When an S-corp nets $150,000 to $250,000 before owner salary, the reflex is to crank up wages “to be safe.” That’s not always necessary. Our firm applies an effort vs. capitalization framework that pegs wages to the owner’s actual labor and credits a...

The Rule, In Plain English An S-corporation must pay shareholder-employees a reasonable salary for the services they perform before distributing remaining profits. This isn’t folklore; it comes from how the Internal Revenue Code treats compensation a...

Let’s be honest: we toss around “SWOT” a lot. CFOs love it, consultants swear by it, and half the time it’s a slide that gets skimmed between coffee refills. But do you actually know why it matters, or how to use it so it changes decisions and dollar...

Not every business can afford a full-time CFO—but every business deserves CFO-level insight. Here are five simple tips that our clients use to get control of their numbers and strengthen their bottom line. 1. Cash Flow > Profit Don’t confuse “prof...

🚨 California Expands Retirement Plan Mandate Action needed by December 31, 2025 California has expanded its retirement mandate to the smallest employers. If you have even one W-2 employee (other than the owner or owner’s spouse) and do not sponsor a ...

Most entrepreneurs start with passion and grit. What they usually don’t start with is a seasoned CFO in their corner. That’s where the cracks begin to show: cash flow headaches, tense bank conversations, stalled growth, or even a looming sale that co...

1. Equipment & Asset Purchases Goal: Maximize Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation benefits. ✅ Before Purchase Forecast taxable income for the year to determine how much expense you can absorb without creating unnecessary losses. Identify qualifyin...

In our earlier overview, we covered the major provisions of the OBBB Act that matter to agriculture. Now, let’s focus on practical applications—ways to align your purchases, sales, and income with the new law to optimize cash flow, preserve eligibili...

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB Act), signed into law on July 4, 2025, contains some of the most significant tax and agricultural provisions we’ve seen in years. Here’s a breakdown of the key points, with a focus on what they mean in practical terms...