DSG Advisory CPA

Are rental real estate activities eligible for the qualified business income (QBI) deduction? The answer is a distinct “maybe.” This tax break allows eligible sole proprietors and owners of “pass-through” entities to deduct up to 20% of QBI. Pass-through entities include partnerships, S corporations and most limited liability companies. However, income from a rental real estate activity is QBI only if the activity rises to the level of a trade or business or meets an IRS safe harbor, which generally requires separate records, sufficient rental services and specific documentation. Various limits and other restrictions also apply. Call us at (914) 380-8462 to learn more.

Business owners: If you’re only reaching out at tax time, you may be missing some valuable insights. Why stop at tax filings? Let us help you make smarter business decisions year-round — from improving cash flow to navigating economic uncertainty to planning for growth. Please call us at (914) 380-8462 to learn more about how we can support your strategic goals.

Does your business provide complimentary on-site food and beverages for employees? The rules for deducting certain business meals have changed. Beginning in 2026, employers generally can’t deduct 1) meals treated as de minimis fringe benefits, or 2) employer-provided meals that are excludable from an employee’s income and provided for the employer’s convenience on business premises. For the 2025 tax year, generally the former were 100% deductible and the latter were 50% deductible. Contact us at (914) 380-8462 to discuss whether this change will affect your company and how to plan accordingly.

In strategic planning, it can be hard for business owners to step back and evaluate opportunities objectively. An external advisory board can offer fresh, independent perspectives and seasoned guidance, especially when handling high-stakes, complex transactions. A board’s involvement can elevate professionalism, strengthen credibility with stakeholders and support smarter long-term decisions. Contact us at (914) 380-8462 to explore how creating an advisory board, or optimizing your current one, can help your business grow.

Does your business use independent contractors? The reporting requirements for these workers differ from those for W-2 employees. For payments made in 2026, businesses generally must issue Form 1099-NEC, “Nonemployee Compensation,” to contractors paid $2,000 or more (up from $600 for 2025). The higher threshold may reduce your administrative burden because you could have fewer forms to file with the IRS. However, it doesn’t change your recordkeeping, worker classification or backup withholding responsibilities. Contact us at (914) 380-8462 to help ensure you’re prepared for the updated reporting requirements.

The IRS has issued final regulations on the tax deduction for qualified cash tips. The legislation commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” created the deduction of up to $25,000 per year for 2025 through 2028. Qualified tips generally refer to cash tips received by an individual in an occupation that “customarily and regularly” received tips on or before Dec. 31, 2024. The final regs list more than 70 eligible occupations. In addition to occupations previously listed in the proposed regs, the final regs add visual artists, floral designers and gas pump attendants. The final regs also provide clarifications to the definition of a qualified cash tip. For more details, call us at (914) 380-8462.