May 1, 2026
Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act (S 1383) – Also known as the SAVE America Act, this bill passed in the House on Feb. 11 but stalled in the Senate due to the Democrat filibuster. The bill would require states to verify documentary proof of citizenship and current residential address when Americans apply for federal voter registration. The easiest documentation would be a birth certificate or passport that confirms their current legal name (most women change their last name after marriage, so they require additional documentation, such as a marriage certificate). However, research from the Bipartisan Policy Center found that nearly 1 in 10 registered voters do not have access to their birth certificate, and 52 percent do not have an […]
May 1, 2026
Businesses are moving beyond basic automation into a new era of intelligent, self-directed systems. While automation helps with streamlining repetitive tasks, agentic AI workflows enable systems to make decisions, take action, and continuously improve with minimal human oversight. Most businesses adopting agentic AI have no structured way to prove it is working. Although they can feel the difference, they can’t measure it. Without measurement, return on investment (ROI) conversations stall, budgets get cut, and genuinely transformative tools get shelved. What Makes Agentic AI Workflows Different Agentic AI workflows are designed to operate with a degree of independence. Unlike traditional automation, which follows predefined rules, agentic systems are goal-oriented. Once given an objective, they plan, execute, adjust, and complete tasks across […]
May 1, 2026
It might be hard to believe, but yes, it’s almost the middle of the year and the perfect time to take a look at how you’re doing financially: are you fiscally fit or do you need a few adjustments? Whether it’s saving more, paying down debt, or prepping for retirement, you still have time to effect change. Here are a few ways to get started. Review Your 2026 Financial Goals Kind of a no-brainer, but ask yourself: Have I saved as much as I planned? How’s my progress at paying off debt? Have my priorities changed since the new year? In addition to these things, other important goals might include building your emergency fund (broken dishwasher, for instance); saving for […]
May 1, 2026
If the IRS sends notice that you’re being audited, you’re likely to become anxious. However, not all audits mean you did something wrong. In most cases, it is simply a matter of verifying information on a tax return or perhaps correcting a minor error. Knowing what to expect – and how to respond – can help alleviate stress and make the audit more manageable. An IRS audit (also referred to as an examination) is a review of your records to confirm that the information on your tax return was reported accurately and follows tax law. The best way to prepare for an audit is to respond on time, present organized and complete records, be cooperative, and communicate professionally. Technically, most audits […]
May 1, 2026
When it comes to raw materials, especially for fossil fuels, it’s essential to evaluate existing and potential production capabilities for such companies. Using the EV/2P Ratio is a powerful tool when evaluating fossil fuel-related companies. Defining the Ratio This ratio is calculated by dividing a business’ enterprise value into the company’s reserves. It provides financial analysts, investors and internal business stakeholders with a snapshot of a company’s reserves and the business’ likelihood of preserving operation growth. This standardizes valuations, thereby allowing analysts to compare company-to-company financials. How to Calculate EV/2P Enterprise Value (EV) / Total 2P Reserves Defined as: Enterprise Value = Equity (open market price) + Debt (open market price) – Cash and Cash Equivalents 2P = Proven and […]
May 1, 2026
Artificial intelligence is driving an unprecedented surge in data center construction. Developers, private equity sponsors and their tax advisors are navigating a complicated web of questions that touch everything from ownership structure to site selection to power sourcing. Get the early decisions wrong and the tax consequences can follow a project for years. Why REITs Have Become the Structure of Choice Private equity has increasingly turned to real estate investment trusts when backing data center projects. Structure a REIT correctly, and you sidestep corporate-level taxation entirely. Foreign investors get an even better deal. Sovereign wealth funds and foreign pension funds can participate without any obligation to file U.S. tax returns. Data centers, with their heavy real estate footprint, slot into […]
April 1, 2026
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (HR 6644) – As many local governments face the problem of rising affordability and severe housing shortages, this bipartisan bill would update existing housing programs to increase the housing supply, as well as streamline federal regulations that slow construction. Among its provisions, the legislation would authorize a pilot program designed to convert vacant or underused buildings into residential housing, issue grants for infrastructure improvements for utilities and transportation, and include construction of new housing units for low- and moderate-income residents. The legislation was introduced on Dec. 11, 2025, by Rep. French Hill (R-AR). It originally passed in the House on Feb. 9, but the Senate made changes before passing it on March 12. It […]
April 1, 2026
Picture two things happening at the same time. The agency responsible for reviewing your tax return is understaffed and buried under a backlog, and the software that the agency uses to catch filing errors just keeps getting better. That combination should give any taxpayer pause this season. Not because an audit is necessarily coming, but because if something does go wrong, the window for getting it resolved quickly has shrunk considerably. The IRS Is Running Lean, But It’s Technology Isn’t The agency lost more than a quarter of its workforce in 2025. The National Taxpayer Advocate’s most recent annual report to Congress documented the drop: from roughly 102,000 employees to about 74,000. Those departures, through a mix of voluntary exits […]
April 1, 2026
Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes are becoming more severe and more frequent with each passing year. Without sufficient protection, these events can cause lasting financial disruption. While no one can prevent a natural disaster, preparing your finances in advance is one of the most practical forms of crisis readiness. Build a Financial Safety Net Save at least three to six months of essential living expenses in a liquid account that you can access quickly. This money can help cover temporary housing, food, transportation, or medical needs if your income is disrupted or your home becomes uninhabitable. In addition to emergency savings, keep a small amount of cash on hand (e.g., $200 to $500 in small bills). Be aware that […]
April 1, 2026
The era of artificial intelligence as a competitive advantage has hit a structural barrier – the Governance Wall. Some time back in 2024 and 2025, organizations raced to adopt AI tools to automate decisions, improve efficiency and cut costs. Now, as we move through 2026, the conversation is shifting from “How powerful is your AI?” to “Can you explain its decisions to a regulator, customer or even a judge?” As global regulations move from abstract guidelines to strict enforcement, businesses must move from pure automation to strategies defined by traceable, human-centred oversight. The Shift From Innovation to Accountability In the early days of AI adoption, the priority was speed and results. Algorithms made decisions behind the scenes with little transparency. […]
March 1, 2026
Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the DC Income and Franchise Tax Conformity and Revision Temporary Amendment Act of 2025 (HJRes 142) – After passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the Council of the District of Columbia (DC) opted out of the tax code from the Act, amending several provisions and restoring the DC child tax credit. This resolution nullifies DC’s amended legislation. It was introduced on Jan. 22 by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX). It passed in the House on Feb. 4, the Senate on Feb. 12, and was enacted on Feb. 18. Semiquincentennial Congressional Time Capsule Act (S 3705) – This bill instructs the Architect of the Capitol to bury a time […]
March 1, 2026
Tax season is here, and while the IRS opened its doors for 2025 returns on Jan. 26, with the familiar April 15 deadline intact, this year’s filing experience is shaping up to be anything but routine. A perfect storm of workforce cuts, rushed new tax breaks, and strained systems means that getting your return right the first time has never been more important. A Smaller IRS With a Bigger Job The numbers tell a sobering story. According to the Taxpayer Advocate, the IRS entered this filing season with 27 percent fewer employees than it had just a year ago. Congressional funding clawbacks combined with the Department of Government Efficiency’s push for retirements and reductions have hollowed out the agency’s capacity at […]
March 1, 2026
When investors think about building a strong equity portfolio, U.S. stocks often dominate the conversation. The United States is home to many of the world’s most innovative, profitable, and well-known companies, and has a history of delivering strong long-term returns. However, the United States is not the only country with successful, growth-oriented businesses. In fact, nearly half of the global equity market is located outside the United States, offering investors a much broader opportunity than in domestic markets alone. Despite this reality, many investors stick to a home country bias. This behavioral tendency means they prefer companies headquartered in their own country because they’re more familiar and feel safer. Unfortunately, home country bias can unintentionally increase portfolio risk. A singular […]
March 1, 2026
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a competitive advantage; it has become a necessary infrastructure. Businesses now heavily rely on AI-powered systems, from automated customer service to predictive analytics and decision-making tools. These platforms are cloud-based, and their reliance comes with growing concern of AI lock-in. This dependence on major cloud providers and the convenience of Big Tech ecosystems can turn into long-term dependency. In response, cloud sovereignty is gaining momentum. What Is Cloud Sovereignty? Cloud sovereignty refers to the ability of an organization to maintain full control over its data, infrastructure, and digital assets. This includes where data is stored, how it is processed, and which legal jurisdiction governs it. Unlike traditional cloud hosting, where companies rely on a […]
February 1, 2026
After a whirlwind 2025 that produced what may be the largest tax bill in American history, the coming year looks dramatically different. Tax policy experts are predicting a legislative standstill, a turbulent tax filing season, and lingering questions about how new provisions will work when put into practice. A Year of Legislative Gridlock The forecast for 2026 tax legislation is bleak. With Republicans clinging to an impossibly thin House majority of just 218 or 219 seats following recent resignations, passing any significant bills will be extraordinarily difficult. Every single Republican vote would be needed to advance legislation through reconciliation, and as 2025 demonstrated, keeping the caucus unified is no small feat. While there has been discussion about a potential second […]
February 1, 2026
Wiring money is like sending cash: Once you’ve sent it, it’s gone. It is very difficult to retrieve – in fact, more difficult than recovering physical dollar bills. For businesses, always call the recipient to verify ACH details before sending; this is required by law in 50 states. This law does not require calling, but if the sender’s or recipient’s email is hacked, calling will help prevent the hacker from changing ACH details in a hacked email account. If wire fraud takes place due to a security breach, such as a hacker infiltrating your account and initiating a wire transfer, you may have protection. Reputable financial institutions will generally cover your losses in the case of a cyber attack. Recoverability is dependent, however, […]
February 1, 2026
Every modern business is paying rent. Not for office space or equipment, but for the digital infrastructure that runs the company. This might include the cost of CRMs, email platforms, project management tools, automation tools, analytical dashboards, and countless other tools designed to solve a specific business need. Individually, these tools seem affordable; collectively, they form a permanent tax on business growth. For several years now, software-as-a-service (SaaS) has been sold as a form of freedom. Businesses were promised low upfront cost, instant deployment, and minimal complexity. For a long time, SaaS delivered on this promise. It helped companies move faster, scale quickl,y and compete globally regardless of size. But this is shifting. Now, business leaders are beginning to question […]
February 1, 2026
Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 6938) – This Act is one of the remaining budget bills to fund the government through Sept. 30, 2026. It includes funding for several agencies, including the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Energy, and the Environmental Protection Agency. The bill was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK) on Jan. 6. It passed in the House on Jan. 8, the Senate on Jan. 15, and was signed into law on Jan. 23. Financial Services and General Government and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2026 (HR 7006) – This Act was introduced […]
January 1, 2026
American parents now have access to a completely new savings tool designed to give children a financial foundation for the future. Established through The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, these accounts carry the name of the current president and come with a unique set of rules that the IRS has just begun to clarify. Who Can Open One? Any minor holding a Social Security number who has not yet turned 18 by Dec. 31 of the current year meets the eligibility criteria. Getting started requires an authorized adult, typically a parent or legal guardian, to submit an application to the Treasury Department. Once processed, the government establishes the child’s account. Free Money for Newborns Families welcoming babies during a specific […]
January 1, 2026
Campaign messaging would have you believe retirees just scored a major victory. The talking point is everywhere: Social Security benefits are now tax-free. But anyone who reads the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will discover something different. The legislation contains nothing that removes Social Security from federal taxation. Zero provisions. The tax structure that has applied to benefits for over four decades remains fully intact. So, what did pass? A new deduction aimed at older Americans. And through some rhetorical gymnastics, that deduction is being sold as something it fundamentally is not. A Deduction Is Not an Exemption The OBBBA creates an additional deduction exclusively for seniors. Single filers get $6,000 while married couples receive $12,000. This stacks on top […]