Ballard & Company, Ltd.

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

Social Security planning starts at an early age. Here is what you should be doing now!

Too many think to pay attention to Social Security only when they near retirement. Do this at your own risk! Even those in their 20s should be taking action. Here are some tips.

06/11/2026

Scammers continue to target taxpayers through email, text messages, phone calls and regular mail. They often try to create urgency or fear to trick victims into sharing sensitive information or sending money.

Remember, the IRS will never contact you by email or text about a tax bill or refund. It also won’t demand immediate payment over the phone. Most IRS communications are sent through regular mail — though fraudsters may send fake IRS notices by mail, often including QR codes.

Don’t click on links, open attachments or scan QR codes from unknown senders that might direct you to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal or financial information. Contact us if you have questions.

06/09/2026

It can be tough for small businesses to borrow money at favorable terms. But the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers several loan programs to help small businesses grow and create jobs. SBA loans of up to $5.5 million may be available and typically offer competitive interest rates and terms. Applying and qualifying for an SBA loan may also be easier than for conventional loans. The most popular type is the 7(a) loan, which can be used for most business purposes, including asset purchases and debt refinancing. The microloan program offers loans of up to $50,000. Contact us to help determine the right option for your business.

06/05/2026

Reminder: Second quarter estimated taxes are due Monday, June 15th.

If you have not already done so, please plan to make your second quarter estimated tax payment. The due date is Monday, June 15th.

06/05/2026

If you donate artwork to charity, the deduction you can claim depends on several factors, including the type of organization receiving the piece and how it will be used. Your deduction will generally be reduced if the charity’s use of the artwork is unrelated to the purpose or function that’s the basis for its qualification as a tax-exempt organization. The reduction equals the amount of capital gain you would have realized had you sold the artwork instead of giving it to charity. Other deduction limits as well as special substantiation and appraisal rules also may apply. If you’re considering donating artwork or other valuable property, contact us for help ensuring the best tax outcome.

06/03/2026

Certain “small businesses” may qualify for several valuable tax breaks. But different tax provisions use different size tests.

For instance, a gross receipts test is used to determine eligibility for cash accounting, simplified inventory rules, the completed contract method, relief from UNICAP requirements and exemption from the business interest deduction limitation. This threshold is adjusted for inflation. For 2026, your business may be eligible if its average annual gross receipts for the prior three-year period were $32 million or less.

Contact us to help evaluate your eligibility for these and other tax-saving opportunities based on your business’s structure and operations.

06/03/2026

The IRS sends you a notice! What to do? This month's letter walks you through the process, plus much more!

As summer settles in and schedules fill up, a few smart decisions now can help you avoid costly surprises later. In this issue, there are strategies to strengthen your financial footing – from midyear tax planning opportunities to knowing when to call for help with an IRS notice. There is also...

06/01/2026

Small business owners, beware: Tax identity theft is a costly, ongoing threat. Criminals may file fraudulent returns using a business’s EIN, impersonate executives to steal employee W-2 data, or use forged IRS documents to pose as a business for financial or tax-related activity.

Protect your organization by implementing a cybersecurity plan, securing sensitive data, training employees and using technology tools such as encryption and multi-factor authentication. Working with a trusted tax professional is also critical. We can review your risks, recommend safeguards and determine the next steps if something looks suspicious. Contact us to learn more.