Blue & Co., LLC

Not-for-profits accepting online donations are facing a growing, and often overlooked, risk: credit card testing, or “carding.”

Bad actors use automated bots to run stolen credit card data through donation pages, generating high volumes of failed transactions. While each attempt may seem insignificant, the associated fees can quickly add up, sometimes reaching six figures.

Understanding how these attacks work and how to reduce exposure is critical for organizations relying on online giving.

Read more about the risks and practical steps to consider:

Credit Card Testing (Carding): A Growing Risk for Not-for-Profit Organizations By Rick Shields, CPA, Principal at Blue & Co. Not-for-profit organizations that accept donations through their websites face a relatively new risk: credit card testing (also known as “carding”). If […]

Preparing for the CPA exam can feel overwhelming—but the right guidance can make all the difference.

At Blue & Co., we’re committed to supporting our people through every stage of their careers, including one of the most important milestones in accounting. From knowing what to expect to building a study plan that works, having the right tools and support system matters.

Whether you’re just starting your CPA journey or getting ready to sit for your next section, this is a great place to begin.

Read our tips on what to expect and how to prepare:
https://hubs.la/Q04czgC50

At Blue & Co., our interns don’t just observe—they contribute, learn, and grow in meaningful ways. From hands-on client work to mentorship and real-time feedback, the experience is designed to build confidence and capability from day one.

If you’re exploring a future in accounting, getting a behind-the-scenes look can make all the difference.

Read what a day in the life of a tax intern is really like: https://hubs.la/Q04cz8mq0

Qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZs) are back in focus, and the rules are changing.

Originally introduced under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, QOZs were set to sunset in 2026. Now, new legislation has extended the program, introduced rolling designation periods, and updated how and when deferred gains are recognized.

For investors, this creates both opportunity and complexity. Understanding how these changes impact existing investments, and what they mean for new ones, is key to making informed decisions.

Click below to read more about what’s changed and what to consider going forward

Qualified Opportunity Zones: What’s Changed and What It Means for Investors By Carson Lorts, CPA, Senior Manager at Blue & Co. Qualified Opportunity Zones have now been around for nearly 10 years after their creation under the Tax Cuts & Jobs […]

A 20-Year Relationship Recognized

We’re proud to share that Walt Eckert has been named Service Partner of the Year by long-time client P&D Builders.

This recognition reflects more than two decades of partnership, supporting P&D Builders through everything from tax and accounting to complex strategic initiatives.

Most recently, Walt worked alongside his team and Jane Shawver, President of Blue Benefits Consulting to design and implement a cash balance retirement plan launching in 2025, building on prior work to strengthen their partner buy-sell structure and long-term planning.

It’s a great example of what strong client relationships can accomplish over time.

Congratulations to Walt on this well-deserved recognition and thank you to P&D Builders for the continued trust and partnership.

Closing out tax season is always a milestone, and it reflects the work of our entire firm.

Thank you to our teams across all 17 of our offices for your dedication and teamwork throughout the season. Your efforts make a meaningful impact for our clients and for each other.

After a busy few months, it was time to celebrate. From team events to office gatherings, here is how a few of our team members marked the moment together.

What makes a great internship experience?

It’s not just the work – it’s the people, the support, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

This busy season, our Spring 2026 interns did exactly that. They contributed, collaborated, and became part of our teams in meaningful ways.

That’s what it means to be part of Team Blue!

Thank you, Spring 2026 interns, for your hard work and dedication. We couldn’t have done it without you!