MSM Advisors - CPA and Business Advisors

09/07/2026

📅 Q3 estimated tax payments are due September 15!

Business owners — have you made your Q3 estimated tax payment yet? 👀

In this week’s MSM Monday, we’re breaking down what you need to know about quarterly estimated taxes, including:

💰 Who may be required to make estimated tax payments
🏢 How estimated taxes apply to partnerships and S corporations
⚠️ What can happen if you underpay or miss a payment
📅 Why staying on top of those deadlines matters

Whether you’re a sole proprietor, partner, S corporation shareholder, or corporation, understanding your estimated tax obligations can help you avoid unexpected surprises.

Blog link in the comments below!

💬 Business Owners: Do you handle your estimated tax payments yourself, or do you leave them to your CPA/tax advisor?

08/24/2026

Do you work from customers’ homes but handle your business’s administrative work from your own home? You may still qualify for a home office deduction!

For construction and trades business owners, home office deductions can be a valuable tax benefit. Even if you spend most of your time working at customers’ locations, you may qualify if you use a dedicated space in your home for administrative or management activities that aren’t performed somewhere else.

Here are a few things to know:

✅ You may qualify even if you primarily work at your customers’ homes, and
✅ Qualifying expenses can include mortgage interest, insurance, repairs, maintenance, depreciation, and rent.

There are also some important limitations. Employees generally can't claim the home office deduction, and simply storing tools or equipment in your home typically isn’t enough to qualify.

No two businesses are exactly alike, so it’s important to understand the specific IRS requirements and keep proper documentation for any expenses you plan to deduct.

We recently launched MSM Mondays, our biweekly series of accounting insights designed to equip business owners to make wise financial planning decisions. If you want to learn more about home office deductions for construction and trades businesses, check out our latest post (link in comments!).

💬 We'd love to hear from you! If you own a business, what part of running it do you most often find yourself doing from home? Comment below!

07/27/2026

💵One of the most common questions S-Corp owners ask is: “Am I paying myself the right amount?”

If you own an S-Corp and actively work in your business, your compensation is an important part of your tax planning. While S-Corps can provide flexibility in how owners receive income, there are important rules around paying yourself a reasonable salary.

Here are a few things to know:

✅ S-Corp owners who provide services to their business are generally required to receive W-2 wages,
✅ Compensation should reflect the value of the work performed for the company, and
✅ Keeping documentation to support your compensation decisions is essential.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to reasonable compensation. Factors like your role, responsibilities, hours worked, industry standards, and how your business generates revenue all play a part in determining an appropriate salary.

We just launched MSM Mondays, our new biweekly series of accounting insights designed to equip small business owners to make wise financial planning decisions. If you want to learn more about reasonable compensation for S-Corp owners, check out our latest post: https://msmadvisors.net/msm-mondays-reasonable-compensation-for-s-corp-owners/

💬 We'd love to hear from you! For business owners, what is one area of tax planning you’ve found the most confusing? Comment below!

07/13/2026

📚 Back-to-school season is almost here!

While you're shopping for backpacks and school supplies, it's also a great time to think about future education expenses. Whether you're planning for your child, grandchild, or even yourself, a 529 Plan can be a smart way to save for education while taking advantage of valuable tax benefits.

Here are a few things to know:

❎ Contributions are not federally tax-deductible, but...
✅ Contributions grow through tax-free investment earnings,
✅ Qualified education expenses are generally tax-free, and
✅ Your state may also offer additional tax benefits!

No two families—or businesses—are exactly alike, so the best education savings strategy depends on your unique goals. It's worth seeing if a 529 Plan is a good fit for your family!

We just launched MSM Mondays, our new biweekly series of business insights designed to equip small business owners to make wise financial planning decisions. If you want to learn more about 529 Plans, check out our latest post: https://msmadvisors.net/msm-mondays-529-plans/

💬 We'd love to hear from you! What's one school supply you were always excited to get as a kid? Comment below!

Welcome To the First Installment of MSM Mondays! We’re excited to launch MSM Mondays, our new biweekly series of business insights designed with small business owners in mind. Helping entrepreneurs succeed is our passion, and one of the best ways we can do that is by sharing practical and relevant...

01/06/2026

Planning Your 2026 Growth Strategy Starts Now

The new year brings fresh energy and big goals for your business. But sustainable growth doesn't happen by accident - it happens when you have a clear financial roadmap, proactive tax strategies, and advisors who understand where you're headed.
January is the perfect time to ask the questions that matter. What worked last year? What needs to shift? Where do you want to be by December 2026? At MSM Advisors, we don't just prepare your taxes - we help you build the financial foundation that supports your vision.

Strategic planning isn't about complicated spreadsheets. It's about sitting down with someone who gets to know you, your business, and your goals. We spend time understanding what you're building so we can help you protect it, grow it, and plan for what's next.

If 2026 is the year you want to scale smarter, reduce tax liability, improve cash flow, or have more clarity around your numbers - let's talk.
Request Your Consultation - https://msmadvisors.net/request-your-consultation/

01/01/2026

Here's to 2026!

A new year. A fresh start. A chance to build something meaningful.

We're grateful for the businesses we've had the privilege to support and the relationships we've built along the way. Your trust means everything to us.
Here's to your success, your growth, and the goals you're working toward this year. We're cheering you on.

Happy New Year from all of us at MSM Advisors.

#2026

12/30/2025

LAST CHANCE TO VOTE!! We are proud to announce that MSM CPAs & Small Business Advisors has been nominated for Best of Gwinnett! Help us win by voting at https://www.guidetogwinnett.com/best-of/vote/business-consulting under Business Consulting Firms. Voting ends December 31st at midnight!

12/30/2025

As we close out 2025, take a moment to reflect on how far you've come.

Every challenge you faced. Every decision you made. Every risk you took to keep your business moving forward. That takes courage, resilience, and dedication - and it deserves to be acknowledged.

At MSM Advisors, we've had the privilege of supporting so many incredible business owners this year. We've seen you navigate uncertainty, adapt to change, and push through obstacles that would have stopped others. We've celebrated your wins and stood by you during the tough moments.
As you look ahead to 2026, know that you don't have to figure it all out alone. Strategic planning, smart financial decisions, and having the right team in your corner can make all the difference.

Here's to your growth. Here's to your success. Here's to everything you'll accomplish in the year ahead.
We're honored to be part of your journey.

12/25/2025

Wishing you a season filled with joy, peace, and gratitude.

As we approach the holidays, we want to take a moment to thank you - our clients, partners, and friends - for trusting us with your financial journey.
It's been an honor to walk alongside you, support your goals, and celebrate your successes this year.
At MSM Advisors, we believe that strong relationships are the foundation of everything we do. For over 30 years, we've built our practice on getting to know you - the owner - and understanding what matters most to you and your business.

As you spend time with loved ones this season, we hope you feel the pride of all you've accomplished and the excitement of what's ahead in 2026.
From our family to yours - Merry Christmas!