Let's Talk Tax

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...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Tim LeMasters is joined by Ben Worrell, MBA, a shareholder in McGuire Sponsel's Location Advisory Services (LAS) practice. They delve into the critical role of timing in capturing incentives and credits for businesses that are expanding, relocating, or investing in new facilities. The discussion highlights the valuable opportunities for CPAs to advis...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Tim LeMasters and guest Matthew Barnhill discuss the upcoming 2026 property tax season. They delve into the importance of proactive property tax management, the current state of property taxes, and effective strategies for businesses to reduce their property tax liabilities. Matthew emphasizes the significance of early planning, appealing property assess...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host  Dave McGuire  is joined by esteemed tax partner  Joe Nicola, Jr. , to discuss the significant impact of the  One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA)  passed earlier this year. Joe, who has a nationwide practice and is well-respected in the CPA profession with  Sisterson , delves into various provisions of the new tax bill, including  100% bonus depreciation ,  s...

Welcome back to Let's Talk Tax, the show for growth-minded CPAs and real estate professionals. In today's episode, host Justin Gephart and guest Jerry Hammel, CPA , dive into the untapped potential of your firm's records, also known as a data goldmine. They introduce 'Hidden in Plain Sight,' a practical framework for mining existing data to uncover growth triggers, embedding ex...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, host Jerry Hammel, CPA , is joined by Catherine Yuan, CPA , a manager on McGuire Sponsel's Global Business Services team, to discuss the essentials of international tax compliance for business leaders. They cover the importance of early planning, understanding global operating footprints, managing data and reporting challenges, and the significance of hav...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host Tim LeMasters and guest Kat Martin , Relationship Manager at McGuire Sponsel, share an exclusive preview of McGuire Sponsel's Planning Guide for Tax Year 2025. They discuss how this resource helps CPAs identify tax-saving opportunities—from cost segregation and property tax appeals to R&D tax credits , location advisory services , international compl...

Welcome back to Let's Talk Tax! In this episode, host TJ Sponsel is joined by Kelsey Brewer, MBA , the Chief Marketing Officer at McGuire Sponsel, for a deep dive into the evolution of marketing within the CPA industry. Kelsey discusses the changes in marketing strategies over recent years, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and intentional approach. They explore how marketing is no l...

Welcome to Let's Talk Tax. In this episode, fellow Let's Talk Tax hosts TJ Sponsel and Justin Gephart delve into the evolving world of the manufacturing sector post-COVID-19, exploring supply chain shifts, workforce challenges, and automation. They discuss how CPAs can better support their manufacturing clients through strategies such as fixed assets , R&D tax credits , international t...

In this episode of Let's Talk Tax, guest host Jerry Hammel, CPA, and Justin Gephart , a Shareholder and fellow Let's Talk Tax co-host at McGuire Sponsel, dive into the evolving world of data management in CPA and consulting firms. Focusing on strategies and systems that elevate performance, they discuss key areas including personnel management, client retention, process improvement, and st...

In this episode of Let’s Talk Tax, host Dave McGuire sits down with R&D experts David Seibel, EA, and Garrett Duffy to unpack two major developments reshaping R&D credit planning and compliance. First, they examine the IRS’s release of Rev. Proc. 2025-28 , which clarifies how taxpayers can apply §174 expensing retroactively and provides key updates for 2024 returns. Second, they explore th...