McCullough and Associates, LLC

09/01/2026

Disability insurance is a valuable benefit provided by many employers. It replaces a portion of the insured person’s income — typically 45% to 65% of pre-disability earnings. But in some cases, income taxes can take a bite out of disability benefits. Taxability usually hinges on who paid the premiums. If your employer paid them, the payouts from the policy generally will be taxed to you just as if the income were paid directly to you by your employer. If you paid the premiums, the payments you receive generally won’t be taxable. State tax treatment of disability benefits varies. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 for help assessing how much disability coverage you need depending on the tax consequences and other factors.

08/31/2026

What will this week's economic data mean for rate hike odds?
Join Chief Market Strategist Brian Klimke on this week's episode of as he breaks down key reports on manufacturing, services, employment, and Friday's closely watched jobs report. With the Fed meeting just two weeks away, markets will be looking to see whether the data strengthens or weakens the case for another hike.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/31/2026

If your trust is subject to high state income tax, you may be able to change its residence (or “situs”) to a state with low or no income taxes. Relocating a trust may offer a tax advantage if the trust is an irrevocable nongrantor trust, accumulates (rather than distributes) substantial amounts of ordinary income or capital gains, and can be moved to a state with low or no taxes on accumulated trust income. Call us at (417) 883-1212 for more information.

08/27/2026

Recent tax law changes made the New Markets Tax Credit permanent. This program encourages private investment in economically distressed communities by offering federal income tax credits to qualifying investors.

If your business invests in a certified community development entity (CDE), you may be eligible for a credit equal to 39% of your investment over seven years. Alternatively, your business may benefit indirectly by receiving CDE financing for renovations, equipment, expansion or other eligible projects in qualifying low-income communities.

We can help you estimate the potential tax or financing benefits and comply with the applicable requirements. Call us at (417) 883-1212 to learn more.

08/26/2026

Do you know the difference between IRS liens and levies? A federal tax lien arises when you fail to pay taxes after receiving an IRS bill or notice. It’s a legal claim against your property, including real estate and other assets, which can affect your ability to secure credit or complete financial transactions. A levy may be the next step if your debt remains unresolved. The IRS can seize assets — such as wages or bank funds — to satisfy the debt. In short, a lien protects the IRS’s interest, while a levy enforces collection. If you receive collection notices, don’t ignore them! Acting quickly can help open the door to resolution options. Call us at (417) 883-1212.

08/25/2026

If your child is heading to college this fall, tax breaks may be available. For example, you might be eligible for the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) of up to $2,500 per student for the first four years of college. But the AOTC is phased out for married joint filers with modified adjusted gross income between $160,000 and $180,000 (between $80,000 and $90,000 for heads of households). If your child has a tax-advantaged education account, such as a 529 plan, tax-free withdrawals can be taken to pay qualified expenses. But expenses paid with tax-free withdrawals can’t be used to claim the AOTC. Call us at (417) 883-1212 to discuss these and other tax tips for your situation.

08/24/2026

Markets face plenty of uncertainty, but investors may be looking past the next rate decision and toward Jackson Hole.
In this week's episode of , CIO Gene Goldman discusses what to expect from the first Jackson Hole symposium under Fed Chair Kevin Warsh, including the future of Fed communications, the message behind rising Treasury yields, and how policymakers are navigating an economy that is sending mixed signals.

“Cetera Financial Group” refers to the network of independent retail firms encompassing, among others, Cetera Advisors LLC, Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, Cetera Investment Services LLC (marketed as Cetera Financial Institutions or Cetera Investors), and Cetera Financial Specialists LLC. All firms...

08/24/2026

Owning assets jointly with your adult child can invite unwelcome tax consequences that may outweigh potential benefits. For example, owning an asset together as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” can open up transfer tax exposure. If you add your child to the title of property you already own, it may be considered a taxable gift of half the property’s value. And when you die, half of the property’s value will be included in your taxable estate. A properly designed trust can be a more tax-efficient option. Call us at (417) 883-1212 for details.

08/20/2026

Your employees use Form W-4, “Employee’s Withholding Certificate,” to tell you how much federal income tax to withhold from their pay. Most forms are routine, but an altered certificate, unusual accompanying statement or IRS lock-in letter may require special handling. Employers generally aren’t responsible for verifying the information employees provide on W-4 forms. However, you must reject invalid forms, apply proper withholding rules when no valid form is on file and follow IRS withholding instructions. Reviewing your payroll procedures now can help prevent costly errors. Contact us at (417) 883-1212 for guidance on W-4 compliance and other payroll withholding issues.

08/20/2026

What role does yield play in long-term investment success?
The Cetera Investment Management Team's latest Market Commentary, Reap What You Sow: Cultivating Yield for Long-Term Returns, explores how dividends, interest income, and reinvestment have historically contributed to portfolio growth and why today’s higher-rate environment may create new opportunities for investors.
Read the full commentary:

Every great harvest begins with a single seed. The vibrant assortment of fruits and vegetables at your local farmer’s market is the result of careful planning,…