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There's a Lot You Can Get Wrong With Business Budgeting... But It's Still an Invaluable Practice
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According to one recent study, only about two-thirds of all businesses that open today will survive two years in operation. Roughly half of them will last approximately five years. When you get to 10 years out, that number drops to one-third, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Fascinatingly, a massive 82% of all organizations that end up failing do so for essentially the same reason: cash flow issues. Cash flow doesn't just refer to the total amount of money coming into an account. It also refers to the timing of that money, among other factors.Invoices don't get paid when they should be. Loan payments come due before the cash is in an account. All of these things take their toll, and businesses of all sizes pay the price because of it.That, in essence, is why business budgeting is so important. You need to be aware of what is going on in the short term, yes, but the long term is far more important. Obviously, you have goals that you've set for yourself that you're trying to accomplish, whether it's expanding to a new location, purchasing new equipment, or hiring more employees. But you need to make sure that you're financially in a position to do that, and business budgeting is how you do it.The Importance of Business BudgetingOf course, people can make a number of mistakes when it comes to business budgeting that can be truly detrimental in the long run. Case in point: simply assuming that last year's budget is applicable to this year, which is rarely the case.Never forget that last year's budget was based on an entirely different set of circumstances than what you are currently facing. In the best of times, businesses are supposed to grow and evolve -- they're naturally going to need more money to do it. Not only that, but consider if you had attempted to use 2019's budget as a basis for your 2020 projections, and then something wholly unexpected like the COVID-19 pandemic hits. It would throw everything into chaos in a way that would make it difficult to pivot from moving forward.The same concept is true whenever there is an unexpected change in consumer purchasing behavior, something that has happened before and will absolutely happen again whether you like it or not. For example, say there is a company that makes products that somehow significantly underpredicted the demand they would see for the holiday season. The reason for this might be as simple as a manager wanting to set a budget goal that he or she knew they would be able to hit. But once that budget was set, it created a ripple effect throughout the entire company; demand was based on that sales forecast, production was operating off of it and more. A significant amount of money is left on the table, all because that manager fell into some of the worst practices of business budgeting there are.
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Tax and Financial Insights
by NR CPAs & Business Advisors
2026 IRS Mileage Rates: Key Updates and Insights
The IRS has rolled out the inflation-adjusted mileage rates for 2026, offering taxpayers an efficient way to claim deductions for vehicle-related expenses incurred for business, charity, medical, or moving purposes. These adjustments reflect the continued economic shifts impacting car operation costs.
Effective January 1, 2026, the new standard mileage rates are established as follows:
- Business Travel: Increased to 72.5 cents per mile, inclusive of a 35-cent-per-mile depreciation allocation. This marks a rise from the 70 cents per mile rate set for 2025
- Medical/Moving Purposes: Reduced slightly to 20.5 cents per mile, down from 21 cents in the previous year, reflecting the variable cost considerations.
- Charitable Contributions: Consistent at 14 cents per mile, a fixed rate unchanged for over a quarter-century.
As is typical, the business mileage rate considers the integral fixed and variable costs of automobile operation. Meanwhile, the medical and moving rates remain contingent on variable expenses as determined by the IRS study.
It is critical to note that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) held firm on disallowing moving expense deductions except for specific cases within the Armed Forces and intelligence community, marking a substantial shift since 2017.
When engaging in charitable work, taxpayers might opt for a direct expense deduction over the per-mile method, covering gas and oil costs. However, comprehensive upkeep and insurance costs are non-deductible expenses.
Business Vehicle Use Considerations: Taxpayers can alternatively compute vehicle expenses using actual costs, which might benefit from shifting depreciation rules, particularly through bonuses and first-year advantages. Keep in mind, however, reverting from actual cost calculations to standard rates in subsequent years is restricted, particularly per vehicle protocol and when exceeding four vehicles in concurrent use.
Additionally, parking, tolls, and property taxes attributable to business can be deducted independently of the general rate, an often-overlooked advantage by many business owners.
Tax Strategies for Employers and Employees: Reimbursements based on the standard mileage framework, providing the right documentation is in place, remain tax-free for employees. Meanwhile, the elimination and continued prohibition of unreimbursed employee deductions continue, with particular exceptions offered to qualified personnel across specific occupations.
Opportunities for Self-employed Individuals: Entrepreneurs remain eligible for deductions on business-related vehicle use via Schedule C, with potential to account for business-use interest on auto loans.
Heavy SUVs and Deduction Advantages: Heavier vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds but under 14,000 pounds open opportunities for substantial tax deductions through Section 179 and bonus depreciation avenues. The lifecycle of such a vehicle bears implications on recapturing initially claimed deductions, urging cautious tax planning.
For professional guidance on optimizing your vehicle-related tax deductions and understanding their implications on tax strategies, contact our office in Coral Gables, Florida, where expert advice and strategic insights are just a call away.
Educator's Deduction Reform: Key Changes Under OBBBA
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduces significant enhancements for educators' tax deductions starting in 2026, offering both strategic opportunities and planning considerations for educators who qualify. With the reinstated itemized deduction for qualified unreimbursed expenses, educators have a broader spectrum of financial relief. This is complemented by the retention of the $350 above-the-line deduction, allowing educators to maximize their tax benefits by selectively allocating expenses between these avenues.
Understanding the nuances of these changes is crucial for educators and financial advisors alike. The dual-option deduction strategy can potentially enhance tax efficiency, thereby aligning with broader financial planning goals.
At NR CPAs & Business Advisors, based in Coral Gables, Florida, our expertise in tax preparation and planning provides invaluable support to educators navigating these changes. Our comprehensive approach, combined with personalized advice from our experienced team, ensures compliance and optimization in line with the latest tax legislations.
Given these updates, it is imperative to engage with seasoned professionals to fully leverage your deduction strategies. Contact us today to streamline your tax planning under OBBBA's new guidelines and maximize your deductions for upcoming tax years.
