Grey Tree Business Services Inc

11/12/2026

The IRS recently announced special per diem travel rates that are effective from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2027. Under the simplified high-low method, employers can use two per diem rates to reimburse employees for lodging, meals and incidental expenses for business travel within the continental U.S. The new rate is $329 for high-cost localities and $230 for all other areas. In some locations, the high-cost rate applies only for certain periods of the year. The high-low method can simplify expense reimbursements and reduce paperwork, but you must follow specific IRS rules and restrictions. Call us at (602) 397-3358 to help determine whether this method is right for your business.

11/11/2026

11/11/2026

Buyer beware! If you acquire a business with delinquent tax obligations, you could become liable for those debts. Your exposure primarily depends on how the deal is structured. In an asset purchase, buyers can generally avoid liabilities associated with the business, but certain state laws may allow creditors or tax authorities to pursue transferred assets. When buying ownership interests, liabilities typically remain with the business entity. Due diligence should include reviewing several years of tax returns for unpaid income, payroll, sales and property taxes, uncertain tax positions, and undisclosed liabilities. Call us at (602) 397-3358 for help identifying potential risks before closing.

11/10/2026

Are you separating or divorcing this year? Decisions made before your divorce is finalized can affect your 2026 income tax liability and your tax situation in future years. Some of the most critical tax issues to consider as you work through a separation or divorce are related to: 1) tax filing status and, if you have dependent children, who’ll claim them for tax purposes, 2) support payments, 3) home ownership, 4) retirement accounts, and 5) business interests. We can help you evaluate the tax consequences of your separation or divorce so you can make informed decisions before year end. Call us at (602) 397-3358 to get started.

11/09/2026

If you have a health care FSA, you may need to use your 2026 balance by Dec. 31 or lose it. But some FSAs offer a 2 1/2-month grace period or let you roll over up to $680 for use in 2027. Check with your employer to see what your FSA allows. We can answer questions about which expenses can be paid or reimbursed by your FSA and help you determine whether there are additional year-end tax planning steps you can take related to health care expenses. Call us at (602) 397-3358.

11/05/2026

It’s time to address year-end tax planning, especially if your business is booming. Start by projecting your 2026 tax obligation and assessing whether estimated payments made throughout the year are sufficient. You may need to adjust your fourth payment to potentially avoid (or minimize) underpayment penalties. Also consider tax-reduction strategies, such as timing revenue and expenses, taking advantage of the qualified business income deduction, contributing to a retirement plan and leveraging first-year depreciation write-offs for eligible asset purchases. These moves require careful coordination, so contact us at (602) 397-3358 to explore your options. We can help develop a plan tailored to your situation.

11/04/2026

Many 401(k) plans have “vesting schedules,” or timelines for when certain employer matching contributions become yours. So before you switch jobs, make sure you know what percentage of your retirement savings is vested. Some plans vest immediately, but others take several years to fully vest. If you leave before matching funds have vested, you may forfeit some or all of your current employer’s matches. Contact us at (602) 397-3358 for help with retirement planning as your career progresses.

11/03/2026

Retirement is far from most teenagers’ minds when they get their first jobs. But those early earnings create a significant tax-advantaged savings opportunity. Even modest IRA contributions now can substantially multiply over time. For example, just $2,000 contributed to an IRA earning 5% annually will grow to nearly $23,000 50 years later. A Roth IRA can be especially powerful because qualified distributions will be tax-free. For 2026, the annual contribution limit for IRAs is the lesser of taxable compensation or $7,500. 2026 contributions can be made until April 15, 2027, but the income to support them must be earned by Dec. 31, 2026. Contact us at (602) 397-3358 to discuss tax-smart planning for your teen.

11/02/2026

When moving to a different state, changes to your state taxes on income and property may get most of your attention. But state estate taxes should also be part of the equation. Some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, often with exemption amounts significantly lower than the current federal exemption of $15 million. State rules also differ on tax rates and residency requirements for being subject to state taxes. Before relocating, call us at (602) 397-3358 for help reviewing how your destination state’s tax laws could affect your estate plan.

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 (602) 397-3358. We can help you understand the issues, gather the needed documents and respond to the inquiries effectively.