Great Pine Financial Services

10/29/2026

Business owners often have more complex tax situations that can trigger an IRS audit. The good news is that with proper preparation, detailed records and professional guidance, you can make the process far less stressful. Some returns may be selected randomly, but the IRS also has some audit hot buttons. Examples include significant differences between current and prior-year returns, repeated business losses, profit margins and expenses that differ substantially from similar businesses, and mathematical errors. If you receive an IRS notice, don’t panic; call us at (207) 517-0303. We can help you understand the issues, gather the needed documents and respond to the inquiries effectively.

10/28/2026

Small business owners: As the year wraps up, review your receivables for credit sales that have become wholly or partially worthless. If you use the accrual method of accounting, you may be eligible to deduct amounts that were included in income but later became uncollectible. You may also claim deductions for uncollectible business loans and certain guarantees, as well as for debts attributable to an insolvent partner. To qualify, you must take reasonable steps to collect the debt and show it’s unlikely to be paid. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 to review your potential bad debts for 2026.

10/27/2026

Financial statements help owners and other stakeholders evaluate historical business performance. But trouble can develop between reporting periods. So it’s critical to monitor operational changes for issues that could affect your financial interests. Unexpected turnover, delayed financial reports and unusual transactions may warrant a closer look. So can repeated borrowing, reliance on an owner’s personal credit or sales of equipment needed for operations. Individually, these developments may be explainable. Together, they could point to financial stress. Call us at (207) 517-0303 to help identify potential risks and evaluate a business’s financial health.

10/26/2026

A strong personal financial strategy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about peace of mind. We can help you achieve it with tax strategies that maximize savings, retirement planning that fits your goals, and estate planning that protects your legacy. Ready to build a more secure future? Contact us at (207) 517-0303.

10/22/2026

If you want to sell your business, receiving the purchase price over time in an installment sale may allow you to spread your gain — and the related tax — over several years. The buyer typically makes a down payment and issues a note for the balance. Each principal payment generally includes a tax-free return of basis and taxable gain; interest on the note is taxed separately as ordinary income. This arrangement may also expand the pool of buyers or help you obtain a higher price. But depreciation recapture may be taxable upfront, and you assume the risk that the buyer won’t pay. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 to discuss the pros and cons and determine the optimal deal structure for your situation.

10/21/2026

The IRS says you’re deceased, but you’re very much alive. It sounds unbelievable, but this unusual situation can happen when an incorrect Social Security number (SSN) is entered on your tax return or when Social Security Administration (SSA) records mistakenly indicate that you or your spouse have died. If you receive IRS Notice CP01H, verify that the SSN on the return in question matches your Social Security card. If it does, contact the SSA to see whether its records need to be corrected. Then follow the notice instructions to unlock your IRS account. Call us at (207) 517-0303 for help resolving this issue promptly.

10/20/2026

When buying a business, financial due diligence is essential. Start by reviewing financial statements, tax returns and the accounting records behind the numbers. Receivables, inventory, bank reconciliations and related-party transactions may reveal risks that aren’t obvious at first glance. Adjustments may also be needed for expenses or financial arrangements that won’t continue after the sale. An independent quality of earnings (QoE) report can help determine whether reported earnings are sustainable. New U.S. Small Business Administration guidance requires QoE reports for certain change-in-ownership transactions. Contact us at (207) 517-0303 for help navigating the due diligence process.

10/20/2026

Congratulations Craignair Inn by the Sea!

The Craignair Inn by the Sea has once again been named The Best Inn or Bed & Breakfast in Maine by Down East Magazine readers. It's an incredible honor, and we could not be more thrilled.

10/19/2026

You must pay the alternative minimum tax (AMT) if your AMT liability exceeds your regular tax liability. An exemption of $90,100 is available ($140,200 for joint filers, half that for separate filers), but it phases out when income exceeds certain levels — which have dropped for 2026. Plus, the exemption is now phased out twice as fast as in 2025. Add to that the impact of a potentially larger state and local tax deduction (which isn’t AMT-deductible), and you might be at higher AMT risk this year. Call us at (207) 517-0303 for help assessing your risk and finding strategies to minimize your taxes.

10/15/2026

Limited partner status in a business generally offers valuable benefits, including liability protection and self-employment tax advantages. But it may also limit your ability to deduct partnership losses under the passive activity loss rules. Passive losses are usually deductible only against passive income unless you materially participate in the business. Limited partners face a tougher standard than general partners. Certain work, such as investor activities or tasks not customarily performed by owners, may not count toward material participation. Other limitations may also apply. Before investing in a limited partnership or claiming losses, contact us at (207) 517-0303 to discuss the tax implications.