Patricia Spivak CPA PC

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Patricia Spivak CPA PC

Income Tax preparation, Accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll services

10/30/2026

The IRS has released its 2026–2027 per diem rates for certain business travel expenses, effective Oct. 1, 2026. Under the high-low substantiation method, the rate for lodging, meals and incidental expenses for travel to high-cost localities within the continental United States (CONUS) rises to $329 per day, from $319. The rate for other CONUS localities rises to $230, from $225. The portion attributable to meals remains $86 for high-cost areas and $74 for other areas. The incidental-expenses-only rate remains $5. Employers can pay more than the IRS per diem rates, but excess amounts generally must be substantiated or treated as taxable wages. Contact us to learn about all your options for substantiating business travel expenses.

10/28/2026

For businesses, gamification is a way to use game-like strategies to motivate both customers and employees. For example, rewards programs may help strengthen customer loyalty and encourage repeat purchases. Internally, employee recognition systems, sales leaderboards and training milestones may improve performance and promote skill development. When implemented thoughtfully, these efforts can reinforce desired behaviors and support long-term growth. Call us for help designing and evaluating your gamification initiatives.

10/27/2026

Small business owners are often focused on operations and growth, so bookkeeping tasks can fall behind. But reliable financial records are essential as you plan for next year. Start by reviewing your vendor master file. Look for duplicate or inactive vendors and outdated information that could lead to bookkeeping errors, incorrect payments and increased fraud risk. Merge duplicate entries, update key details and deactivate vendors you no longer use. Contact us for help getting your vendor list and other financial records in order before year end.

10/26/2026

The IRS requires businesses to issue 1099s for certain payments to independent contractors and other vendors. For 2026, the reporting threshold for many payments has increased from $600 to $2,000. As a result, some businesses may need to issue fewer 1099s than in previous years. This change generally applies to nonemployee compensation reported on Form 1099-NEC and rents and certain other payments reported on Form 1099-MISC. The new $2,000 threshold also applies for backup-withholding purposes. As year end approaches, contact us for guidance on your 1099 reporting requirements and the information you need from recipients.

10/23/2026

Employers: The IRS recently updated its FAQs on the qualified overtime pay tax deduction for employees created in 2025. The guidance provides new details on how you must identify, calculate and report qualified overtime income. For example, it clarifies that only FLSA-mandated overtime premiums qualify, notifies employers that separate reporting on Forms W-2 is required beginning in 2026, and confirms that overtime pay remains subject to federal income tax withholding. These changes may call for payroll system updates and a closer review of employee classifications and overtime practices. Call us for help preparing for the new requirements.

10/21/2026

Last year the cap on state and local tax (SALT) deductions increased from $10,000 to $40,000. The 2026 cap is $40,400. If your 2027 property taxes have already been assessed, prepaying them in 2026 could help you maximize your 2026 deduction. But keep in mind that the 2026 cap is reduced for taxpayers with modified adjusted gross income over $505,000. (All amounts are half as large for separate filers.) Let us help you determine how to incorporate the increased SALT deduction limit into your tax planning. Contact us today.

10/20/2026

A well-defined compensation philosophy can do a lot for your business. It may help attract job candidates, retain employees and control payroll costs. Although competitive pay is important, employees consider your full compensation package. This includes bonuses and other performance incentives, benefits and perks, professional development opportunities, and flexible work arrangements. Contact us for guidance on developing a well-rounded strategy that’s aligned with your business goals, workforce needs and budget.

10/19/2026

You may need to make quarterly estimated tax payments if you own a sole proprietorship or an interest in a pass-through entity, which includes partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. Changes in your business’s taxable income, deductions or overall tax situation may have altered your expected tax liability. A year-end projection can help you determine whether you’ll need to adjust your fourth-quarter estimated tax payment that’s due by January 15, 2027. Call us to review your situation.

10/16/2026

If you’re responsible for collecting, accounting for or remitting federal taxes withheld from employee paychecks, beware of the trust fund recovery penalty (TFRP). As a responsible individual, you may be personally liable for a 100% penalty on income and employment taxes your business either fails to collect or fails to remit to the IRS. Your actions must be “willful,” meaning you’ve been, or should have been, aware of the responsibility and either intentionally disregarded the law or were indifferent to it. According to the IRS, no “evil intent or bad motive” is required. Call us if you receive a letter from the IRS about the TFRP or for help with tax compliance.

10/14/2026

When moving to a different state, changes to your state taxes on income and property may get most of your attention. But state estate taxes should also be part of the equation. Some states impose their own estate or inheritance taxes, often with exemption amounts significantly lower than the current federal exemption of $15 million. State rules also differ on tax rates and residency requirements for being subject to state taxes. Before relocating, call us for help reviewing how your destination state’s tax laws could affect your estate plan.

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184 S Hunter Highway
Drums, PA
18222

Website

http://www.spivakcpa.com/

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