Tax Articles

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.

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.

Taxes play a critical role in the success of mergers and acquisitions, influencing both deal structure and financial outcomes. Whether a transaction is structured as an asset sale or a stock sale can significantly impact tax liabilities for buyers and sellers. Understanding these implications early helps avoid surprises and ensures a more strategic, tax-efficient deal.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces a 100% first-year depreciation deduction for nonresidential real estate classified as Qualified Production Property (QPP), offering significant tax savings for manufacturers. To qualify, properties must meet strict usage and timing requirements, and businesses should be aware of limitations such as nonqualified areas, leased buildings, and potential recapture rules. Careful planning and IRS guidance will be essential to maximize this benefit.

As 2025 draws to a close, employers should review whether they have properly included the value of common fringe benefits in their employees’ and (if applicable) 2% S corporation shareholders’ taxable wages.

A QTIP trust is an estate planning tool designed to provide financial security for a surviving spouse while preserving assets for designated beneficiaries, such as children from a prior marriage. It offers flexibility and potential estate tax benefits by deferring taxes until the second spouse’s death. This approach helps blended families achieve fairness and clarity in their long-term plans.

Business gift deductions are generally capped at $25 per recipient per year, but exceptions exist for gifts to companies, couples, and incidental costs like packaging or shipping. Employee gifts follow different rules: cash or gift cards count as taxable wages, while small noncash items may qualify as tax-free fringe benefits. Accurate documentation of gift details and business purpose is essential to maximize deductions and remain compliant.

Making sure loved ones can easily access estate planning documents is essential to avoid stress and legal complications. Store originals, especially your will, in a secure, accessible location and share details with trusted family members or advisors. Clear communication about where documents are kept ensures your wishes are carried out smoothly.

A residuary clause in a will ensures that any assets not specifically mentioned—such as forgotten accounts or newly acquired property—are distributed according to your wishes. Without it, those assets may be subject to state intestacy laws, potentially leading to legal complications and family disputes. Including this clause adds flexibility and peace of mind by safeguarding your estate against future uncertainties.

As 2025 winds down, now is the time to review your business expenses and lock in potential tax savings. This article breaks down what’s still deductible under the latest tax laws, including updates from the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) and the TCJA, and offers practical tips to help you plan ahead for 2026.