Ray Mercer, CPA

Call Directions Website Contact the business

Ray Mercer, CPA I have over 20 years of expertise in tax & accounting & create tailored solutions for individuals and small businesses.

I’m dedicated to helping clients achieve financial clarity & success by delivering personalized, reliable solutions to meet your needs.

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: You’re running your business, things are finally picking up, and you’re thinking about investing in new eq...
10/30/2026

𝗣𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀: You’re running your business, things are finally picking up, and you’re thinking about investing in new equipment, upgrading your workspace, or buying software to make things easier.

Then someone mentions, “𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗮𝘅𝗲𝘀!”

Sounds like a win, right? 👀

So, you start looking at expenses differently. If it’s deductible, it must be worth it. And if spending a little more could mean saving on taxes, why not?

But here’s where things can get tricky.

You might save a little on your tax bill, but you’ve still spent money that could have gone toward payroll, building your cash reserves, or investing in something your business actually needs.

𝗔 𝘁𝗮𝘅 𝗱𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.

Before making that next purchase, take a step back and ask yourself: *Does this expense make sense for my business, my cash flow, and my goals?*

Because the goal isn’t just to pay less in taxes. It’s to build a business that stays profitable and gives you room to grow.

Have you ever considered buying something because it was tax-deductible? 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀!

And if you want to make more confident financial decisions without second-guessing every expense, visit www.raymercercpa.com to see how we can help.

"𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀."😅Then the weekend turns into running the business, putting out fires, and fi...
10/28/2026

"𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀."😅

Then the weekend turns into running the business, putting out fires, and figuring out what that mysterious “UNKNOWN” expense actually was.

Sound familiar? Bookkeeping is easy to postpone when you're busy managing everything else, but letting it pile up can make it harder to understand where your money is going.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲. 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘁𝗼𝗼.

Ready to spend less time worrying about your books? Visit raymercercpa.com to see how we can help.

Accurate W-2 Reporting Is Required to Deduct 2026 Overtime – Did You Know?Eligible taxpayers may deduct up to $12,500 of...
10/27/2026

Accurate W-2 Reporting Is Required to Deduct 2026 Overtime – Did You Know?

Eligible taxpayers may deduct up to $12,500 of qualified overtime compensation ($25,000 for joint filers) on their 2026 federal income tax returns without itemizing. The deduction begins phasing out when modified adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000 ($300,000 for joint filers). Married taxpayers generally must file jointly. Qualified overtime generally means the “half” portion of time-and-a-half pay required under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Social Security and Medicare taxes still generally apply.

For 2026, employers must report qualified overtime on Form W-2 in box 12 using code “TT.” If the amount is missing or incorrect, contact your employer and keep supporting pay stubs handy. Be sure to obtain a corrected Form W-2c (Corrected Wage and Tax Statement) if your employer omitted or incorrectly reported your qualified overtime pay.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴. 📊Ar...
10/27/2026

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗱𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴. 📊

Are you making a profit? Where is your money going? Can your business afford its next big move?

The right financial information can help you answer these questions and make more confident decisions about your business.

Swipe through to discover the 7 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿.

Not getting the answers you need from your numbers? Visit raymercercpa.com to see how we can help.

With just over two months left in 2026 now is the time to start thinking about year-end tax planning strategies. From re...
10/24/2026

With just over two months left in 2026 now is the time to start thinking about year-end tax planning strategies. From retirement contributions to equipment purchases and business expense timing there are legitimate moves you can make before December 31st that could significantly reduce what you owe. But only if you act before the year closes. 💼

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?Before making that next big purchase, take a mome...
10/23/2026

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆?
Before making that next big purchase, take a moment to look at what’s already committed, what bills are coming due, what you may owe in taxes, and what your business needs next.

Cash gives you options. Knowing your numbers helps you use them wisely.

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀? Visit raymercercpa.com to see how we can help you understand your numbers and plan ahead.

𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙥 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩?Unexpected repairs, surprise bills, and...
10/21/2026

𝘽𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨, 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙚 𝙥𝙤𝙥 𝙪𝙥 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙡𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙗𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙩?

Unexpected repairs, surprise bills, and unplanned costs can throw off even the best budget. The goal isn’t to predict every expense, but to be prepared when they happen.

Keeping track of your expenses and reviewing your numbers regularly can help you plan ahead and make more informed financial decisions.

𝗪𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀? Consult us at raymercercpa.com today!

Educators Have New Options to Deduct 2026 Classroom Expenses – Did You Know?If you work as a K–12 teacher, instructor, c...
10/19/2026

Educators Have New Options to Deduct 2026 Classroom Expenses – Did You Know?

If you work as a K–12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide for at least 900 hours during the school year at a qualifying school, you may be able to deduct qualifying unreimbursed classroom expenses on your tax return.

For 2026, eligible educators may deduct up to $350 of qualifying expenses as an above-the-line deduction without itemizing, or up to $700 for a married couple filing jointly if both qualify, with a limit of $350 each.

Additionally, a new itemized deduction is available beginning in 2026 for educator expenses, with no separate dollar cap. You must itemize deductions to claim this additional deduction. It is also available to interscholastic sports administrators and coaches who meet the K–12 school and 900-hour requirements, and may cover additional expenses.

Eligible educators may claim both deductions, as long as the expenses used to figure each deduction do not overlap. A tax professional can help you determine whether you qualify and which deduction strategy yields the greatest possible tax savings.

𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙝-𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙?Growing revenue doesn't always mean having more cash available. Unpaid...
10/19/2026

𝙈𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙮 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙝-𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙙?

Growing revenue doesn't always mean having more cash available. Unpaid invoices, inventory, rising expenses, debt, and timing can all affect your cash flow.

Understanding where your money goes helps you make smarter financial decisions and plan your next move with confidence.

Revenue is growing, but cash feels tight? Let's look at the numbers together. Visit 𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐩𝐚.𝐜𝐨𝐦 to learn how we can help.

Mid-October is a great time to check in on your estimated tax payments. If you are self-employed or running a business y...
10/13/2026

Mid-October is a great time to check in on your estimated tax payments. If you are self-employed or running a business your Q3 estimated tax payment was due in September and your Q4 payment is coming up in January. Are you setting aside enough each month to cover what you owe? A little planning now prevents a very unpleasant surprise in April. 💡

Address

515 Wyoming Avenue #2
Cincinnati, OH
45215

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ray Mercer, CPA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ray Mercer, CPA:

Shortcuts

Sponsored

Share

Nearby accountants