A small-business-friendly way to track the tax issues that actually move your numbers

When business owners search “Kiplinger tax topics,” they’re usually looking for two things: (1) what changed recently, and (2) what’s worth acting on before deadlines hit. This guide turns that idea into an operator’s checklist—built for owners who want cleaner books, fewer surprises, and smarter planning. We’ll cover what to watch in 2026, how to turn tax rules into decisions, and how a proactive CPA relationship can reduce stress while improving cash flow.

What “Kiplinger tax topics” usually points to for business owners

“Kiplinger tax topics” isn’t one IRS list—it’s a pattern of timely tax headlines that affect real-world decisions: payroll timing, deductions, entity strategy, and year-round planning. For small and midsize businesses, the most useful “topics” typically fall into these buckets:

1) Deadlines & compliance
Payroll deposits, quarterly filings, W-2/1099 prep, and estimated taxes—things that trigger penalties when missed.
2) High-impact deductions & credits
Depreciation rules, retirement plans, health benefits, home office, travel/meal substantiation, and industry-specific credits.
3) Entity and owner compensation strategy
S corporation reasonable compensation, pass-through deductions, state elections, and profit distribution planning.

2026 headlines to watch (translated into planning actions)

Tax law and tax news can feel like “interesting reading” until it hits your return or cash flow. Here are examples of recent headline-style topics and the practical question to ask your CPA team.

Topic area What it can affect The planning question
Bonus depreciation & asset write-offs Timing of equipment/software purchases, cash flow, taxable income smoothing Should we accelerate purchases this year—or spread deductions for steadier tax brackets?
Pass-through rules (QBI/199A) and planning Owner taxable income, payroll decisions, retirement plan timing Do wages, profit levels, or retirement contributions change our pass-through deduction?
SALT cap workarounds & state elections Owner itemized deductions and state tax strategy If we operate/own in certain states, is a PTE election worth it?
Payroll compliance & deposit schedules Penalties, cash timing, “surprise” notices Are we on the right deposit rule (monthly vs. semiweekly), and are we scheduling payments correctly?

Note: Major tax-law summaries change quickly. Kiplinger’s recent coverage highlighted significant federal changes signed in 2025, including extensions/modifications affecting individuals and businesses. (kiplinger.com)

Step-by-step: turn tax topics into a monthly routine (without living in QuickBooks)

If you’re a busy owner (or you lead a small finance team), the goal isn’t to memorize tax rules—it’s to build a repeatable workflow so decisions happen before deadlines.

Step 1: Lock in your month-end close cadence

Choose a “close date” (example: the 10th business day after month end). Reconcile bank/credit card accounts, review A/R aging, confirm payroll totals, and verify owner distributions. Clean books make tax planning possible.

Step 2: Do a 20-minute tax-risk scan

Look for the usual penalty triggers: missing payroll deposits, contractor payments without W-9s, large uncategorized transactions, or sales-tax exposure (especially if you sell taxable products in multiple states).

Step 3: Forecast “taxable income,” not just revenue

Revenue growth doesn’t automatically mean “more cash.” Add a lightweight rolling forecast: expected gross profit, payroll, contractor spend, planned equipment/software purchases, and retirement plan contributions. Your CPA can turn this into estimated tax targets.

Step 4: Schedule deadlines like a payroll system—not a reminder note

IRS payroll deposit rules can be monthly or semiweekly depending on your lookback period. Use EFTPS scheduling and build internal checks (who approves, who releases, who confirms). The IRS tax calendar is a reliable starting point for due dates and timing guidance. (irs.gov)

Want this to feel lighter? Many owners offload the repetitive parts—bookkeeping cleanup, payroll processing, and estimated tax planning—so they can focus on revenue, delivery, and hiring. If you’re building that kind of system, start with bookkeeping support and a year-round tax planning strategy.

A quick compliance breakdown owners miss most often

Payroll deposits aren’t “when we feel like it”
Late deposits can trigger notices and penalties even when your quarterly filings are correct. If you’re not 100% sure which deposit rule you’re on, review it with your payroll provider or CPA and align your calendar to the IRS schedule. (irs.gov)
Contractor payments need a paperwork workflow
Collect W-9s before you pay. Track vendor totals during the year (not in January). A simple intake process prevents last-minute scrambling and helps you avoid mismatches.
Tax resolution is easier when you act early
If you have unfiled returns or back-tax notices, don’t wait for the “final” letter. The sooner you organize documents and respond, the more options you typically have. If that’s your situation, explore tax resolution support.

Did you know? (Fast facts worth bookmarking)

EFTPS payments need lead time.
The IRS notes that EFTPS payments must be scheduled by 8 p.m. ET at least one calendar day before the due date. (irs.gov)
The IRS publishes quarter-by-quarter deadline calendars.
These calendars help employers and self-employed taxpayers track payroll deposits, quarterly filings, and other recurring due dates. (irs.gov)
Some states offer pass-through entity (PTE) elections tied to SALT strategy.
South Carolina has a PTE tax election available for eligible entities, which was designed as a workaround to the federal SALT cap; it has been effective for tax years beginning after 2020. (bdo.com)

Local angle: Murrells Inlet, SC business owners (what to watch)

If you’re running a service business in Murrells Inlet—marketing, professional services, home services, hospitality, or a growing online operation—your “tax topics” tend to cluster around (1) clean bookkeeping, (2) payroll compliance, and (3) planning for uneven seasonal cash flow.

Seasonality planning
If your revenue spikes in certain months, your estimated taxes and payroll cash needs may spike too. A simple forecasting-and-budgeting rhythm can prevent “surprise” cash crunches.
State-specific opportunities
South Carolina offers a range of state tax credits, and how those credits flow through can differ depending on your entity type. (dor.sc.gov) If your business structure or growth plans changed recently, it’s worth reviewing whether your current setup still fits.

Even if JTC CPAs is headquartered in Boise, many modern CPA workflows are remote-friendly. If you’d like a proactive partner for bookkeeping, payroll, and tax planning, start by reaching the team through the contact page or see the firm’s locations.

Want a “tax topics” plan that’s customized to your numbers?

JTC CPAs helps business owners organize bookkeeping, streamline payroll, and build year-round tax planning that supports growth—without turning weekends into accounting marathons.

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FAQ

What are the most important “Kiplinger tax topics” for a small business owner to track?
Focus on items that affect cash and compliance: payroll deposit deadlines, estimated tax strategy, major deduction rules (like equipment purchases), and entity/owner compensation planning.
How do I know if I’m a monthly or semiweekly payroll depositor?
The IRS classification is based on a “lookback” period and your prior payroll tax liability. If you’re unsure, review your IRS notices or confirm with your CPA/payroll provider, then align your EFTPS scheduling to the IRS calendar guidance. (irs.gov)
Is tax planning only useful near year-end?
Year-end matters, but most savings come from decisions made earlier—payroll structure, retirement plan setup, timing of purchases, and clean categorization all year.
What if I’m behind on filings or received IRS/state notices?
Start by organizing records and identifying exactly what’s missing (returns filed, payments made, notice types). Then respond quickly—waiting tends to reduce options. If you need structured help, JTC CPAs offers tax resolution services.
Do I need a CPA if I already use bookkeeping software?
Software tracks transactions; it doesn’t automatically create a defensible tax position or a planning strategy. A CPA team helps translate your books into forecasts, estimated tax targets, and decision support—especially as you hire, add benefits, or consider buying/selling a business.

Glossary

EFTPS
Electronic Federal Tax Payment System—used to schedule and pay federal taxes (including payroll deposits). The IRS advises scheduling by 8 p.m. ET at least one day before the due date. (irs.gov)
Lookback period (payroll deposits)
A prior-period measurement the IRS uses to determine whether an employer deposits payroll taxes monthly or semiweekly.
PTE election
A state-level “pass-through entity” tax election that may allow certain partnerships/S corporations to pay state tax at the entity level, often tied to SALT deduction strategy for owners. (bdo.com)
QBI (Section 199A)
Qualified Business Income deduction—an important pass-through deduction for eligible owners, often influenced by taxable income, wages, and business type.

Author: JTC CPAs

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