Mid-year planning isn’t just about “checking in”—it’s about “locking in” savings while you still have the time to act. Here is why scheduling a session with LTL now is a game-changer for your 2026 success.
- Navigating the New “OBBB” Landscape
The 2026 tax code looks a lot different than it did a year ago. Permanent changes to major deductions mean the “old way” of doing things might be costing you money.
- The 20% QBI Win: The 20% Qualified Business Income deduction is now permanent, and for 2026, a new $400 minimum deduction has been added for even the smallest earners. We’ll make sure your business structure is optimized to claim every dollar.
- 100% Bonus Depreciation: The OBBB Act permanently restored the ability to deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying equipment (like machinery or technology) in the year you buy it. If you’re planning a big purchase, we can help you time it to maximize your cash flow now.
- Adjusting Your “Supply Drops” (Estimated Payments)
One of the biggest stresses for owners is a surprise tax bill in April.
- The Reality: If your business is growing faster than expected, your Q1 and Q2 payments might be too low, leading to underpayment penalties.
- The Fix: We review your year-to-date profit and adjust your remaining quarterly estimates. It’s better to make small, accurate payments now than to face a steep “climb” next spring.
- Hiring and Benefit Strategy
Adding to your team in 2026? There are powerful new incentives to help you do it.
- Childcare Credits: The credit for providing or subsidizing employee childcare has jumped to 50% of costs for small businesses, with a maximum credit of $600,000.
- Retirement Match Credits: If you’re starting a new retirement plan for your team, you could be eligible for credits that cover 100% of the startup costs. A mid-year meeting gives us time to set these up correctly before the December 31st deadline.
- Spotting the “Red Flags” Early
Sometimes, the way you’re categorizing expenses or paying yourself can accidentally trigger an IRS review. By looking at your books mid-year, we can spot these “loose rocks” on the trail and fix them before they cause a fall. We ensure your owner compensation is “reasonable” and your 1099 reporting is on track for the new $2,000 threshold.
The LTL Advantage: Proactive, Not Reactive
At Lightening the Load, we don’t want to just report on your history; we want to help you write it. A mid-year meeting allows us to move from “tax preparation” to “tax strategy.” We’ll help you find the “timing levers”—like when to pay vendors or when to buy gear—that keep more money in your business.
The Bottom Line
The most successful businesses don’t stumble into tax savings; they plan for them. Take an hour this month to sit down with your LTL partner. We’ll review the 2026 trail together, adjust your pack, and make sure you’re headed for a summit of success.
Let us lighten your load.
