Palacio, Palacio & Zimmerman, LLC

In strategic planning, it can be hard for business owners to step back and evaluate opportunities objectively. An external advisory board can offer fresh, independent perspectives and seasoned guidance, especially when handling high-stakes, complex transactions. A board’s involvement can elevate professionalism, strengthen credibility with stakeholders and support smarter long-term decisions. Contact us at (305) 595-0303 to explore how creating an advisory board, or optimizing your current one, can help your business grow.

Trying to catch up? Employees age 50 and older are allowed to make extra, “catch-up” contributions to their 401(k) and similar plans. In 2026, you can generally contribute an additional $8,000, for an annual maximum of $32,500. And, if you turn age 60, 61, 62 or 63 this year, you can contribute up to $35,750! However, there’s a catch. Recent tax law changes require certain high earners to invest catch-up contributions in a post-tax Roth account, such as a Roth 401(k). This may require additional planning. Call us at (305) 595-0303 to discuss how to reach your retirement savings goals.

Now is the perfect time to tidy up your QuickBooks files. Unreconciled accounts, uncategorized transactions and outdated records can distort your cash flow and profitability. Even with QuickBooks’ automation tools and AI-enabled features, consistent review and oversight are essential. Don’t forget your chart of accounts! An outdated or cluttered chart can muddy your results, making it harder to understand your true performance. Clean books support better financial decisions and smoother tax filings. Call us at (305) 595-0303 to help get your bookkeeping in top shape.

Does your business provide complimentary on-site food and beverages for employees? The rules for deducting certain business meals have changed. Beginning in 2026, employers generally can’t deduct 1) meals treated as de minimis fringe benefits, or 2) employer-provided meals that are excludable from an employee’s income and provided for the employer’s convenience on business premises. For the 2025 tax year, generally the former were 100% deductible and the latter were 50% deductible. Contact us at (305) 595-0303 to discuss whether this change will affect your company and how to plan accordingly.

Maintaining healthy operating cash flow helps drive your company’s success. But accomplishing this objective isn’t always easy. One practical approach is to speed up customer payments while carefully managing the timing of your own bills. Prudently shortening your cash conversion cycle can improve liquidity and give your business greater financial flexibility. Please call us at (305) 595-0303 for help identifying opportunities to strengthen your cash position and keep your business moving in the right direction.

Beginning July 4, 2026, parents, grandparents and others can contribute to Trump Accounts (TAs) for the benefit of eligible children. Certain children born 2025–2028 may also qualify for a $1,000 starter deposit from the federal government. TA contributions are generally limited to $5,000 per year (not counting the government deposit) and aren’t tax deductible. But earnings grow tax-deferred. At age 18, the TA will become a traditional IRA. For education goals, options like 529 plans may be better, because qualified education withdrawals are tax-free. Contact us at (305) 595-0303 to discuss what fits your family.

Fringe benefits offer multiple business advantages. They can boost morale, attract and retain top talent, and qualify for potential tax breaks. That’s why it’s smart to review which ones you sponsor and what you may be missing. Of course, you don’t want to spend time and resources sponsoring benefits your employees don’t value. And you must follow specific rules and documentation requirements to be eligible for tax-advantaged treatment. Contact us at (305) 595-0303 for help choosing the right fringe benefits for your business and managing the tax impact.

The IRS has issued final regulations on the tax deduction for qualified cash tips. The legislation commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” created the deduction of up to $25,000 per year for 2025 through 2028. Qualified tips generally refer to cash tips received by an individual in an occupation that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before Dec. 31, 2024. The final regs list more than 70 eligible occupations. In addition to occupations previously listed in the proposed regs, the final regs add visual artists, floral designers and gas pump attendants. The final regs also provide clarifications to the definition of a qualified cash tip. For more details, call us at (305) 595-0303.

An estate plan helps ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. It also can minimize taxes, safeguard your minor children and support your charitable goals. If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, call us at (305) 595-0303. We can help assess whether revisions are needed due to tax law changes or a major life event. If you don’t have an estate plan yet, we can help you get started.

If you have unfiled tax returns, getting back on track may be easier than you think. But the longer you wait, the more costly it becomes. The IRS charges a failure-to-file penalty of 5% per month (up to 25%) of the unpaid tax. There’s also a separate failure-to-pay penalty of 0.5% per month (up to 25%) of the unpaid tax. If both apply in the same month, the combined penalty is generally 5% per month. Returns over 60 days late are subject to a minimum penalty. Filing, even if you can’t pay in full, can reduce penalties and open the door to payment plans or other relief options. Call us at (305) 595-0303 for help.