Articles From Lumsden McCormick

With the passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), a number of the tax incentives created or strengthened by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 have been repealed. Learn about the credits that will be expiring early under the new tax legislation and consider taking advantage of them before the window to do so closes.

A quiet trust, also known as a silent trust, is an estate planning tool that keeps beneficiaries unaware of the trust’s existence until a specified age or milestone. While it can preserve motivation and protect heirs from external pressures, it may also lead to missed opportunities or resentment. For some families, an incentive trust, which rewards responsible behavior may offer a more balanced approach.

Creating an effective nonprofit budget requires more than adjusting last year’s numbers. A collaborative approach, accurate forecasting, and scenario planning can help organizations stay agile and prepared for uncertainty. Building reserves and aligning budgets with strategic goals ensures long-term sustainability and mission success.

The One Big Beautiful Bill makes the Section 199A qualified business income (QBI) deduction permanent and expands income phase-in ranges starting in 2026, allowing many service-oriented businesses to claim larger deductions. It also introduces a minimum QBI deduction for eligible taxpayers and adjusts thresholds for inflation. Strategic planning, such as managing taxable income and increasing W-2 wages, can help maximize these benefits.

Owning a business with your spouse can be rewarding, but it also brings unique tax challenges that can impact your bottom line. From self-employment tax surprises to IRS partnership rules, understanding your options like electing joint venture status, forming an S corporation, or restructuring roles can help you minimize taxes and simplify compliance.

Executive Order 14247 requires the IRS to transition all tax-related payments and refunds to electronic methods starting September 30, 2025, eliminating paper checks except in limited cases. Taxpayers will need to use direct deposit, prepaid debit cards, or digital platforms for refunds and make payments through approved electronic systems, with support available for those lacking access to traditional banking.

Custodial accounts offer a flexible way for adults to manage investments on behalf of minors, allowing the assets to legally belong to the child while controlled by a custodian until adulthood. These accounts support various asset types and provide tax benefits but come with considerations regarding control and financial aid impact.

A well-planned nonprofit board retreat starts with a meaningful topic. This article explores how choosing a central theme such as risk management, financial reporting, or donor engagement can lead to focused discussions and actionable outcomes that strengthen your organization’s strategy.

Family business owners benefit from having both an estate plan and a succession plan to ensure a smooth transition of assets and leadership. These strategies help preserve wealth, minimize taxes, and reduce potential conflicts among heirs, while supporting the financial needs of both generations.

Clear, consistent communication about financial realities helps nonprofit leaders maintain staff trust and morale during uncertain times. By proactively addressing concerns, especially around layoffs, and fostering a culture of transparency, executive directors can prevent damaging rumors and keep their teams focused on the mission.