Elam Tax

Personal/Business Tax Preparation and Small Business Advisory

06/16/2026

Listening to some of the best while doing a little office work today. 🎶

What's YOUR preference - do you need it quiet to work or rather have some tunes going??

06/11/2026

Client: Hey, I have some land and a tractor, can I deduct my property taxes, diesel, and maintenance?

Me: That depends on how the land is currently being used. Is that land currently being used for an active farming business?

Client: Well, not right now, but I’m hoping to get someone to put a crop in over the coming years.

Me: I understand the goal, but for the IRS to view those costs as business deductions, we need to show that you are engaged in an active business for profit. Do you currently earn income using that tractor?

Client: Not really. I might help a neighbor if they need me to till their garden, but that’s about it.

Me: I appreciate you sharing that. Because there isn't currently an active business generating income, those costs unfortunately fall under personal expenses, which aren't deductible.

Client: But it’s technically an investment property.

Me: I hear you, but without that active income stream, the tax code doesn't provide a way to write off those operational expenses.

Client: Well, my buddy at work writes off all their equipment.

Me: I know it can be confusing when you see others doing things differently. However, everyone's tax situation is unique; if they are being audited, they would need to prove that they are meeting the "profit motive" test that the IRS requires. My goal is to make sure we keep you protected and compliant so that you don't run into issues down the road.

*this is a fictitious conversation used for informational purposes only*

06/04/2026

This is my personal bill from the dishwasher repairman today. He was here maybe an hour as we watched the dishwasher run and chatted. $164 charge. On the surface all he did was push the gasket in on the side of the dishwasher. Some might say "gee $164 for THAT?! I could do that myself" BUT here's the thing, we have real hardwood floors in our kitchen so we didn't want to mess around because, of course, water + wood = no good.

But further than just pushing the gasket in, he EDUCATED me on various tips & tricks for my oven, ice maker, the dishwasher of course, and my washer that I had no idea about. His service was WELL WORTH $164. There's no doubt in my mind he's an expert on all things appliances!

All of this is the same as when you hire a tax professional! I get calls & texts all year long, not just tax season, with quick questions that are all included in your tax prep fee (so long as it's not a major project of course!). In my tax prep fee, you get a real person you can talk to and get real answers just like I did today because well, I do numbers not appliances.

I say all that to say this: there is a reason professionals are professionals whether it's appliances or whatever it may be! Let us help you!

Let me know if you've had a similar experience with different professionals!

06/01/2026

It's crazy to even think about but just pre-ordered my 2026 tax software!

Just a friendly reminder if you've not already done so, TN residents have until June 8 to file without extension and pay the IRS!

05/18/2026

Just a reminder that TN residents have until June 8 to file their federal tax return and pay their federal tax due because of the disaster extension granted on April 15.

If you filed an extension, individuals have until October 15 to file but must pay by June 8 to avoid interest and penalties.

05/16/2026

🎓 Cheers to the Class of 2026! 🎉
Huge congratulations to all of our high school seniors who walked across the stage last night! You did it! 🥳

As you start looking ahead to your next big chapter, have you ever thought about becoming an accountant?

If your answer is "No, because I have no idea what an accountant actually does," you are definitely not alone!

Here is the secret: Accounting is actually the "language of all businesses." Choosing accounting as a major means learning how to help businesses grow, solving financial puzzles, and getting an inside look at how everything from your favorite local businesses to massive corporations actually run.
If you want a career that offers incredible job security, financial stability, and the freedom to work in literally any industry (music, sports, tech, fashion, they all need accountants!), it’s a path worth exploring. And accounting is a very versatile career, you're not stuck in one direction and can pivot roles and industries easily!

If you or anyone you know has a question about becoming an accountant, I'd be happy to chat with them!

05/05/2026

Due to mail lags and the IRS being much more difficult to talk to over the phone, I'm recommending everyone that is able to create an IRS account online. You'll have to go through the ID Me process to verify your identity which is a pain but is a one time process.

The IRS account will allow you to quickly see balance and payments on your account, letters you should have received, get a tax transcript, and more!

As a tax professional, I do not have automatic access to your IRS account and only can get certain information even after you sign an IRS authorization form.

Link:

05/01/2026

It's May 1st which means tax accountants everywhere can finally take a breath because we've crossed the many deadlines from January 1-April 30 because April 15, although the major deadline, isn't the only deadline.

Let's review the deadlines my practice deals with -

Jan 1: the official kickoff of tax season
Jan 15: quarter 4 estimated payment for 2025 due
Jan 20: monthly and quarterly sales tax due
Jan 25: bail bond tax due
Jan 31: W2s, 1099s, Q4 941, TN unemployment, and Federal unemployment due
Feb 20: monthly sales tax due
Mar 1: County TPP tax due
Mar 15: Business tax returns due
Mar 20: monthly sales tax due
Apr 1: Annual Reports due
Apr 15: individual tax returns, tn business tax, & tn franchise and excise tax due
April 20: monthly and quarterly sales tax due
Apr 25: bail bond tax due
Apr 30: Q1 2026 941 & Tn unemployment due
May 1: REST

04/27/2026

Good way to start the morning by finding a Jesus in your new clients tax envelope ❤️

04/17/2026

Today is Mira’s last day with us, and we’re really going to miss her as she starts a new chapter.

Many of you have seen her around the office during the week—she’s been such a huge help and a great part of our team. We’re so thankful for the time she’s spent with us and all the hard work she’s put in during our busy season! We wish her much success in all her future endeavors!

We also want to take a moment to recognize Mrs. Tina, who has been such a big help on our busy Saturdays (iykyk). We truly appreciate everything she has done!

With all that said, beginning Monday, April 20th, we will be moving to appointment-only until next tax season. We’re excited to welcome two (Yes, two! We've grown!) new interns in mid-January 2027!

Address

Greenfield, TN

Telephone

+17313324075

Website

http://belamtax.com/

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