Zigo & Associates LLC

11/21/2025

The IRS has announced its annual inflation-adjusted income tax brackets and other amounts. For 2026, the highest rate (37%) will apply to taxable income over $640,600 for singles and heads of households ($768,700 for married couples filing jointly and $384,350 for married taxpayers filing separately). The standard deduction is increasing to $16,100 for singles and married taxpayers filing separately ($32,200 for married couples filing jointly and $24,150 for heads of households). Single filers age 65 or older will be eligible to take an additional deduction of $2,050 ($1,650 per spouse for married filers). Alternative minimum tax exemptions and adoption credits are among the other items that have been adjusted for 2026. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 if you have questions about the impact of inflation adjustments on your tax situation.

11/19/2025

If you're in a dispute with the IRS, mediation — also called “alternative dispute resolution” — may be a helpful option. It's a voluntary, nonbinding process that may offer a faster, less stressful way to avoid lengthy appeals or costly court battles. Both parties to mediation can walk away at any time. Mediation is especially useful for taxpayers with limited issues or those seeking quicker resolution during the early stages of an audit. However, it doesn’t replace the audit or collection process and doesn’t allow new evidence. We’re here to discuss this and other options with you at (248) 360-6400.

11/18/2025

You may want to offer employees a retirement savings plan, but they can be expensive and complex. What’s a small business owner to do? Consider a simplified employee pension (SEP). They’re easy to set up and administer. Requirements are minimal: All workers must be eligible to participate, and your contributions can’t discriminate in favor of highly compensated employees. In 2025, you can contribute up to $70,000 (or up to 25% of compensation) to a worker’s SEP account and deduct the contributions. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 for details about this and other retirement plan options.

11/17/2025

A sound succession plan is a must for every business owner. But even the best-laid strategies can go awry. In fact, it’s not unusual for changing circumstances to affect the feasibility of a succession plan. We’d be happy to review the strengths and potential weaknesses of yours. And if you don’t have a succession plan yet, we can help you create one. Please contact us at (248) 360-6400.

11/14/2025

Taxpayers involved in a dispute with the IRS may want to consider using one of the IRS’s alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mediation programs. These programs can help taxpayers efficiently resolve tax issues with the IRS. Taxpayers for whom mediation can be a good option include those who don’t have many disputed issues or who’re seeking an early resolution to issues under audit. Mediation doesn’t replace the audit or collection processes. The IRS’s Independent Office of Appeals has five ADR programs: Fast Track Settlement, Fast Track Mediation Collection, Post Appeals Mediation, the Rapid Appeals Process and Early Referral. Call us at (248) 360-6400 for details if you have a tax dispute with the IRS.

11/12/2025

Conventional wisdom says your mortgage should retire before you do. If you pay it off, you’ll enjoy a lower cost of living — not to mention the psychological boost of owning your home! But if mortgage interest provides an income tax advantage or you need to prioritize paying off other, high-interest debt, you may want to hold on to your mortgage. Contact us at (248) 360-6400. We can help you weigh the pros and cons.

11/11/2025

11/11/2025

Do you owe taxes you can’t pay? Don’t assume you’re out of options. We can negotiate with the IRS on your behalf to discuss the possibilities, such as a tax payment plan that works for you. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 for help.

11/10/2025

It’s time to take control of your tax bill! As the year winds down, smart businesses ramp up tax planning. The 4th quarter is your chance to make moves to lower your 2025 tax bill. For example, buy qualifying equipment and put it into service before year-end to take advantage of depreciation deductions, which due to recent tax law changes are now even better. Accelerate or defer income depending on your projected tax bracket for this year and next. These are only a couple of the strategic steps you can take. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 to schedule a year-end tax planning session.

11/07/2025

Investors willing to make long-term investments in economically distressed communities have a tax incentive for doing so: the Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) program. It allows investors to defer the tax (and potentially ultimately reduce it) on recognized capital gains by reinvesting those gains in Qualified Opportunity Funds (QOFs) that, in turn, invest in QOZs. The IRS has issued guidance on two QOZ program-related provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: the definition of “rural area” and the application of the substantial improvement threshold for certain improvements to property in a QOZ located entirely in a rural area. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 for more information.

11/05/2025

We’re more than just tax and accounting professionals. We’re your partners in business growth. Beyond preparing your tax returns and keeping your books in order, we can help you improve cash flow, safely plan for expansion and make smarter financial decisions. Let’s talk about how our advisory services can strengthen your strategic planning, streamline operations, and uncover new opportunities for long-term growth and success. Call us today at (248) 360-6400 to schedule a consultation.

11/04/2025

The chart of accounts is the foundation of a company’s bookkeeping. It organizes every dollar that comes in or goes out. But if your chart is cluttered, inconsistent or poorly structured, your financial reports will be, too. Clear account groupings, consistent labels and alignment with your reporting goals are essential for meaningful financial insights. Contact us at (248) 360-6400 to help design a chart of accounts tailored to your business. We’ll make it detailed enough to guide decision-making, but simple enough to stay manageable.