Zubrowski & Associates

Zubrowski & Associates Zubrowski & Associates is Charleston’s trusted partner for accounting and bookkeeping.

We go beyond numbers offering expert bookkeeping, tax, and advisory services to help local businesses achieve financial clarity, confidence, and lasting success.

Summer Activities and Taxes – Did You Know?Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but some seasonal activities may have...
06/03/2026

Summer Activities and Taxes – Did You Know?

Summer is a time to relax and have fun, but some seasonal activities may have tax consequences. Being aware of them now may save you time and hassle later.

If your child attends a day camp so you can work or look for work, some of the cost may qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Credit. Be sure to keep records and obtain the camp's tax identification information.

Students with summer jobs may be entitled to tax refunds if income tax is withheld from their pay. Adults earning income from seasonal, part-time, or gig work may need additional withholding or quarterly estimated tax payments.

Summer is also a popular wedding season. If you change your name after marriage, update your records with the Social Security Administration. If you move, update your address with the IRS and submit a new Form W-4 to your employer so your withholding reflects your current tax situation.

Cost segregation studies are one of the most hyped tax strategies in real estate right now — and also one of the most mi...
05/31/2026

Cost segregation studies are one of the most hyped tax strategies in real estate right now — and also one of the most misused.

Here’s the real story:

A cost seg study breaks out parts of your property (flooring, lighting, fixtures, land improvements, etc.) and moves them from a 27.5/39-year depreciation schedule to 5, 7, or 15 years. That accelerates depreciation, which can mean much bigger deductions now and lower taxes in the near term.

When a cost seg study usually makes sense:

Property value is roughly $500K+
You have taxable income to offset
You plan to hold the property long term

When it often doesn’t:

You’re likely to sell soon (depreciation recapture can claw back the benefit)
Your taxable income is already low
The property is too small to justify the cost of the study

The right study, on the right property, at the right time can put tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars back in your pocket. The wrong one is just an expensive report.

One of the biggest misconceptions in tax planning is that saving on taxes is free.It's not.Most tax strategies require y...
05/30/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions in tax planning is that saving on taxes is free.
It's not.
Most tax strategies require you to spend money — on equipment, retirement contributions, payroll, benefits, or business investments. The deduction comes from the spending. No spending, no deduction.
If your business doesn't have strong cash flow, the most aggressive tax plan in the world isn't going to help you. You can't write off a truck you can't afford to buy. You can't fund a SEP-IRA you don't have cash to contribute to.
Tax minimization is a cash flow strategy first. The businesses that pay the least in taxes aren't doing so because they found a loophole — they're doing it because they have the cash flow to make smart, strategic moves before December 31st.
If your goal is to reduce your tax bill, the real question isn't "what can I deduct?" It's "does my business generate enough cash to make the right moves?"
That's where advisory comes in. And that's a very different conversation than just filing a return.

National 529 Day – Did You Know?If you put money into a 529 education savings plan, earnings may be withdrawn federal in...
05/29/2026

National 529 Day – Did You Know?

If you put money into a 529 education savings plan, earnings may be withdrawn federal income tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. Qualified expenses can include tuition, fees, books, supplies, computers, and for students enrolled at least half-time, certain room and board costs.

While 529 contributions are not deductible for federal income tax purposes, many states offer a full or partial state income tax deduction or credit for contributions. Some states and plan sponsors may also offer special incentives around National 529 Day.

Recent law changes expanded the use of 529 plans. In 2026, up to $20,000 per year, per student, may be used for qualified K–12 education expenses at public, private, or religious schools. Prior years were generally limited to $10,000 annually.

"Buy a truck before December 31st and write it off."You've probably heard this. Maybe your accountant even told you.It's...
05/29/2026

"Buy a truck before December 31st and write it off."

You've probably heard this. Maybe your accountant even told you.

It's not wrong. But it's not always right either.

If your business isn't profitable enough to absorb the deduction, you're taking on a $60,000 liability to save money you weren't going to pay anyway.

If you needed the truck, great. Buy it.

But buying a truck you don't need because someone told you it was a tax write-off is how business owners end up cash-poor and confused in February.

A deduction isn't free money. It's a discount on something you're still paying for.

That's the conversation most accountants skip.

One thing I’ve learned building this business is that accounting is about a lot more than numbers.Business owners don’t ...
05/25/2026

One thing I’ve learned building this business is that accounting is about a lot more than numbers.

Business owners don’t just need someone to file tax returns. They need someone willing to have honest conversations, help them think strategically, and guide them through decisions that impact their business and their life.

That’s why we’ve built our firm around being advisory first and accounting always.

We believe our job is to be useful, not just agreeable. Sometimes the most valuable thing we can do is tell a client what they need to hear, not simply what they want to hear.

At the same time, relationships matter to us just as much as results do.

We want to work with people who value communication, trust, accountability, and mutual respect. If we don’t genuinely enjoy working together, it’s probably not the right fit for either of us, and that’s okay.

The best client relationships feel like partnerships, not transactions.

That’s the kind of firm we’re building.

Qualifying Dependents – Did You Know?In addition to your children and parents, a number of other individuals may qualify...
05/20/2026

Qualifying Dependents – Did You Know?

In addition to your children and parents, a number of other individuals may qualify as your dependents for tax purposes. Important factors can include the person's income, how much support you provide, and how much of the year the person lives with you. In some limited cases, even a non-relative who lives with you year round as a member of your household may qualify as a dependent.

Health Savings Accounts - Did You Know?Changing jobs? If you have a health savings account (HSA), you can take it with y...
05/12/2026

Health Savings Accounts - Did You Know?

Changing jobs? If you have a health savings account (HSA), you can take it with you. Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which are usually tied to your employer, your HSA belongs to you. You can continue using your HSA funds after leaving the job where you opened the account. However, you may make new HSA contributions only if you remain eligible to contribute. To remain eligible, you generally must be covered by an HSA-eligible high-deductible health plan (HDHP) and have no disqualifying coverage.

Receiving Online Payments - Did You Know?If you are self-employed and receive payments through online payment processing...
05/08/2026

Receiving Online Payments - Did You Know?

If you are self-employed and receive payments through online payment processing platforms, take care to separate business and personal transactions. You can do this by setting up separate business accounts on the platforms, or by using features that allow you to specify the purpose of payments. Otherwise, the platforms may overreport your income.

Address

22 Westedge Street Ste. 400
Charleston, SC
29403

Telephone

+18434080308

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