Auto Dealers

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed on July 4, 2025, makes several tax changes that affect independent auto dealers. Importantly, certain tax-saving provisions were made permanent, which may help lower tax liability and improve cash flow. It also creates new rules around payroll and reporting that dealers will need to keep in mind as they manage operations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes major changes to federal clean energy tax policy. The law accelerates the expiration of more than a dozen energy-related tax credits, many of which were previously set to remain in effect through 2032. Several credits will now expire as early as September 2025. In other cases, new restrictions may limit who qualifies or how the credit can be used.

Atlanta car dealerships are constantly searching for ways to increase new and used car sales. For some this means enhancing the sales experience with new digital tools, offering online trade-in estimates, or an inventory locator. For others it is about offering competitive financing and other payment options. Regardless of the challenge, auto dealers are focused on growing the bottom line. While customer centric solutions are important, dealerships should regularly conduct benchmarking to uncover areas of opportunities and growth.  By evaluating performance against industry standards, dealerships can identify operational improvement opportunities. When properly leveraged, essential changes can lead to a stronger bottom line.

On April 3, 2025, a new 25% tariff on imported vehicles went into effect, bringing big changes for auto dealerships across the country. Nearly half of the new vehicles sold in the U.S. each year come from countries like Mexico, Canada, South Korea, Japan, and Germany. The added cost of these tariffs is expected to influence vehicle pricing, inventory decisions, and customer demand at the dealership level.

Businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations investing in renewable energy may qualify for two key federal tax incentives that significantly reduce project costs. The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) provides a percentage-based credit for the upfront costs of installing renewable energy systems, while the Production Tax Credit (PTC) offers a per-kilowatt-hour credit for electricity generated by qualifying systems over time.

Millions of Americans leave behind retirement accounts every year due to job changes, incomplete records, or failing to roll over funds. An estimated 29.2 million forgotten 401(k) accounts hold approximately $1.65 trillion in assets. In response to this growing issue, the Department of Labor (DOL) created the Retirement Savings Lost and Found (RSLF) database under the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. 

The Department of Labor (DOL) recently appealed a federal ruling that overturned the previously established overtime rules on salary thresholds. This has set the limits for the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) back to levels set in 2019. While we wait to see what might happen with the appeal during a period of changing Presidential administrations, there are several important considerations companies should make.

With the election results finalized, business leaders are preparing for potential shifts in tax policy under the new administration. President-elect Trump’s focus on making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent has sparked interest in many Atlanta business owners. However, the details of the tax agenda remain unclear. As the fiscal debate unfolds, businesses will need to stay alert to the possible changes that could shape tax planning, optimization, and financial strategies in the years ahead.

On October 3, 2024, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) released updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting rule. These updates address key aspects of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to provide clearer guidance to reporting entities.

The automotive industry has long been a source of consumer frustration, with dishonest dealerships using deceptive practices and hidden fees to cloud the car-buying process. To address these issues, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) introduced the Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule in December 2023, a comprehensive set of regulations designed to protect consumers from unscrupulous dealerships. Initially scheduled to take effect in July 2024, it has faced legal challenges that have temporarily delayed implementation. However, its underlying principles remain vital for ensuring a fair and transparent car-buying experience.