The knowledge you need

Manufacturing leaders are under pressure to improve throughput, manage labor shortages, reduce downtime, and remain competitive in a changing operating environment. As automation conversations accelerate across the industry, many companies are taking a closer look at how automation may affect operations before committing capital to a major investment. That evaluation process often begins with an automation ROI analysis.

In February, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs enacted in early 2025 could not remain in effect. That ruling did not automatically trigger refunds. However, the Court of International Trade (CIT) later ordered that eligible importers receive refunds of those duties plus interest, setting off one of the largest customs refund efforts in recent history. 

A nonprofit budget is the organization’s financial plan for the year. It lays out expected revenue, planned expenses and shows how money will be used across programs, fundraising, and administration. This helps nonprofit leadership see whether plans are financially realistic and identify areas where additional fundraising may be needed. This information can also help to uncover where financial gaps may exist. Finally, it also helps board members understand the overall financial health of the organization before making any governance decisions.

Construction is one of the highest risk industries in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the industry records more than 1,000 workplace fatalities each year and accounts for roughly 20% of all U.S. workplace deaths. Property damage, equipment theft, vehicle accidents, and hazardous materials also create exposure that can affect cash flow and long-term stability. Most contractors carry multiple insurance policies because no single policy covers every type of loss. Each policy addresses a different risk. Some coverage is required by law or contract. Other policies are optional, depending on the type of work performed.

Employee benefit plan audits are an annual requirement for many organizations that sponsor retirement or benefit plans and meet certain size thresholds. These audits exist to help protect plan participants and ensure that assets are handled in accordance with regulations. The audit is performed by an independent CPA firm, separate from the organization’s internal accounting function, and understanding what auditors look for is the first step to maintaining compliance.

Georgia lawmakers adjourned the 2026 legislative session after approving a series of tax changes affecting both income and property taxes. The package lowers the state income tax rate, limits how quickly home values can increase for property tax purposes, provides one-time rebates, and temporarily suspends the state gas tax. This is welcome news for many Georgia taxpayers that have been expecting relief. Portions of the legislation are already in effect, and others are expected to be finalized soon.

Georgia’s annual conformity bill, HB 1199, was signed into law on March 20, 2026, during the 2025 filing season. The bill updates how the state of Georgia will treat recent federal tax law changes, including provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). Georgia adopted some of those changes, but not all. As a result, some 2025 Georgia returns may differ from the federal return. Taxpayers who have already filed this year may need to revisit those returns, while others will need to apply the new rules as they complete tax filings and plan for the year ahead.

On February 20, 2026, the Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) cannot be used to impose tariffs. The Court of International Trade subsequently ordered Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to issue refunds of those tariffs with interest, and CBP is now building a system to process claims. Businesses that were the importer of record may be eligible to recover those amounts, but businesses that purchased goods from a domestic supplier or distributor are generally not eligible. CBP has said the process involves more than $166 billion in duties collected from at least 330,000 importers.

Atlanta area construction companies face a steady stream of financial demands. Cash flow, reporting, compliance, and decision-making all depend on accurate, timely accounting information. In construction, that work often involves more moving parts than general business accounting, including job costing, billing schedules, and changing project conditions. At the same time, many companies are finding it harder to build out a full in-house accounting function. As hiring remains competitive, outsourced accounting has become one way to fill the gaps.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) restored 100% bonus depreciation on a permanent basis for qualified property acquired after January 19, 2025. That change is especially important for businesses that make capital investments, including equipment purchases, facility improvements, and construction projects. Later, the IRS released Notice 2026-11 to explain how taxpayers can apply the revised rules. For business owners, the guidance clarifies the timing rules, elections, and other details that can affect eligibility and help businesses maximize the benefit of bonus depreciation.