments can provide guaranteed income for life. Call us at 919-934-6000 to discuss the costs, risks and advantages of each option.

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 919-934-6000 for help streamlining your financial reporting processes and reducing year-end surprises.

Contributions to Section 530A accounts (also known as Trump Accounts) are now eligible for the gift tax annual exclusion. If, for example, you contribute cash (including via check or EFT) to a child or grandchild’s account, that contribution won’t be subject to the federal gift tax or related reporting requirements, as long as your total gifts to the child for the year don’t exceed $19,000. Note that contributions from most sources are limited to $5,000 per year (not including the initial federal government contribution of $1,000 if the child qualifies), per Section 530A account. Also, the recipient must be under age 18 at the end of the tax year. Have questions? Call us at 919-934-6000.

Did you know that if you have seriously delinquent tax debt, you could lose your passport? The IRS can “certify” unpaid federal tax debts over $66,000 (adjusted annually for inflation) to the U.S. State Department, which may deny a passport application or renewal — or even revoke your current passport — until your tax issues are resolved. If you’re overseas, you might receive only a limited-validity passport to return to the United States. Unpaid federal tax debt includes individual income taxes, trust fund recovery penalties, business taxes for which taxpayers are personally liable and other civil penalties. Contact us at 919-934-6000 for details.

Are you paying yourself and family members who work in your business reasonable compensation? The IRS requires compensation (including salaries, bonuses and perks) to reflect services performed and be comparable to compensation for similar roles in similar organizations. This is especially important for owner-employees and related parties. Payments to relatives may be deductible, but only if they represent reasonable wages for bona fide services and are well documented. Excess compensation may be reclassified as nondeductible distributions of income, while underpaying may raise payroll tax issues. Regularly reviewing compensation practices can help reduce audit risk. Call us at 919-934-6000 for guidance.

Did you know the IRS can file a tax return on your behalf if you don’t file one yourself? It’s called a Substitute for Return (SFR) — and it’s rarely in your favor. The IRS uses information it already has, such as W-2 and 1099 forms, to prepare the SFR. But it usually skips deductions and credits you may be entitled to, often resulting in a higher tax bill. You could also face penalties, interest and collection actions, such as liens or levies. The good news? You can fix it. Filing an accurate return can generally replace the SFR and may reduce what you owe, though penalties and interest may still apply. Call us at 919-934-6000 for help.

If you’re getting married, or were recently married, congratulations! Taxes are likely the furthest from your mind, but there are a few tax-related chores you need to consider. For example, next year, for 2026, you’ll be filing your first tax return as a married person. That could affect the amount of tax you should have withheld from your paycheck. Use the IRS Withholding Estimator to check. Then provide your employer with a new Form W-4. If your last name has changed, notify the Social Security Administration, which will inform the IRS. You and your new spouse should also review financial accounts, insurance coverage, estate plans and tax strategies. We can help. Contact us at 919-934-6000.

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 919-934-6000 for more information.

Is federal tax debt blocking you from achieving your financial goals? Unresolved tax debt can lead to interest and penalties, tax liens, asset seizures — and even the denial or revocation of your passport. These consequences can make it difficult to move forward. The good news is relief may be just a phone call away. We can assess your situation and help you find a path forward. Contact us at 919-934-6000 to discuss your next steps.