R&A CPAs blog

Meet Brenda Hays – Senior Human Resources Coordinator and Payroll Specialist

Brenda Hays is R&A’s Senior Human Resources Coordinator and our payroll specialist. She has been a member of the R&A team since 2012. Her role has expanded over the years…

What Home Improvement Tax Breaks Are Set to Expire and Which Remain in Effect?

If you’re thinking about making upgrades to your home, you may have an opportunity to claim valuable tax breaks. While not every improvement qualifies, there are a few exceptions, such…

Time to Renew Transaction Privilege Tax License

You have likely received notices from Arizona Department of Revenue and the City of Tucson that it is time to renew your TPT license. License renewals apply and are valid…

Business Fraud Case Study: How to Detect & Prevent Fraud

On June 25, 2025, Elizabeth Gutfahr, former Santa Cruz County Treasurer, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for embezzling and laundering approximately $38.7 million of public funds. Ms. Gutfahr,…

2025 End-of-Year Tax Planning is Crucial

Master 2025 tax planning with OBBBA strategies: charitable deductions, SALT caps, wash-sale rules & crypto tips. Minimize taxes before year-end.

Upcoming Changes to Tip and Overtime Income Tax and Reporting

In July 2025, H.R.1, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act was signed into law. This Act provides deductions for tips and overtime compensation for 2025 through 2028. As a result,…

Setting Your Children Up for Financial Success

Parenting can be a challenge. You know this if you have lived through the “terrible twos.” If you haven’t yet had that experience, the “terrible twos” is a colloquial term…

Stepped-Up Basis: How It Affects Inherited Assets

An asset’s basis is its original purchase price, which determines how much tax will be owed when the asset is sold. When an asset is inherited, the so-called stepped-up basis…

The Importance of Accurate Real Estate Valuation in Tax Reporting

Real estate valuations have garnered increased attention in tax reporting over the last several years, driven by fluctuations in property prices and heightened oversight around how those values are reported.…

Retirement Plan Catch-up Contributions

Super-Catch-up and Catch-up as Roth Requirements Beginning January 1, 2026, significant changes will be implemented regarding retirement plan catch-up contributions for certain individuals. Both individuals and retirement plan sponsors need…

IRS Announces New Automatic Exemption from Penalty Program

August 26, 2026

The IRS’s Automatic Exemption from Penalty (AEP) program simplifies tax relief by automatically waiving failure-to-file, failure-to-pay, and failure-to-deposit penalties for compliant taxpayers. Replacing the manual First Time Abate process, the automated system evaluates eligibility during return processing—waiving penalties for individuals and businesses with three years of clean compliance history—without requiring formal requests or phone calls.

Estate Planning is Changing: What Families Should Revisit Now

August 26, 2026

Shifting tax exemption thresholds, evolving retirement account rules, and changing family dynamics make static estate plans a risk. Families should revisit their plans now to update beneficiary designations, review trusts, refresh health care and financial powers of attorney, and adjust wealth transfer strategies to ensure their assets remain protected and align with their current intentions.

What to Consider When Selling Your Business to Employees

August 26, 2026

Selling your business to employees through an ESOP, cooperative, or management buyout preserves your company’s legacy and rewards your team, but it requires careful planning. Success hinges on choosing the right ownership structure, securing realistic financing (often involving seller notes), obtaining an independent valuation, and preparing strong leaders to handle daily operations after the transition.

The State of Construction Bonding in 2026: What Contractors Need to Know About Financial Reporting

August 26, 2026

Navigating the 2026 bonding landscape requires contractors to treat financial reporting as a strategic tool rather than a routine compliance exercise. With surety carriers tightening underwriting standards following elevated project complexities, labor costs, and recent severe claims, securing maximum bonding capacity hinges on transparency and financial discipline.

July 2026 Newsletter

July 30, 2026

Caught In Prescott – Lessons in Fraud Prevention and Monitoring

July 30, 2026

Fraud in Prescott – lessons in fraud prevention and monitoring for your business.

IRS Makes Rare Midyear Change to Mileage Rates

July 30, 2026

A break for many who have been hit by high gas prices: The IRS has quietly announced a revision to the optional standard mileage rates for computing the allowable deductible costs of operating an automobile. Click through to see what has changed—and what hasn’t.

The Purpose of Form I-9: What Employers Need to Know

July 30, 2026

Every employer needs to complete Form I-9 for their employees. It is an important compliance document. Here is what you need to know.

Meet Junna Stockwell, CPA, Supervisor – Assurance

July 30, 2026

Junna is a supervisor in our Assurance department. In her role, she solves financial problems and helps provide accurate financial reporting for our clients.