Blog
What Do I Need to Bring To My Tax Appointment With My Des Moines Metro Accountant?
Key Takeaways Personal and business identification details, including Social Security numbers and business IDs Complete income records Documentation that supports deductions, credits, and major purchases Proof of tax payments already made...
What’s The Last Date For Employers To Send Out W-2 Forms to Des Moines Metro Employees?
Key TakeawaysW-2s and 1099-NECs must be sent to workers by February 2, 2026 (for the 2025 tax year). Those same forms must also be filed with the government by February 2, 2026, whether you file electronically or on paper. If you file 10 or more total...
How Many KPIs Should You Have For Your Des Moines Metro Business?
Key TakeawaysYou only need 5–9 true KPIs for effective 2026 planning. KPIs should connect directly to a specific financial or strategic goal. Too many KPIs dilute focus and slow decision-making. The right KPIs help you act earlier, not just...
Season’s Greetings From Ann M. Hartz, CPA and Associates
Season’s greetings from the Ann M. Hartz, CPA and Associates team. For you and me both, this week can feel like a blur – trying to finish out last-minute year-end tax moves while making sure the books are wrapping up nicely. And while it’s rather fast-paced...
What Are The Year-End Tax Moves to Make Now For Des Moines Metro Business Owners?
Key TakeawaysIt is not too late to create meaningful tax savings before December 31, but the remaining moves are very timing-sensitive. Low-cost, in-stock equipment and supplies are the most realistic last-minute purchases that can still be deducted this...
Big Beautiful Bill Details Des Moines Metro Business Owners Might Have Missed
Key Takeaways The more favorable EBITDA-based business interest deduction limit is back for your 2025 tax year. (New restrictions are coming in 2026.) New R&E rules aren’t automatic. Retroactive benefits for 2022–2024 require elections, deadlines,...
What Payroll Checklist Steps Do Des Moines Metro Business Owners Need to Complete Before December 31?
Key TakeawaysVerify all business and employee information early. Even small errors in EINs, addresses, or Social Security numbers can create big filing issues. Review 2026 compensation rules now. State and local minimum wage increases and the Social...
Des Moines Metro Small Business Holiday Expenses: What Can I Deduct On Taxes?
Key TakeawaysCompany-wide holiday parties for employees are generally 100% deductible, as long as they’re not exclusive to owners or managers. Meals with clients are typically only 50% deductible, and entertainment remains 0% deductible. Employee gifts...
Can Des Moines Metro Investors Use Losses To Lower Capital Gains Federal Tax?
Key TakeawaysYou can sell losing investments to realize a capital loss that offsets taxable gains. If your losses exceed gains, you can deduct up to $3,000 against ordinary income ($1,500 if married filing separately). Unused losses carry forward...
Ann Hartz’s Perspective: What Are The Most Important Cybersecurity Measures for Small Businesses?
Key Takeaways Create a written data protection policy. Every employee should know the rules for handling sensitive data. Back up data regularly with secure cloud services or encrypted physical backups. Encrypt everything so stolen data is useless...










