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Fraud prevention strategies for nonprofit organizations

Nonprofits are disproportionately vulnerable to occupational fraud due to small administrative teams, part-time board oversight, and heavy reliance on cash-based transactions. Asset misappropriation schemes such as skimming, billing fraud, and expense reimbursement abuse are among the most common threats, and the typical scheme goes undetected for over a year. By implementing practical internal controls, strengthening board oversight, and engaging a CPA proactively, nonprofits can significantly reduce their exposure before a loss occurs.

Form 990 filing mistakes that can undermine your nonprofit’s credibility

Form 990 is more than a tax return; it’s a public document that donors, grantmakers, and regulators use to evaluate your nonprofit. Common mistakes in filing, reconciliation, and narrative disclosures can raise questions about financial stewardship or put your tax-exempt status at risk. This article outlines the key errors to avoid and how to build a more reliable year-over-year filing process.

Section 179D energy-efficient commercial building deduction: a reminder for projects already underway

Although the June 30, 2026 deadline for the Section 179D energy-efficient commercial building deduction has passed, projects that began construction on or before that date may still be eligible for a significant per-square-foot deduction. Building owners with projects already underway should act now to confirm eligibility, secure required third-party certification, and file Form 7205 before documentation becomes difficult to reconstruct.

IRS raises the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026

The IRS raised the standard mileage rates for the second half of 2026, effective July 1, with the business rate increasing from 72.5 cents to 76 cents per mile. Taxpayers who use their vehicle for business, medical, or qualifying moving purposes will need to track mileage separately for each half of the year. Learn what the new rates mean for your deductions, reimbursement policies, and recordkeeping.

IRS introduces automatic penalty relief for taxpayers with a strong compliance history

The IRS is replacing its First Time Abate program with a new Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP), which will automatically prevent certain penalties for eligible taxpayers with a strong compliance history. Starting with 2025 tax year returns and 2026 quarterly returns, qualifying individuals and businesses may avoid failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and failure-to-deposit penalties without needing to call the IRS or submit a separate request. Understanding the eligibility requirements and transition timeline is key to making the most of this change.

IRS provides gift tax safe harbor for Trump account contributions

The IRS just made it easier for families to fund Trump accounts without triggering an unexpected gift tax filing requirement. In Revenue Procedure 2026-25, the IRS established a safe harbor that allows qualifying donors to contribute cash to a child’s Trump account and skip Form 709 entirely, as long as key conditions are met. Here’s what you need to know before making contributions.

Why homeowners need to track improvements before a sale or inheritance

As home values rise, the federal home sale exclusion may no longer be enough to eliminate capital gains tax when a property is sold or inherited. The difference between a large tax bill and a smaller one can come down to how well a homeowner documented capital improvements over the years. Keeping a permanent record of qualifying expenses is one of the simplest steps homeowners can take to protect themselves.