InsightsAll Articles
Construction Financing is Facing Headwinds on Multiple Fronts
10/6/2026
For much of the past decade, construction firms benefited from an environment of abundant liquidity, low interest rates, and strong investor demand for new development projects. Today, however, the financing landscape looks very different.
ACH Risk AssessmentsA Guide to Nacha Compliance and Fraud Risk Management
9/30/2026
Learn how ACH risk assessments help financial institutions strengthen fraud prevention, meet Nacha requirements, and improve ACH risk management practices.
ACH Reviews & Audits: NACHA Compliance Services for Financial Institutions
9/30/2026
Meet annual NACHA audit requirements with independent ACH reviews and risk assessments. Saltmarsh helps financial institutions strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve ACH operations.
How Active Loss Harvesting Works & Doesn't Work: Trust & Estate Planning
9/29/2026
Active tax-loss harvesting is often presented as a simple year-end strategy: sell investments that are down, use the losses to offset gains, and reinvest in something similar enough to preserve market exposure.
10 Year-End Tax Moves to Make Next Filing Season Easier (and Less Stressful)
9/29/2026
A practical checklist for small business owners to clean up records, avoid penalties, and walk into tax season prepared.
Thinking About Switching Between a C Corp and an S Corp in 2026?Here's the Fun (and the Fine Print)
9/28/2026
Picking C corporation vs. S corporation status is one of those business decisions that sounds dry…until it changes how much tax you pay and how easy it is to bring in investors. And 2026 might be a particularly smart time to take another look.
2026 State and Local Tax (SALT) Cap, Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) & Remote WorkThe Tax Plot Twist You Didn't Ask For
9/28/2026
A plain-English guide to the bigger 2026 State and Local Taxes (SALT) cap, why Pass-Through Entity Tax (PTET) still matters, and how one remote employee can turn into a multistate filing adventure.
2026 Charitable Giving Tax Changes: What Donors Need to Know
9/28/2026
Starting in 2026, the tax rules for charitable giving get a little less generous, and a lot more “it depends.” The deduction isn’t going away, but smaller gifts may not move the needle on your taxes unless your total giving clears new minimum thresholds.
ACH Risk Assessment Guide for Nacha Compliance & Fraud Risk Management
9/22/2026
Learn how ACH risk assessments help financial institutions strengthen fraud prevention, meet Nacha requirements, and improve ACH risk management practices.
Nacha Excused Delays: ACH Rules for Hurricanes & Unexpected Disruptions
9/22/2026
Understand Nacha's excused delay provisions, disaster recovery expectations, and best practices for maintaining ACH compliance during unexpected disruptions.
Form 1099-K, Digital Payments & Crypto Taxes: What Every Taxpayer Needs to Know
9/21/2026
If you use Venmo, PayPal, online marketplaces, or crypto, it’s easy to assume the tax rules work like this: “No tax form, no taxes.” That’s a common (and expensive) misconception.
2026 Estate Planning: 10 Essential Strategies Every High-Net-Worth Family Should Review
9/17/2026
For 2026, the federal basic exclusion amount is $15 million per person, and portability remains available for a surviving spouse if properly elected. That higher exemption changes the analysis, but it does not eliminate the need for planning.
Data Center Infrastructure Growth: Tampa Market's Emerging Role
9/16/2026
The Tampa Bay region is increasingly relevant to the Southeast's expanding data center landscape. While it is not yet a primary hyperscale hub, Tampa market growth, connectivity, enterprise base, and business environment position it as a meaningful market for regional facilities, edge computing, colocation, redundancy, and supporting infrastructure.
Data Center Infrastructure Growth: Gulf Coast Market Outlook
9/16/2026
As data center development expands across the Southeast, contractors along the Gulf Coast, including the Pensacola region, should pay attention to the indirect and supporting opportunities created by this growth. The area is not primarily a hyperscale market, but it sits within a broader regional ecosystem tied to connectivity, resiliency, defense-related infrastructure, regional population growth, and digital redundancy.
Benefit Renewals: How Employers Can Strengthen Their Benefits Package for the Year Ahead
9/16/2026
January 1 benefit renewals have a way of making their way to the top of every employer’s to-do list. As renewal information comes in, employers are often balancing several priorities at once: rising costs, employee expectations, competitive benefits and the practical work of getting ready for open enrollment.
Buying Equipment Before Year-End? What Businesses Need to Know About Bonus Depreciation
9/10/2026
Buying equipment “before year-end” can feel like an easy tax win. Sometimes it is but only if you understand one phrase the IRS cares about more than your purchase date: placed in service (meaning the asset is ready and available for its intended business use).
Data Center Infrastructure Growth: Florida Statewide Market Outlook
9/8/2026
Across the United States, data center construction has become one of the fastest-growing segments in the built environment. Demand has been driven by artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation, while available capacity in traditional hubs remains constrained.
Turning Savings Into Paychecks: Income Planning Strategies for Retirees
9/8/2026
Retirement is often described as the reward for years of saving and investing. But once you retire, your financial priorities change. Instead of focusing primarily on building your portfolio, you now need to use your savings to support your lifestyle.
Best of BankTalk 2026: Trends, Takeaways & TogethernessShaping the Future of Community Banking
8/20/2026
This year, we were thrilled to welcome community banking leaders and industry experts for Saltmarsh BankTalk 2026, a two-day forum focused on the technology, compliance, economic, and strategic issues shaping the future of community banking.
CMS Releases FY 2027 SNF Final RuleKey Updates on Reimbursement & QRP
8/11/2026
CMS issued the FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Final Rule, CMS-1843-F, on July 29, 2026. The rule updates Medicare payment policies, rates, quality reporting requirements, and value-based purchasing provisions for skilled nursing facilities.
IRS Ends First-Time Abate: What Construction Companies Need to Know
8/6/2026
The IRS is making penalty relief automatic for eligible taxpayers. Find out what the new AEP program means for construction companies and payroll tax compliance.
Long-Term Care Planning: Protecting Your Retirement, Your Assets & Your Family
7/20/2026
While these are critical components of a successful financial plan, one of the largest financial risks retirees face is often overlooked: the potential need for long-term care.
A Quarter of Reversal: Markets & the Economy in the Second Quarter of 2026
7/16/2026
Explore Saltmarsh Financial Advisors' Q2 2026 market commentary covering AI-driven markets, inflation, Federal Reserve policy, and investment outlook.
Closing Time: What Contractors Need to Know About Month- and Year-End Close
7/15/2026
Construction accounting runs quietly in the background — until it doesn't. A bonding company calls for reviewed financials. A bank won't extend your credit line. A deal needs to close fast and your books aren't ready. Our team at Saltmarsh sees it regularly, and almost all of it is preventable.
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Earns World-Class Client SatisfactionClient feedback resulted in a Net Promoter Score of 91.9%, highlighting excellence in service and care.
7/9/2026
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, the wealth management affiliate of Saltmarsh Advisors & Accountants, is proudly recognized by clients for delivering exceptional client service, earning a world-class Net Promoter® Score of 91.9%. Based entirely on client feedback, the score reflects the team’s commitment to building lasting relationships grounded in expertise, responsiveness, and personalized care.
When Wealth Means More: The Keys to Establishing a Lasting Legacy
7/7/2026
For many successful individuals, there is a special moment sometimes after the sale of a business, a real estate transaction, or another liquidity event, when wealth starts to feel different.
Family Office Tax PlanningUnderstanding the Lender Management Framework
7/1/2026
Family offices have long faced a basic tax problem: when are their operating costs deductible as business expenses, and when are they merely investment expenses?
BankTalk 2026: Who Is It For & What Can You Expect?Inside Saltmarsh's Premier Community Banking Forum
6/18/2026
Today's banking leaders need more than high-level discussions; they need practical strategies they can implement immediately, and this August, Saltmarsh welcomes banking professionals from across the country to BankTalk 2026.
Funding Liquidity Without Triggering Capital GainsHow a Pledged Asset Line & the Step-Up in Basis can Work Together at Death
6/8/2026
Clients with concentrated, highly appreciated positions often need cash without wanting to sell. Selling triggers capital gains tax today and removes shares that would otherwise receive a step-up in cost basis at death.
Expert Tips to Maximize Your Construction Job Schedule for Profitability
6/8/2026
Your job schedule is more than just a report; it’s one of the most powerful tools for managing risk, improving margins, and boosting financial visibility.
ODFI Responsibilities in ACH Originator Onboarding: Compliance, Risk, & Security
6/2/2026
Understanding the responsibilities of Originating Depository Financial Institutions (ODFIs) when onboarding ACH originators is essential.
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Hosts Client Appreciation Night at the Ballpark in Pensacola
5/26/2026
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors recently hosted our annual client appreciation Night at the Ballpark in Pensacola, bringing together clients, friends, and team members for an evening of baseball, connection, and community.
Could You Be Owed a Refund for IRS Penalties or Interest During Covid?A Recent Tax Court Case May Open the Door to Relief for Some Taxpayers
5/22/2026
A recent federal court case, Kwong v. United States, is creating significant buzz in the tax world because it gives some taxpayers the ability to request refunds that were previously thought as unavailable.
Saltmarsh Receives National Recognition for Integrated Branding Program
5/21/2026
Saltmarsh, a leading full-service accounting and advisory firm in the Southeast, is proud to announce it has been recognized in the 2026 Marketing Achievement Awards presented by the Association for Accounting Marketing (AAM).
Summer Outreach Heats UpABC BUILDERcon & Supporting Women in Construction
5/21/2026
This month, our team participated in several Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) events throughout the state, reinforcing our dedication to supporting the construction industry through advisory, accounting, and outsourced services.
Saltmarsh Hosts Accounting & Finance Studentsfor Beacon Summer Leadership Experience
5/20/2026
This month, we were proud to welcome 20 accounting & finance students into our offices for our annual Beacon Summer Leadership Program, an immersive, hands-on experience designed to introduce the next generation of professionals to life inside public accounting.
IRS Notice CP53E: What Is It & What to Do If You Receive One
5/19/2026
After filing their 2025 federal income tax return, some taxpayers may receive IRS Notice CP53E. This notice is issued when the IRS is unable to process a direct deposit refund and requests banking information before issuing a refund.
Beyond the Hype: What the Coming Mega-IPOs Mean for Your Portfolio
5/14/2026
The financial press has been busy this year preparing investors for a wave of initial public offerings unlike anything we have seen before.
Saltmarsh CEO Lee Bell Named to Forbes Best-In-State CPAs List
5/13/2026
We are proud to announce that our CEO, Lee Bell, has been recognized on the 2026 Forbes Best-In-State CPAs list.
Introducing Our New Podcast: Integrated Wealth PerspectivesEpisode 1: Giving Value to Your Money, Why Women Need a Different Financial Plan
5/5/2026
Integrated Wealth Perspectives is our new podcast, created to bring you thoughtful conversations around the decisions that shape your financial future. Episode 1 focuses on the evolving role of women in wealth and why a more personalized approach to planning matters, highlighting the key factors that influence long-term financial confidence, clarity, and control.
Outsourced Accounting for NonprofitsStrengthen Internal Controls
5/4/2026
Every dollar flowing through your organization belongs to the community you serve, and donors, grantors, and regulators expect it to be treated that way. Strong nonprofit internal controls are how you demonstrate that stewardship, but building them typically requires more than one set of eyes on the money.
Manufacturing Cash Flow Forecasting Services for Volatile Markets
5/4/2026
There is a particular kind of financial anxiety that manufacturing business owners know well. The order book looks healthy. The production floor is busy. And yet, cash feels tight in a way that the profit and loss statement does not quite explain.
Church Accounting Services for Donor Tracking & Financial Transparency
5/4/2026
Every week, congregants across the country give generously to their church, trusting that their tithes, offerings, and designated gifts will be put to good use. That trust is not just a spiritual matter; it has practical and legal dimensions that church leaders need to take seriously.
Real Estate Accounting Services for Cash Flow Visibility and Portfolio Performance
5/4/2026
Most real estate investors got into the business because they understand property: how to find it, finance it, and manage it. Accounting tends to be secondary, at least early on.
Maximizing Your Home Office DeductionA 2026 Guide for Business Owners & Entrepreneurs
3/30/2026
Remote work, side businesses, and consulting have made the home office deduction more relevant than ever. Yet, many business owners misunderstand what qualifies, leaving money on the table, or risking IRS scrutiny.
What CEOs and CFOs Need to Know About Outsourced Accounting Costs
3/27/2026
For many CEOs and CFOs, the question is not just what outsourced accounting services cost. It is whether the financial visibility they gain will help them make better decisions, reduce risk, and scale their organization more effectively. Pricing matters, but it is rarely the whole story.
How Outsourced Accounting Helps Growing Businesses Scale with Confidence
3/27/2026
If you're a business owner or organizational leader, there's a good chance you've spent time you didn't have reconciling accounts, chasing down receipts, or reviewing financial reports that arrived weeks too late to act on.
Are You 5500 Compliant? Key Considerations for Health & Welfare Plans
3/27/2026
Many employers and plan sponsors wonder, “Do I have to file a Form 5500 for my Health and Welfare Plans?” While most employers/plan sponsors are very familiar with filing Form 5500 for their retirement plans, many are not as confident about the Form 5500 filing requirement for their health and welfare plans.
Cost Forecasting for ContractorsHow to Protect Profit on Every Job
3/24/2026
For contractors, the gap between what you thought you'd earn and what you actually earned usually comes down to one capability: cost forecasting.
Avoid Costly Bookkeeping Mistakes in Your Construction Projects
3/24/2026
When bookkeeping is solid, contractors can trust their numbers and make informed decisions about bidding, hiring, equipment purchases, and project financing. When it's not, you're basically running your company on optimism and caffeine.
How Does a Construction Bond Work?A Contractor's Guide (Minus the Panic)
3/24/2026
For contractors, construction bonds are the golden ticket to bigger commercial and government projects. But here's the catch: without bonding capacity, you're not even allowed to sit at the grown-up table.
New FNHURS Extension Could Help You Avoid a $10K Penalty
3/13/2026
FNHURS now allows providers to request a new three-month extension in addition to the 30-day option. Learn how to stay compliant and avoid the $10,000 AHCA late-filing penalty.
Construction Cost Accounting for Commercial Contractors
3/10/2026
Unlock growth with expert construction cost accounting for commercial contractors. Learn how accurate job costing, WIP schedules, revenue recognition, and retainage management improve financial visibility, support bonding capacity, and prevent project overruns.
Fueling Contractor Growth with Accounting Insights
3/6/2026
Sustainable growth in construction starts with financial clarity and strategic accounting. This guide explores key strategies, job-level margin analysis, cash flow scheduling, and overhead optimization that help contractors scale with confidence and control.
What the Best Accounting Outsourcing Companies Provide that Bookkeepers Don't
3/2/2026
Discover the key differences between bookkeeping and outsourced accounting. Learn how a team of credentialed CPAs can provide controller and CFO-level insights, improve compliance, and help your growing business make strategic financial decisions.
How an Outsourced Accounting Department Transforms Month-End Close
3/2/2026
Struggling with slow, error-prone month-end closes? Discover how an outsourced accounting department brings structured processes, defined roles, and controller-level oversight to help growing businesses close faster, strengthen lender relationships, and support better financial decisions.
Post-Ruling Trade Strategy for Manufacturers
2/26/2026
The Supreme Court has invalidated IEEPA tariffs. Discover essential strategies to reclaim capital and manage the new global surcharge transition.
Margins & Mindset: A Contractor's Guide to Smarter Financial Growth
2/24/2026
Contractors ready to grow need more than grit, they need financial systems that scale. This guide explores how shifting your mindset and upgrading your tools can unlock smarter growth, stronger margins, and long-term success in construction.
Agile Internal Audits: Bringing Speed and Flexibility to Financial Institutions
2/23/2026
Discover how agile, risk-based internal audits help financial institutions stay efficient, adaptable, and aligned with evolving risks and regulations.
Meals & Entertainment ExpensesUnder the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
2/18/2026
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) changes how businesses deduct meal and entertainment expenses beginning in 2026.
Saltmarsh Expands Executive Team with Mercedes Flowers as Chief Growth Officer
2/10/2026
We are excited to share that Mercedes Flowers has joined the firm as Chief Growth Officer. As Chief Growth Officer, Mercedes is responsible for driving the firm’s growth strategy, including client acquisition, market expansion, and go-to-market alignment.
How Accounts Payable Outsourcing Improves Accuracy, Speed, and Internal Controls
2/9/2026
Many small to midsized businesses unknowingly outgrow their accounts payable controls, creating hidden financial risk until outsourcing turns a back-office weakness into a governance strength.
The Hidden Benefits of Accounts Receivable Outsourcing for Businesses
2/9/2026
Excess DSO traps cash and raises risk for growing businesses. Learn how accounts receivable outsourcing improves collections, strengthens controls, and signals operational maturity to lenders and buyers.
IRS Releases FAQ on Paper Check Phase-OutWhat Taxpayers Need to Know
2/4/2026
The IRS just released a new FAQ clarifying how it will move away from paper checks for tax refunds and payments.
Construction Accounting Methods Explained: Cash, Accrual, and Percentage-of-Completion
1/30/2026
Cash, accrual, CCM, or PCM? Discover how construction accounting methods affect taxes, financial statements, and bonding, and how to choose the right one.
A Practical Guide to Construction Job Costing for Contractors
1/23/2026
Learn how construction job costing helps contractors track labor, materials, and overhead accurately. Build a reliable process to improve margins, forecasting, and project decisions.
WIP Construction Accounting: How to Read and Use a Work-in-Progress Report
1/23/2026
Learn how to read and use a WIP schedule to track costs, recognize revenue, and improve project profitability. A practical guide for contractors who want financial clarity.
Stop the Profit Leaks: 6 Gut checks for Contractors
1/23/2026
Gross profit margins can be misleading if job costs, estimates, and field data aren’t aligned. This guide offers six essential gut checks to help contractors uncover hidden issues, improve forecasting, and protect profitability across every project.
OCC's New CRA Strategic Plan ProposalWhat Community Banks Need to Know
1/21/2026
The OCC is proposing a simpler, clearer process for community banks to create and use CRA strategic plans, reducing regulatory burden and making it easier to demonstrate community impact. Stakeholders can provide feedback to help shape the final guidance and ensure it supports both compliance clarity and local lending needs.
FAQs: Working with Saltmarsh's Financial Institution Advisory Team
1/20/2026
Saltmarsh’s Financial Institution consulting team delivers specialized support for banks, credit unions, and fintechs. With decades of experience and deep regulatory expertise, we offer responsive, flexible solutions tailored to your institution’s needs.
Financial Scams are EvolvingHere's How to Stay One Step Ahead
1/14/2026
Financial fraud can happen to anyone. Learn how to recognize red flags and take steps to safeguard your accounts.
Celebrating Growth: Congratulations to Our Newly Promoted Team Members
1/9/2026
We’re proud to celebrate our newly promoted team members whose achievements reflect a shared commitment to growth, teamwork, and exceptional client service. Join us in congratulating the professionals helping shape the future of Saltmarsh.
What the FDICIA's Part 363 Threshold Updates Mean for Banks
1/2/2026
The FDIC adopted a final rule updating FDICIA Part 363 thresholds to account for inflation, providing regulatory relief for community and mid-sized banks. Learn what changed, who’s impacted, and how to right-size internal controls without sacrificing governance.
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors Earns World-Class Client SatisfactionClient feedback resulted in a Net Promoter Score of 93.4%, highlighting excellence in service, responsiveness, and care.
12/29/2025
Saltmarsh Financial Advisors, the wealth management affiliate of Saltmarsh Advisors & Accountants, is proud to share that it has been recognized by its clients for delivering exceptional service, earning a world-class Net Promoter® Score (NPS) of 93.4%! This recognition is based entirely on direct client feedback and reflects the team’s unwavering commitment to building trusted, long-term relationships grounded in expertise, responsiveness, and personalized care.
Whole Company Alignment 2025A Milestone Moment
12/22/2025
A look back at Saltmarsh’s first-ever Whole Company Alignment and the values that unite us.
Leading ALM & IRR Management: Best Practices for Financial Institutions
12/15/2025
Discover key strategies for strengthening asset/liability management (ALM) and interest rate risk (IRR) oversight. Learn how strong policies, realistic assumptions, and sensitivity testing help financial institutions navigate today's rate environment.
Saltmarsh Leader Suzanne Bach Joins ABC Florida Gulf Coast Board
12/15/2025
Saltmarsh partner Suzanne Bach, CPA, CIT, joins the ABC Florida Gulf Coast Board to champion leadership, mentorship, and industry growth in Tampa Bay.
The Final Chapter of the Estate PlanAdministering the Estate After Both Parents Pass
12/9/2025
Losing the last surviving parent brings complex legal, financial, and tax responsibilities. Learn key steps for managing trusts and estates, filing final tax returns, handling Form 1041 and Form 706, and preserving your parents’ legacy with confidence.
What to Know Before Year-End2025 Tax Planning for Individuals and Businesses
12/4/2025
A 2025 year-end tax guide for businesses and individuals covering key developments, planning strategies, and opportunities to prepare for 2026.
How Upcoming Medicare Cost Report Changes Could Impact Providers
11/3/2025
CMS has issued major updates to the Medicare cost report (Form CMS-2540) for skilled nursing facilities. Learn what’s changing and how to prepare for 2025.
