Melissa A. Rhodes, CPA, PC

01/07/2026

Here is a quick review of 2026 mileage rates

01/07/2026

Happy New Year!
Reminder - Schedule a professional oil change to obtain a documented record of your odometer reading. The IRS mandates substantiation of business travel expenses, and this proof of odometer reading serves as valuable supporting evidence for the deduction. The 2025 business mileage rate is 70 cents and for 2026 it is 72.5 cents! Maintaining accurate records is essential to avoid missing out on this significant deduction. This documentation also provides a reliable audit-proof tool for the IRS.

Don't go sloppy on this deduction!!

01/03/2026

12/24/2025

Warmest wishes from my family to yours this holiday season!

Melissa A. Rhodes, CPA

11/27/2025

Give thanks today and everyday. May your day be filled with meaningful time spent with friends and family!

06/27/2025

Celebrating my 6th year as a solopreneur would not have been possible without your continued support. I appreciate your loyalty and faith in my endeavors. 🙏🤗🎉

04/02/2025

A great mentor wrote something that really hit home and I felt like he was speaking to me personally!!!

By Carlos M Garcia Jr. :

When I was younger, I just wanted people to like me.

As an individual contributor, that mindset kind of worked. I avoided conflict, stayed in my lane, and kept the peace.


Then I got promoted. I was managing a team, approving schedules, dealing with call-outs, performance issues, and uncomfortable conversations.


And that’s where things got real.


I wasn’t good at confrontation. I’d worry about whether people would still like me after tough conversations. I’d over-apologize to customers even when they were in the wrong. I let boundaries slide, let bad behavior go unchecked, and often absorbed the blame just to avoid friction.


But here's the truth: You can’t lead while trying to win everyone’s approval.


I remembered something my dad told me about my grandfather — who built and led his business for over 40 years:


“In business, it’s more important to be respected than it is to be liked.”


That hit different.


Respect doesn’t mean being cold or a jerk. It means having clear standards, being direct when needed, and doing what’s right for the business — even if it ruffles feathers.


Some people won’t like you for it. That’s fine.


But the ones who matter will respect you. And in leadership — with yourself, customers, clients, or your own team — respect is the real currency.

If you’re stuck between wanting to be liked or doing what’s necessary… make the right choice and you'll get the right result.

02/09/2025

When tax season comes around, and you need to claim a kid....fur babies don't count. No matter how cute they are.

01/05/2025

I am thrilled to share the amazing news that I’ve been recognized as the Winner of the MYCPE ONE Excellence Awards 2024...A Top Woman Leader in the Accounting Industry.

This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of my community.

Thank you for your unwavering encouragement and votes—it truly means the world to me!

01/04/2025

Happy New Year!

Reminder - snap a photo of your business vehicle odometer for mileage tracking purposes. The IRS requires substantiation of your business travel and this proof from your odometer reading is a great way to add support to that deduction. Feel free to upload your photo here and mark your task complete! Make sure to record the date you took it!!

Getting your car serviced for an oil change is even better audit proof for the IRS.

Snap a photo or document your ending mileage for 2024 / beginning mileage for 2025.

12/25/2024

Wishing all a Merry Christmas and to all a good night!!