CMH Advisors, PLLC

09/01/2026

"We'll start saving for college next year." If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and it's not because you don't care.

A 529 plan is one of the most overlooked tools in family financial planning, and it does a lot more than most people realize. We're breaking down what it actually covers, what happens if your kid doesn't use it all, and how it can fit into your bigger financial picture.

Read more here: https://cpataxteam.com/blog/529-plan-the-education-savings-tool-families-overlook/

How many years has ‘start saving for their education’ been on your to-do list without actually happening? You’re not alone, and it’s not because you don’t care. Retirement, the mortgage, and the everyday cost of raising kids all feel more urgent, so education savings quietly gets pushed to...

08/31/2026

Sometimes the most common financial assumptions are the ones worth questioning.

Money in the bank doesn’t always mean the business is profitable. Running payroll doesn’t always mean it’s set up correctly. And having someone handle the books doesn’t mean you should be completely disconnected from the numbers.

A little more visibility can go a long way.

08/27/2026

A question we hear often: "Why doesn't my profit match my bank balance?"

If you're using cash basis accounting, this is usually why. Cash basis only tracks money as it comes in and goes out. It won't show revenue you've earned but haven't collected, or bills you owe but haven't paid yet.

That means your books can look fine on the surface while missing important pieces of the full financial picture. Understanding which method your business is using, and whether it's still the right one, can make a real difference in how clearly you see where things actually stand.

08/26/2026

If you're self-employed, choosing the right retirement account can make a real difference in how much you're able to save.

Two of the most common options are the Solo 401(k) and the SEP-IRA. Both cap out at $72,000 for 2026, but the way you get there is different. A SEP-IRA is funded entirely through employer contributions, based on a percentage of your income. A Solo 401(k) lets you contribute as both employee and employer, which usually adds up to more savings at the same income level.

The SEP-IRA keeps things simple. The Solo 401(k) usually wins on savings potential. Which one is right for you depends on your specific situation, and we're here to help you figure that out.

08/25/2026

Quick question for restaurant owners: if tips aren't taxed anymore, why is the IRS still asking for a form that counts every single one? We're breaking down what changed this year and what didn't.

Check it out: https://cpataxteam.com/blog/cash-tips-and-form-8027-what-restaurant-owners-need-to-know-in-2026/

Quick gut check: if tips are not taxed anymore, why is the IRS still asking for a form that counts every single one? It is a fair question, and the honest answer is that this year’s tax law and this year’s paperwork are doing two completely different jobs. One changed what your employees owe. Th...

08/24/2026

New employers often ask us the same question: how often should I actually pay my team?

There are four common pay schedules and each one fits different types of businesses. Hourly and shift-based teams often do best with weekly pay, while salaried teams tend to fit semi-monthly or monthly schedules better. Biweekly is the most common choice overall for small businesses.

Keep in mind that some states have minimum pay frequency requirements, so it's worth checking your state's rules before you finalize a schedule.

Not sure which one fits your business? We're happy to help you think it through.

08/21/2026

Quick check: can you pull up your profit and loss statement from the last three months in under five minutes?

If that question made you pause, you're not alone. Here's the real difference between an accountant and a fractional CFO, and how to know which one your business actually needs: https://cpataxteam.com/blog/fractional-cfo-vs-accountant-which-one-does-your-business-need/

Not sure whether your business needs an accountant, a fractional CFO, or both? Here is how to tell, and what each one actually does for you.

08/20/2026

Tax season does not have to feel overwhelming. At CMH, our goal is to help clients feel supported, informed, and confident, even when the process feels stressful.

We are grateful for clients who trust us to guide them through it year after year. Thank you for the kind words, Natalie! 💚

08/19/2026

Vehicle deductions are one of the most searched small business tax topics year-round, and for good reason. The rules around standard mileage vs. actual expenses, luxury auto depreciation limits, and the heavy vehicle exception can meaningfully change what you're able to deduct.

We put together a guide that walks through both methods, the current-year rates and limits, and the documentation the IRS expects to see.

Grab your 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 copy here: https://go.cpataxteam.com/vehicle-deduction-guide-page

Standard mileage vs. actual expenses, documentation rules, and how to choose the method that saves you more.

08/17/2026

Quarterly tax payments can be easy to push off until the deadline is right in front of you.

The problem? By then, there is less time to review changes in income, adjust for anything unexpected, or catch a potential underpayment before it becomes a bigger issue.

This month’s reminder: give yourself time to calculate before the deadline arrives.