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SME CPA BLOG

A tax form and notice saying "Taxes Due," representative of owing a tax balance

Ask a CPA: The New IRS Tax Debt Tool

May 14, 2026

Wondering what to do if you owe back taxes? Learn how the new IRS online tool works and how SME CPAs can guide you toward an informed financial decision.

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A home office, a tax deductible expense for self-employed individuals

Ask a CPA: How to Calculate Your Home Office Tax Deduction

April 21, 2026

Wondering how to claim a home office on your taxes? Learn how with our guide to eligibility, calculation, and smart tax strategies.

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2026 SALT Cap: Is the Georgia PTET Election Right for You?

April 13, 2026

The 2026 SALT cap increased to $40,000, but high earners face a hidden trap. Learn why the Georgia PTET election could still be your best tax strategy.

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CSRA Construction Accounting: GA & SC Sales Tax

April 2, 2026

Quick Summary Crossing State Lines: Buying supplies in one state and using them in another triggers a use tax. The Register Is Not the End: Paying sales tax at the checkout counter rarely settles your tax bill. You owe taxes based on the state where the materials are actually installed. The Audit Trap: If South…

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Beautiful white residential home in Augusta surrounded by blooming spring azaleas, representing a tax-free tournament rental under the Augusta Rule.

The Augusta Rule: Rent Your Home Tax-Free During Tournament Week

March 11, 2026

Quick Summary 14 Days or Less: You can rent your house for up to 14 days to earn 100% tax-free income. No Expense Deductions: Since the rental income is tax-free, you cannot write off prep expenses like cleaning or landscaping. The 15-Day Rule: If you rent your house for 15 days or more, every dollar…

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An MRI machine, medical equipment that can be deducted 100% with 2026 tax regulations.

Medical Equipment & Taxes: A Strategic Depreciation Guide for 2026

February 9, 2026

Key Takeaways: Medical Equipment Tax Strategy 2026 100% Bonus is Back: OBBBA (July 2025) permanently reinstated 100% Bonus Depreciation for assets purchased after Jan 19, 2025. The “Georgia Gap”: Georgia generally rejects Federal Bonus Depreciation (requiring a tax “add-back”) but accepts Section 179. For many local practices, Section 179 may be the superior tool to…

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A child learning about savings accounts, demonstrating the benefits of Trump Accounts for children.

Trump Accounts 2026: A Self-Start Guide to Securing Your Child’s $1,000 Baby Bond

February 9, 2026

At a Glance: Trump Account Quick Facts Launch Date: July 5, 2026 The Benefit: A one-time $1,000 government deposit plus tax-advantaged growth. Who is Eligible: U.S. Citizens born between Jan 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2028. The Key Form: Form 4547 (We recommend filing this separately from your tax return.) Your Action Item: File your…

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A person planning for their financial future and creating a 2026 budget.

Your 2026 Personal Finance Guide: A 5-Step Roadmap

January 13, 2026

Does thinking about your personal finances for 2026 feel like a chore? Let’s change that. Instead of viewing a budget as a restriction, think of it as a tool that grants you permission to spend confidently on what matters to you. Start your year on solid ground by committing to make this the year you…

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Tips & Overtime Tax Changes: What Employers and Employees Need to Know

January 1, 2026

The buzz around the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) has been hard to miss. Headlines promising “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime” sound fantastic for workers and complicated for employers. While the concepts seem simple on the surface, the fine print is anything but. At SME CPAs, we know that tax…

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An accountant performs tax planning for year end

Final Call for 2025: Your Business’s Year-End Tax & OBBBA Checklist

December 9, 2025

Year-end is crunch time for businesses looking to maximize their 2025 tax savings. The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced several meaningful tax changes that may be able to help lower your tax bill, but they require action before the calendar flips to 2026. Think of this as your final call to…

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