Our Blog
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Transfer pricing and related entities: what business owners need to know
- July 15, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
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Business owners who move money, goods, or services between commonly controlled entities are subject to IRS transfer pricing rules, which require that intercompany transactions be priced as if they were conducted between unrelated parties. When those prices are not set correctly, the IRS has authority under IRC Section 482 to reallocate income and assess back taxes, interest, and penalties that can reach 20% to 40% of the resulting underpayment. With the right documentation and a deliberate approach to pricing, most small and mid-size business owners can manage this exposure without complex or costly studies.
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When and why every business owner needs a business valuation
- July 1, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
Most business owners carry a rough estimate of what their company is worth, but that mental number is not a valuation, and the gap between the two can be costly. A formal, methodology-based business valuation is required in a wide range of situations, including selling or transferring a business, estate planning, lending, divorce, equity compensation, and shareholder disputes. Working with a credentialed valuator and involving your CPA early ensures the resulting number is defensible when it matters most.
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Don’t waste a good year: 2026 retirement and HSA limits worth using
- June 17, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
For 2026, the IRS has raised contribution limits across retirement plans, IRAs, and HSAs, giving high-income households more room for tax-advantaged saving. The households that benefit most are not simply those that max out every account, but those that act early and decide deliberately which accounts to prioritize, how to coordinate Roth and pretax decisions, and how contributions fit within a broader tax and cash-flow plan. With the right strategy in place at the start of the year, these higher limits become a meaningful planning opportunity rather than a number on a checklist.
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Financial strategy for mid-career and peak earning years
- June 10, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
Mid-career success often brings a more complex financial picture, and the strategies that worked early on may no longer be enough. From managing higher tax exposure to protecting the wealth you’ve already built, peak earning years come with both greater opportunity and greater risk. This article breaks down the key planning moves to make now so you have more choices later.
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Financial strategy for early career professionals and young families
- June 3, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
The early career and young family years bring a rapid increase in financial complexity, as growing income, expanding responsibilities, and long-term decisions around saving, investing, and taxes all converge at once. Read on to learn how a coordinated financial strategy now can create meaningful wealth-building momentum for years to come.
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Why financial strategy must evolve over time
- May 20, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
Effective financial planning isn’t a one-time event, it’s an ongoing process that must adapt as your life, income, and goals change over time. From building early savings to navigating tax strategy in peak earning years to preparing a sustainable retirement income, each life stage brings new challenges and opportunities that a static plan simply can’t address. Read on to learn how a lifecycle-based approach to financial planning can help you make smarter, more coordinated decisions at every stage of the journey.
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The USPS postmark change you need to know about before you mail anything tax-related
- May 13, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
A USPS rule change means that the postmark on your tax-related mail may no longer reflect the day you actually dropped it off, and the IRS still uses that postmark to determine whether you filed on time. For taxpayers in rural areas especially, this gap could be the difference between a timely filing and a costly late penalty. Read on to understand exactly what changed, why it matters, and the simple steps you can take to protect yourself.
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Which retirement plan is best for a self-employed owner: SEP, SIMPLE, or Solo 401(k)?
- May 6, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
A practical guide to using a SEP IRA, SIMPLE IRA, or solo 401(k) strategically, covering contribution limits, deadlines, employee rules, tax planning, and when each plan makes the most sense.
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Filed an extension? How to use the time between now and October 15th
- April 29, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
Filing a tax extension buys you time, but only if you use it wisely. From revisiting your April payment estimate to gathering missing documents and staying on top of current-year obligations, the months between now and October 15th are a valuable planning window. Read on to learn how to make the most of your extension and avoid a costly repeat of the same tax challenges next year.
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When unequal cash creates unequal risk: disproportionate distributions in S-corps
- April 15, 2026
- Posted by: Cummings, Keegan & Co
- Category: Article
Disproportionate distributions in S corporations can trigger unintended tax consequences and even loss of S status. Learn where the risks arise and how strategic planning can preserve compliance while achieving unequal economic outcomes.
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