Behind the Numbers

Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads break down why many people unexpectedly owe federal taxes, covering the most common causes: under-withholding from paychecks, multiple income streams (like side gigs and rental or 1099 income), failing to make estimated tax payments, and income changes such as raises, bonuses, or asset sales. The episode gives practical fixes: review your W-4 and pay stub, consi...

This episode explains why precise language matters in business taxes and accounting, using the example of LLC owners who casually called membership interests "stock" and faced major tax consequences during an IRS audit. It covers how entity classification affects sales, common problem terms, and practical steps: review your operating agreement, clarify exit and ownership terms with co‑owners, invo...

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, Taylor and Cody break down how student loans and tuition affect your tax return — from the student loan interest deduction to education credits and 529 plans. Learn the key limits and income phaseouts (including the $2,500 student loan interest cap and the American Opportunity Credit rules), what expenses qualify, how scholarships and Form 1098‑T can change y...

The team wraps up a California conference where Grant, Zach, and Cody discuss the conference highlights: AI’s growing role, practical tools to try, and the value of peer collaboration. They share two main takeaways—prioritizing advisory work by delegating low-value tasks and using AI as a human-led tool to turn unstructured expertise into clearer, client-ready guidance—and plan firm-level changes...

Join the TC Advisors team recording from Huntington Beach as they mix conference insights with light-hearted conversations on AI, advisory services, tax strategy, and the perks of remote work—plus a few suitcase surprises and beach tales.

This episode breaks down Oklahoma’s most valuable tax incentives for businesses and individuals, including the Quality Jobs programs, investment and new jobs credits, workforce and industry-specific credits, patent royalty exemptions, rural and historic credits, and recent tax reform changes. Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads explain who qualifies, how the programs work, and why talking to a tax...

Hosts Taylor Rhoads and Cody Melton explore how short‑term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) can become powerful tax strategies, explaining passive vs. active rental rules, the real estate professional designation, material participation, and cost segregation/bonus depreciation. The episode outlines how proper structure, documentation, and participation can create accelerated, non‑cash deductions to offset or...

On this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody and Taylor break down when business owners should outsource their accounting. They cover common red flags—behind books, chaotic tax seasons, spending too much time on bookkeeping, and growth without financial clarity—and explain the practical benefits of outsourcing, from payroll support and tax planning to cash‑flow analysis and strategic advice....

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, the hosts from TC Advisors break down common payroll mistakes—misclassifying workers, missed tax deposits, missed deadlines, and overtime errors—that can quickly become costly due to penalties, interest, and audits. They explain the importance of proper payroll systems, year-end reconciliations, and staying current with reporting changes, and offer practical...

Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhoads unpack the S‑corporation and C‑corporation debate, explaining payroll tax impacts, reasonable owner compensation, shareholder basis limits, and state tax and compliance considerations. They offer practical thresholds for when to consider each structure, highlight IRS risks of low owner salaries, and discuss strategic benefits like fringe benefits and the qualifi...

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, the TC Advisors team reflects on their intense tax season, sharing what surprised them, how they managed heavy workloads, and memorable client moments. They cover trends in refunds and balances due, common missing documents, extension advice, and practical tips for planning year-round rather than just in April. The hosts also reveal stress-management habits,...

In this episode of Behind the Numbers we walk through the emotional five stages of tax season — from excitement and confusion to panic, regret, and acceptance — and explain why proactive tax planning matters for business owners and employees alike. Hosts cover deadlines for pass-through entities, the difference between net profit and cash flow, withholding tips, effective tax-rate benchmarks, and...

Hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes sit down with Maddie Jeffries and Jerri-Ann of Native Star Group to explore the company’s origins, its work as a women- and Native American-owned general contractor in the SBA 8(a) government contracting space, and how their construction and mechanical specialties grew from family experience into a staffed business. The conversation covers challenges with a prev...

In this special family episode of Behind the Numbers, host from TC Advisors brings his sons Micah and Luke to ask curious, kid-friendly questions about money, taxes, and what grown-ups do at the office. The dad explains what taxes pay for, why paying them matters, and how investing and saving work. Between laughs and wild million-dollar wishes, listeners get a light, clear introduction to basic fi...

In this episode Cody and Taylor break down the money habits that separate consistently successful local business owners from the rest. They cover the three key figures owners must track—cash balance, net profit, and owner distributions—why profit and cash flow are different, and how simple budgets and intentional systems prevent surprises. The hosts also discuss practical tax and financial strateg...

In this episode of Behind the Numbers, hosts Cody Melton and Taylor Rhodes talk with Curtis Cole of Medari Advisors about the financial and regulatory complexities of medical businesses, especially pharmacies. They cover how insurance billing, delayed reimbursements, and inventory management can mask true profitability. The conversation highlights the most important financial tools—monthly reviews...

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down key mid‑tax‑season updates: why some refunds are larger this year, recent law changes affecting seniors, overtime and tip reporting, and the shift away from paper checks. They explain common filing problems—IP PINs for identity verification, Form 1095‑A reconciling marketplace premium tax credits, and PATH Act delays for certain refunds—and give practical advice on...

This episode breaks down retirement planning into three simple buckets—employer plans (401k/403b), individual accounts (IRA/Roth), and taxable brokerage accounts—and explains how each is taxed and used. Hosts discuss the key choice between traditional and Roth accounts, the importance of employer matching, time and compounding, HSAs as a retirement vehicle, and qualified charitable distributions (...

Hosts Taylor and Cody break down the famous saying "nothing is certain except death and taxes," explaining how taxes and estate planning affect everyday finances. They cover different tax types, why taxes can be the largest lifetime expense, and how proper planning can produce major savings. The episode also explains wills vs. trusts, probate, transfer-on-death deeds, step-up in basis, and practic...

Hosts Taylor and Cody explain why the start of the year is the best time to move tax planning from an annual scramble to a year‑long strategy. With the individual 1040 season opening, they encourage proactive steps to avoid costly surprises. Actionable tips include reviewing last year’s return, checking W‑4 withholdings and estimated payments, maximizing tax‑advantaged accounts (401(k), HSA), and...

A practical episode covering year-end tax tasks: issuing W-2s and 1099s, collecting W-9s, key deadlines, 2026 reporting changes, and tips for smoother tax-season planning.

In this episode Cody Melton sits down with Todd Fannin, founder of Tack Designs, to trace his journey from printing shirts to fund an international adoption to building multiple successful businesses serving national and industrial clients. Todd shares key moments—landing big contracts, adopting the EOS operating system, financial rules like Profits First, and practical leadership and culture less...

In this episode Taylor Rhodes sits down with Cookie, a Realtor who transitioned from corporate life to real estate and built a successful business through grit, mentorship, and relentless customer service. She shares real-world insights on the realities of the job: mountains of paperwork, last-minute hurdles before closing, and the importance of managing taxes as a self-employed agent. Cookie also...

Host Taylor Rhoads interviews Nettie Plank, owner of Nettie Ann’s Bakery in Chouteau OK, about her 23-year journey from a small start-up to a thriving local bakery. The episode covers early challenges (long hours, startup costs, hiring), standout products like sourdough and oatmeal whoopie pies, and how faith, community, and mentorship shaped the business and its team. Listeners will get practical...

Join Taylor and Cody for a rapid-fire episode of Behind the Numbers where they answer listener questions about taxes, accounting, and personal finance in a casual, approachable way. Topics include the choice between standard and itemized deductions, IRAs versus precious metals, differences between CPAs and EAs, reporting illegal income, and whether to buy land or invest. They cover practical tips...