Articles From Lumsden McCormick

Starting in 2026, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces major changes to employer reporting requirements, including new W-2 codes for qualified tips and overtime income and contributions to Trump accounts. The law also raises the 1099 reporting threshold from $600 to $2,000, easing compliance for businesses. Employers should prepare now for updated forms and processes to ensure accurate reporting and employee eligibility for deductions.

Fiduciary duty requires nonprofit board members to act in the organization’s best interests through the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience. Strong governance means informed decisions, legal and policy compliance, and rigorous conflict management via disclosure, recusal, independent review, and clear documentation. Breaches can lead to personal liability and reputational or tax exempt risks, so onboarding, annual refreshers, and consistent financial, risk, and strategy oversight are essential.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) significantly expands business interest expense deductions starting in 2025. It allows a more generous calculation of adjusted taxable income (ATI) by excluding depreciation, amortization, and depletion, and broadens floor plan financing to include trailers and campers. These changes mean larger deductions for many businesses, though complex rules and exceptions still apply.

As year-end approaches, individuals must prepare to review their 2025 tax situation. Our annual year-end guide highlights key opportunities and important updates that can lower tax liability and strengthen long-term financial planning.

View the 2025 Exempt Conference resources here.

The gift tax annual exclusion lets you give up to $19,000 per recipient in 2025 (and 2026) tax-free, helping reduce your estate tax liability. Married couples can double this amount through split gifts, but remember the deadline is December 31 and certain gifts require IRS reporting. For larger gifts, you can use your lifetime exemption, and some payments—like tuition or medical expenses made directly—are always tax-free.

Correctly classifying workers as employees or independent contractors is critical for nonprofits. While contractors can reduce costs and administrative burdens, misclassification can lead to significant financial penalties, back taxes, and compliance issues. With shifting federal standards and varying state rules, nonprofits must stay informed and review classification practices regularly.

Mark your calendars; the long-awaited revisions to the 2018 Yellow Book will take effect December 15, 2025. The changes were released in early 2024, but soon they will be the standard that government auditing is held to.

Proactive planning is essential for private companies in the year-end planning period. Understanding evolving tax regulations is essential in order to optimize cash flow, mitigate risk, and position companies for the year ahead. 

As public companies prepare for year-end, a proactive and integrated tax strategy is essential for optimizing cash flow, reducing risk, and ensuring transparent financial communication with stakeholders. This guide highlights key areas that corporate tax and finance leaders should evaluate before the close of the fiscal year.