Let's Talk Tax

CPA firms are being asked to deliver more than tax returns. What does the shift from compliance to advisory look like in practice? On this episode of Let’s Talk Tax , host Dave McGuire and guest Mike Hammel, MAcc , discuss how CPA firms can build deeper client relationships while navigating time constraints, staffing challenges, AI, and automation. They explore the value of partnering with special...

When a client is expanding, buying equipment, building a new facility, or entering a new state, property tax, fixed assets, and location strategy shouldn’t be separate conversations. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, Dave McGuire is joined by Ben Worrell, MBA, and Rebecca Patterson to explore how connecting federal, state, and local tax considerations can uncover opportunities throughout periods...

The IC-DISC has existed for decades, but many qualifying manufacturers and exporters have never evaluated the opportunity—or assume it disappeared after recent tax reform. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, Dave McGuire and Greg Lambrecht, CPA , explain how an Interest Charge Domestic International Sales Corporation can help qualifying businesses convert a portion of export income into qualified d...

As businesses invest in artificial intelligence, they face new questions about workforce training, data security, and potential tax opportunities. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host Dave McGuire and guest David Seibel, EA , explore how AI-related investments may intersect with the R&D tax credit , the proposed AI Workforce Training Act , startup payroll tax credits , and Section 174 . Dav...

Specialty tax opportunities are not limited to large corporations—and a business does not need millions in revenue or hundreds of employees to benefit. Dave McGuire hosts Mike Hammel, MAcc , to explore how CPAs can identify specialty tax opportunities within closely held manufacturers, contractors, healthcare practices, software startups, exporters, and family businesses. They explain why fit depe...

Leadership succession is one of the greatest challenges facing CPA firms, but developing the next generation requires more than replacing retiring partners. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, TJ Sponsel speaks with Katie Thomas, CPA, CFP, CGMA , president and CEO of Honkamp P.C. , about preparing emerging professionals to lead in a rapidly changing accounting industry. They discuss: Why technology...

How much could the 2026 midterm elections actually change the tax landscape? Dave McGuire and Ashu Mahal, JD, CPA, break down what CPAs and businesses should be watching ahead of November, from the potential shift in congressional control to the future of existing tax provisions. They also discuss tariffs and trade policy, domestic investment incentives, international tax developments including Pi...

The 2026 property tax appeal season brought rising assessments, shifting market conditions, and important reminders about the value of acting early. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax , Dave McGuire speaks with McGuire Sponsel property tax specialists Rebecca Patterson and Kyle Gaddis about what happened during the 2026 season and what CPAs should consider heading into the next assessment cycle. Th...

Some of the most valuable tax planning conversations happen long before a return is filed. In this special rewind episode , we revisit four conversations from the first half of season three that highlight how CPAs can identify opportunities, address compliance risks, and advise clients more proactively. Hear insights from Dave McGuire , Mike Hammel, Macc , TJ Sponsel , Chad Collier , Greg Lambrech...

Halfway through Season 3, we're looking back at the conversations that have shaped the season. In this special recap episode, host Tim LeMasters revisits key insights from CPA firm leaders, tax specialists, and business advisors on proactive tax planning, advisory services, client relationships, and firm growth. Across every discussion, one theme emerged: The most valuable CPA firms aren't...

What separates firms that simply complete tax returns from those that become trusted advisors? In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Tim LeMasters sits down with Drew Haddock, CPA , Partner and CEO of DMJPS CPAs + Advisors , to discuss how accounting firms can create more value by staying engaged with clients throughout the year—not just during tax season. They explore why specialty tax oppo...

Transfer pricing isn't just for multinational corporations. In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, Dave McGuire and John Bodur, CPA, MBA , discuss why transfer pricing studies are becoming increasingly important for both international and domestic businesses. They explain when studies are needed , IRS documentation expectations, Forms 5471 and 5472 , state income tax planning, audit risks, and...

Business growth conversations often begin long before tax planning does—and that's exactly why many CPAs miss opportunities to create additional value for their clients. In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Dave McGuire is joined by Ben Worrell, MBA , and Brian Szymanski, CPA , from McGuire Sponsel's Location Advisory Services team to discuss why CPAs are frequently brought into exp...

Property tax is one of the largest recurring expenses many businesses face, yet it's often one of the least reviewed. In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, Dave McGuire sits down with Matthew Barnhill, leader of McGuire Sponsel's Property Tax Services , to discuss why businesses and CPAs frequently overlook property tax assessments and how that can lead to missed savings opportunities. Th...

What does it take to truly own your career? In this episode, Dave McGuire sits down with McGuire Sponsel's Chief People Officer, Kiley Ewing , to discuss how professionals can move beyond simply waiting for the next opportunity and start intentionally creating the outcomes they want. Kiley shares practical insights on finding purpose in your work, developing habits that support growth, setting...

As businesses become increasingly global, international tax compliance is no longer just a concern for large multinational corporations. Even routine business decisions—such as hiring an employee overseas, opening a foreign bank account, or forming a foreign entity—can create significant U.S. reporting obligations. In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, Dave McGuire sits down with Greg Lambrecht,...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax,  TJ Sponsel  sits down with  Chad Collier  to discuss how  tax credits and economic incentives  can support business expansion, relocation, redevelopment, and capital investment projects. The conversation explores common misconceptions around incentive eligibility, including why many small and mid-sized businesses assume they are “too small” to qualify. TJ and Ch...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Dave McGuire sits down with Mike Hammel, MAcc , to unpack how OBBBA depreciation changes are reshaping tax planning for CPA firms, manufacturers, and commercial real estate owners. The discussion explores how 100% bonus depreciation planning is being impacted by binding contract rules , construction timelines, acquisition dates, and placed-in-service req...

Host  Dave McGuire  sits down with  Matthew Barnhill  , who leads McGuire Sponsel’s  property tax  practice from the Dallas office, to discuss how elevated office vacancy rates in major growth markets are creating hidden property tax opportunities. From Dallas and Austin to Nashville, Charlotte, and Indianapolis, many office properties continue to face slower leasing activity and higher vacancy le...

The  July 6 Section 174 deadline  is approaching fast, and for CPA firms, the decisions tied to  Section 174A  could have major tax planning implications. In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host  Dave McGuire  is joined by  David Seibel, EA  , to break down what this deadline means for eligible small taxpayers and how CPAs should be advising clients now. They cover the small taxpayer election for...

How can CPA firms turn existing client relationships into new growth opportunities? In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host  Tim LeMasters  sits down with  Alex Wilson, CPA, PFS, of Yeo & Yeo  to explore how specialty tax for CPA firms can become a powerful tool for building your book of business. Rather than focusing solely on compliance, Alex shares how emerging leaders can uncover new value...

In the Season 3 kickoff of Let’s Talk Tax, hosts  TJ Sponsel  and  Dave McGuire  reflect on what the completed tax season revealed for CPA firms and their clients—and why planning should accelerate immediately after April 15. They highlight key post-filing priorities, including guidance on  Qualified Production Property (QPP) under IRS Notice 2026-16  , ongoing  Section 174 changes  , and the need...

Welcome back to Let’s Talk Tax Powered by McGuire Sponsel . In this season finale, host  TJ Sponsel  is joined by  Tim LeMasters , fellow co-host of  Let’s Talk Tax  and Director of the Alliance Network, to discuss the significant changes in the CPA industry throughout 2025 and the impact on the firm. They delve into the impacts of the ‘ One Big Beautiful Bill Act ‘ passed on July 4th, the evolvin...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax powered by McGuire Sponsel, host TJ Sponsel is joined by McGuire Sponsel's Chief People Officer, Kiley Ewing , to discuss why teams filled with talented individuals often underperform and how a focus on behavioral data, resilience, and accountability can transform a team's performance. They explore the types of stress that impact organizations, the imp...

Welcome back to Let’s Talk Tax! In today’s episode,  Jerry Hammel, CPA , is joined by Arty Brieden, Managing Partner and CPA, from  Seidel Schroeder  for an in-depth discussion on leading a modern CPA firm. They delve into the challenges of managing growth, investing in people, and maintaining strong client relationships. Arty shares invaluable insights on navigating people problems, planning gaps...