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Practical guidance for companies, investors, professional practices, contractors, and growth businesses navigating U.S. accounting, tax, and financial decisions.

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Tax & finance insights

Tax and finance notes, with the math shown

Short, practical answers to the questions business owners and investors bring to us every week. Each one shows the numbers and the limits that can change the result. New articles are published on the Matluc blog every week.

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What we are covering this season

  1. 01

    A $1,000 write-off doesn't save you $1,000

    A deduction lowers taxable income, not your bill dollar for dollar. At a 24% rate, a $1,000 expense cuts about $240 of federal income tax, so the real cost is still about $760.

  2. 02

    LLC or S-Corp? The math behind the decision

    On $100,000 of profit, self-employment tax is about $14,130. As an S-Corp with a $60,000 reasonable salary, FICA is $9,180. The gap of about $4,950 comes before payroll, extra tax prep and state costs.

  3. 03

    Bought a $500K rental? What can change in year one

    After separating $100K of land, a cost segregation study that finds $80K of short-life components could mean about $77,212 of extra first-year deduction. Passive-loss limits and recapture still apply.

  4. 04

    6 business expenses to review before year-end

    Advertising, software, professional fees, business insurance, supplies, and the business share of phone and internet. A $100 bill at 60% business use is $60.

  5. 05

    3 bookkeeping mistakes that get expensive

    Mixing accounts, missing support for transactions, and leaving everything until April. A monthly close replaces the yearly scramble.

  6. 06

    Your 2026 taxes have a 2027 payment date

    The Q4 estimated tax payment for 2026 is generally due January 15, 2027, for calendar-year individuals. Review what you have paid against your current income.

  7. 07

    Your home office: a $750 deduction?

    With the simplified method, 150 sq. ft. x $5 = $750 for a full year, but only with regular and exclusive business use, and within business-income limits.

  8. 08

    Rental loss. Lower W-2 tax? Not automatically

    Cost segregation can increase depreciation, but passive-activity rules may suspend the loss. Check whether you can use it now before counting the savings.

  9. 09

    Ordered isn't the same as in service

    Equipment generally has to be ready and available for its business use to be depreciated this year. Keep the invoice, delivery, installation and in-service dates.

  10. 10

    Profitable. Still short on cash?

    $5,000 earned but not collected and $3,000 of expenses already paid: $2,000 of profit and -$3,000 of cash movement. Profit and cash are not the same thing.

  11. 11

    Before December, check these 3 numbers

    Projected profit, tax already paid through estimates and withholding, and the cash you have reserved for the bill.

Illustrative examples for general education, not tax advice. Your facts, eligibility and income limits change the result.