Peter P. Barrios, APAC

When you’re busy running a business, it’s easy to overlook or dismiss the warning signs of financial distress. Rising employee turnover can signal internal strain. Cash flow issues may indicate slow collections or weak working capital practices. And sudden external shifts — such as interest rate volatility, cost increases or supply chain disruptions — can take a toll on otherwise healthy businesses. Supplementing your company’s year-end financial statements with interim reports or targeted agreed-upon procedures can help you spot problems early and take prompt corrective action. Contact us at (225) 924-3031 to learn more.

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 (225) 924-3031 to discuss whether this change will affect your company and how to plan accordingly.

Beginning July 4, 2026, parents, grandparents and others can contribute to Trump Accounts (TAs) for the benefit of eligible children. Certain children born 2025–2028 may also qualify for a $1,000 starter deposit from the federal government. TA contributions are generally limited to $5,000 per year (not counting the government deposit) and aren’t tax deductible. But earnings grow tax-deferred. At age 18, the TA will become a traditional IRA. For education goals, options like 529 plans may be better, because qualified education withdrawals are tax-free. Contact us at (225) 924-3031 to discuss what fits your family.