Horizon CPA Services

Do you dream of retiring early? As in, really early? So do adherents of FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early). Many FIRE followers aim to retire in their 40s or even 30s! They make it happen by saving at least 50% of their current income, which some maximize by working second jobs. Obviously, this requires discipline and planning. But if early retirement is a priority, call us {Phone%} so we can help you make it happen.

If the IRS audits your income tax return, you may need to produce documentation. In general, the IRS has three years to assess additional tax, starting from the date the return was filed or due, whichever is later. For example, if you filed your 2022 return by the April 18 deadline in 2023, the IRS generally has until April 18, 2026, to assess a tax deficiency. So you potentially can discard records related to that return after April 2026. But records should be held longer in certain situations. And you should keep copies of your returns forever. Call us at (816) 842-7878 with questions.

Two federal tax breaks can help offset the cost of accessibility improvements. In 2026, qualifying small businesses (with $1 million or less in gross receipts or no more than 30 full-time employees in 2025) may claim the Disabled Access Credit. It’s generally worth 50% of eligible accessibility costs (up to a $5,000 maximum). Businesses of any size may also deduct up to $15,000 per year for qualified architectural and transportation barrier removal. You can claim both benefits in the same year, but not for the same expense. New construction isn’t eligible for either break. If you’re planning upgrades, call us at (816) 842-7878 to help you make the most of these incentives.

A donor-advised fund (DAF) is one option available to support charities while reducing your taxable estate. By contributing cash or appreciated assets to a DAF, you also may qualify for an immediate charitable income tax deduction without needing to identify the specific charitable recipients right away. This gives you more time to research potential recipients or change the organizations you support from year to year. For families focused on legacy planning, DAFs can also help align heirs around charitable goals. Contact us at (816) 842-7878 for additional details.

The Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program offers tax breaks on capital gains from eligible long-term investments in designated low-income and rural communities. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act made the QOZ program permanent and established a new 10-year designation cycle. The IRS has issued guidance on how to nominate population census tracts for designation as QOZs. The next round of QOZs will be effective from Jan. 1, 2027, to Dec. 31, 2036. Generally, state and territory governors can begin nominating eligible census tracts for QOZ designation on July 1, 2026. The nomination period lasts 90 days, with the option of a single 30-day extension. Contact us at (816) 842-7878 with any questions about QOZ tax breaks.

If you’d like to arrange for a transfer of wealth through multiple generations, consider a dynasty trust. Assets are taxed just once, when they’re initially transferred to the trust. There’s no estate or generation-skipping transfer tax due on any subsequent appreciation in value. A drawback is that the trust is irrevocable. This means it generally can never be revised. Call us at (816) 842-7878 for more details.

Imagine if a fraud perpetrator wiped out your 401(k) account balance overnight. Would you still be able to retire? Millions of dollars in U.S. retirement plans have been stolen thanks to hackers, identity thieves and social engineers, such as scammers using phishing emails to obtain financial and other personal information. But you can protect your hard-earned savings! Call us (816) 842-7878 for retirement planning help.

Every business deserves an advisor who understands its goals and challenges. Our client-first approach combines responsive service with a comprehensive understanding of the latest tax, accounting and regulatory developments. Let’s explore strategies that help your business manage risks, seize opportunities and grow. Call us at (816) 842-7878 to get started.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how almost everything is done, including how fraud is committed. For example, a scammer might use AI to generate “deepfake” voices or “spoof” caller ID information to impersonate IRS agents. AI also makes it easier for perpetrators to establish robocall networks. (The IRS always stresses that it will contact taxpayers via U.S. mail about any tax issues. It won’t leave urgent voice messages or threaten arrest.) Fraud aside, the IRS warns against relying on AI-generated responses to complex tax questions. Be sure to verify AI answers by reviewing IRS instructions and crunching any numbers yourself. Better yet, call us at (816) 842-7878 for assistance.

Today’s finance and accounting (F&A) teams are under significant pressure. Tight deadlines, lean staffing, evolving regulations and growing compliance demands can lead to burnout, errors and turnover. Retention isn’t just about compensation. Practical operational improvements can make a real difference. Consider automating repetitive tasks, clarifying approval workflows, cross-training staff to ease bottlenecks and leveraging external resources during peak times. When your F&A team has the right structure and support, they’re more productive, accurate and engaged. Call us at (816) 842-7878 to brainstorm cost-effective ways to strengthen your financial operations.

Can business debt become personal? In some cases, yes. If you’re a sole proprietor or a general partner in a partnership, you’re personally liable for business debts. Owners of corporations and limited liability companies are generally protected from personal liability, unless they personally guarantee a loan, commit fraud or fail to keep business and personal finances separate. Payroll taxes are different. The IRS can assess the Trust Fund Recovery Penalty to hold owners, officers or other responsible individuals personally liable for unpaid withheld payroll taxes, regardless of the business structure. This applies even if the business declares bankruptcy. Call us at (816) 842-7878 with questions.