Welcome to The Big Beautiful Breakdown, our special podcast series on the newly passed tax bill.

In this first episode, Chris Wittich tackles one of the most complex intersections in the legislation — how changes to the QBI deduction and SALT cap phaseouts could lead to an unexpectedly high tax burden for service business owners earning between $500,000 and $600,000.

A critical listen for anyone navigating year-end planning in light of the new rules.

Now that we're officially out of busy season, it's time to look back and reflect.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich is joined by fellow tax professional Drew Wolf for a candid conversation about surviving tax season while parenting young children. They talk sleep deprivation, shifting expectations, and how even 50-hour weeks can feel long when your baby thinks 4:30 AM is go time.

They share business and personal bests and dive into the challenges of balancing family life with professional demands. They also reflect on how firm culture and reduced hour expectations make a difference and why flexibility matters more than ever.

A raw, relatable episode for anyone navigating life as a working parent during the busiest time of year.

In this episode (recorded back in April), we check in on the IRS, and let’s just say, it’s not going great. From Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims stuck in bureaucratic limbo, to automated notices that seem to ignore reality, to the never-ending wait for amended returns, we unpack the chaos taxpayers and tax professionals are facing right now. We talk about COVID-era backlogs, what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and the potentially dire impact of looming layoffs and leadership shakeups.

We also touch on the one sliver of light: individual IRS online accounts, which, believe it or not, might actually be worth your time. Tune in for a candid conversation about the state of taxpayer service, and where things might be heading.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich is joined by Becky Gibbs and Kevin McCarty from Boyum’s factoring group. They dive into the world of factoring, explaining how companies buy receivables to help small businesses with cash flow. The team discusses the unique challenges and opportunities in this niche, their specialized approach to audits and reviews, and their upcoming participation in the International Factoring Association’s event. Tune in to learn more about this specialized industry and how Boyum supports its clients.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich sits down with Nick Swedberg, the firm’s in-house restaurant and brewery expert. Together, they dive into the unique tax challenges faced by food and beverage businesses, covering payroll taxes, sales tax compliance, and research and development credits. Nick shares how his specialized knowledge helps these businesses avoid costly mistakes, optimize savings, and navigate the complexities of industry-specific tax laws. With a deep passion for food and years of experience working with local breweries and restaurants, Nick reveals how industry expertise can be the key to long-term success.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Wittich sits down with Dan Callewaert, one of the newest managers at the firm, to dive into the world of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Dan shares his journey from public accounting to specializing in M&A, explaining the different stages of the M&A process, from buyer to seller. They discuss deal structures, valuation strategies, and the importance of forward-looking analysis. Whether you're buying or selling a business, this episode offers valuable insights into making successful deals.

In part two of our Death and Taxes series, we shift the focus to the living: what steps can you take now to make estate planning smoother for your loved ones? Host Chris Wittich welcomes back Matthew Koch to discuss key strategies like setting up wills and trusts, designating beneficiaries, and properly titling assets to avoid unnecessary headaches. They also dive into the importance of avoiding probate, reducing compliance costs, and ensuring a seamless transition of wealth.

In this episode we dive into the crucial steps to take when handling the estate of a deceased loved one. From gathering essential documents like wills and death certificates to understanding account titling, probate thresholds, and tax filings, we break down the key responsibilities of executors and personal representatives. We also discuss Form 1041, the fiduciary income tax return, and how estate income is managed. If you’ve ever wondered where to start when a family member passes, this episode provides a practical roadmap for navigating the process.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, Chris Wittich is joined by Greg Carlson, a partner at the firm, to discuss the latest on tariffs and their potential impact on businesses. With recent developments, including new tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, the duo offers insights into how businesses should approach the situation. They emphasize staying informed, understanding financial impacts, and making proactive, yet measured, decisions to navigate the uncertainty. Listen in for valuable advice on managing supply chain disruptions and preparing for possible changes in the coming months.

In this episode of Traction with the Tiger, host Chris Wittich chats with Ashley Sparks, a partner at the firm, about serving manufacturing clients. Ashley shares insights into challenges like adapting to QuickBooks changes, navigating tax issues like R&D credits, and handling tariffs. The discussion highlights the firm's team-based approach to client service, offering tailored solutions for businesses of all sizes. Tune in for a look at how the firm supports its manufacturing clients with innovative strategies and collaborative teamwork.