Brickley DeLong

06/17/2026

☀️ Summer Hours Update – Hart Office ☀️

As part of our summer schedule, the Brickley DeLong Hart office is open to walk-in visitors **Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM**.

Beginning at noon, our office is available **by appointment only** so our team can dedicate uninterrupted time to serving clients.

**Please note:** On **Fridays, our office closes at noon** as part of our firm's summer hours schedule.

Need to meet with us outside of our walk-in hours? Give us a call and we'll be happy to schedule an appointment that works for you.

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer!

Call now to connect with business.

06/10/2026

Last week, Morgan and Kayt traded their desks for the Capitol and attended CPA Day at the Capitol hosted by the Michigan Association of CPAs.

It's easy to think accounting is all spreadsheets, tax returns, and audits, but there are a lot of decisions being made at the state level that directly impact our profession, our clients, and the future pipeline of accountants entering the workforce.

One of the biggest topics discussed with legislators was Michigan's proposed additional pathway to CPA licensure. The accounting profession continues to face a talent shortage, and with 44 other states already adopting similar pathways, Michigan needs to remain competitive if we want to attract and retain future CPAs. The goal isn't to lower standards, it's to create another pathway that maintains the integrity of the CPA designation while helping address the growing need for accounting professionals.

It was a great opportunity to meet with lawmakers, share real-world perspectives from the profession, and advocate for the future of accounting in Michigan.

A huge thank you to MICPA for organizing such a meaningful event and giving accounting professionals a seat at the table.

Now it's back to emails, deadlines, and explaining why tax refunds aren't always as big as everyone hopes. 😅

https://micpa.org/community/stay-informed/news/article/2026/06/09/cpa-day-at-the-capitol-connects-members-with-lawmakers-on-key-profession-priorities

05/27/2026

🚨☕ 2026 Tax Surprise: Even Employee Coffee is Affected!☕🚨

There is an ugly tax law change taking effect in 2026 that affects a common workplace practice: providing coffee, snacks, and other small refreshments to employees.

For years, these items have been treated as de minimis fringe benefits, meaning employees are not taxed on them, and employers were generally allowed a deduction. But beginning in 2026, the tax code eliminates the employer deduction, even though the benefit remains tax-free to employees.

This change stems from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which phased out the deduction. While employers could deduct 50 percent of these costs through 2025, the deduction drops to 0 percent starting in 2026. 📉

As a result, businesses will now bear the full cost of providing break-room refreshments. This creates an unusual mismatch: employees still receive a tax-free benefit, but employers receive no tax relief for providing it.

From a practical standpoint, this rule may influence how businesses approach workplace amenities. Many employers offer coffee and snacks to improve productivity, encourage collaboration, and keep employees on-site. Eliminating the deduction may lead some businesses to scale back these offerings, though doing so could negatively affect morale and efficiency.

What should you do now? 👇

• Review your current spending on employee refreshments.
• Evaluate the increased cost beginning in 2026.
• Consider whether the benefits in productivity and workplace culture justify continuing the practice.
• Ensure your accounting properly reflects the non-deductible nature of these expenses.

While this tax law change may seem minor, it has real cost implications.

Brian M. McFarren, CPA | Partner

📞Questions? Contact your Account Administrator today!

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

In observance of Memorial Day, all Brickley DeLong offices are closed today as we reflect with gratitude on the freedoms we enjoy because of their service and sacrifice.

We hope everyone has a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

05/22/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. 🇺🇸

In observance of Memorial Day, all Brickley DeLong offices will be closed Monday, May 25th.

We’re also excited to kick off our summer schedule with Friday noon closures through Labor Day beginning this week! ☀️

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and meaningful holiday weekend.

05/19/2026

📣 Today we’re celebrating National Accounting Day and recognizing the incredible professionals who help businesses, organizations, and communities thrive every single day.

At Brickley DeLong, we are proud of the team members who bring dedication, integrity, knowledge, and heart to the accounting profession every day across West Michigan. 💙

Thank you to all accountants, bookkeepers, finance professionals, payroll specialists, and support staff for the work you do behind the scenes that keeps businesses moving forward.

📍 Locations: Muskegon, Hart, Grand Haven & Grand Rapids
🌐 www.brickleydelong.com

05/12/2026

Getting ready for an audit can be a challenging and intimidating process, but most delays and issues are preventable. Early planning and clear organization can make the audit preparation process more efficient, help adhere to the audit timetable, and create a more positive experience for both the auditee and the auditor. The key to a successful audit is preparation that takes place long before fieldwork begins.

Jenni Wheeler, CPA, breaks it down below :

1️⃣ Start early and set a timeline – Assign tasks well before scheduled fieldwork begins. Establish an internal timetable for closing adjustments, audit schedules, and supporting documentation. Meet regularly as a team to review progress and stay accountable to deadlines. 📅

2️⃣ Reconcile accounts, organize documentation, and review work – Ensure major accounts are reconciled and properly supported. Verify journal entries have documented review and approval. Organize documentation so it is clearly labeled and easily accessible, as missing schedules can create audit inefficiencies and delays. An additional review can also help minimize auditor-identified adjustments and findings. 📂✔️

3️⃣ Review prior year audit findings – Verify that corrective actions from prior audit findings have been implemented and can be clearly demonstrated, as auditors are required to follow up on previous findings. 🔎

4️⃣ Understand new accounting standards or changes – Ensure there is an understanding of new accounting pronouncements and their impact on the financial statements. Discuss implementation strategies and audit impacts with the audit team early to avoid misunderstandings and delays. 📚

5️⃣ Communicate proactively – Open communication is essential. Discuss questions, known issues, and complex transactions with the audit team in advance to build trust, reduce findings, and improve audit efficiency. 💬

6️⃣ Assign a central contact person – Designate a knowledgeable primary contact to coordinate audit requests. This helps avoid confusion, duplication of effort, and delays in responding to requests. 👤

7️⃣ Ensure availability of key personnel – Timely access to key personnel and records is critical during fieldwork. Encourage accounting and grant personnel to prioritize the audit and minimize scheduling conflicts, trainings, and vacations during audit periods. ⏰

8️⃣ Maintain a positive outlook – Be open to feedback and recommendations. Audits should be viewed as a collaborative opportunity to strengthen internal controls and organizational processes. 🤝

While audit preparation can feel challenging and intimidating, successful audits depend on communication, organization, timely information, and adherence to the audit timeline. Early preparation is key to minimizing disruptions and improving audit efficiency for everyone involved. ⭐

05/11/2026

⚠️ IRS Scam Alert: Understanding the “New IRS Communication Protocol” ⚠️

There’s been a lot of confusion online about the IRS changing how they contact taxpayers. The reality is: there isn’t one single “new rule.” Instead, the IRS has gradually updated communication policies from 2023–2026 to improve security, reduce scams, and modernize communication.

Here’s what you should know:

📬 The IRS STILL contacts taxpayers by MAIL first.
Official IRS issues almost always begin with a mailed notice or letter. If you never received a letter, be cautious.

🚫 The IRS does NOT randomly contact you by:
• Email
• Text message
• Social media

Those are major scam red flags.

✅ Limited email communication IS now allowed — but ONLY in very specific situations:
• You already have an active IRS case
• You are working directly with a verified IRS employee
• Your identity has been confirmed
• You consented to email communication

Even then, the IRS will not randomly email you first.

🔒 The IRS is moving toward secure digital communication portals instead of regular email.
This includes:
• IRS Secure Messaging
• Login authentication through ID.me
• Encrypted communication systems
• Secure document uploads and exchanges

📱 Text message policy remains the same:
The IRS does NOT text you about refunds, payments, or tax bills.

☎️ IRS phone calls can happen, but usually AFTER mailed notices have been sent first.

The IRS will NEVER:
❌ Threaten immediate arrest
❌ Demand urgent payment over the phone
❌ Ask for gift cards, crypto, or wire transfers
❌ Send suspicious payment links

Bottom line:
The updated IRS communication process focuses on:
✔️ Mail first
✔️ Identity verification
✔️ Secure portals
✔️ Encrypted communication
✔️ Reduced fraud and identity theft risk

If someone claiming to be the IRS contacts you first by text, email, or social media asking for urgent payment, it is almost certainly a scam.

Stay safe and always verify before responding.

Questions? Call us at Brickley DeLong today.

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/ways-to-tell-if-the-irs-is-reaching-out-or-if-its-a-scammer?utm_source=chatgpt.com

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all of our moms 💐

Today we celebrate the moms, stepmoms, grandmas, pet moms, mentors, caregivers, and mother figures who make life brighter through their love, patience, strength, and support.

Thank you for everything you do, both at home and in our communities. Wishing you a day filled with love, appreciation, and maybe a little extra relaxation. 💗

– The Brickley DeLong Team